Colts Confident in Downs, Pierce After Pittman Jr. Trade

Indianapolis sees opportunity for young receivers to step up after dealing star wideout to Steelers.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:50pm

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The Indianapolis Colts traded away star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason, but the team remains confident in its receiving corps led by Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. General manager Chris Ballard said the move will allow Downs and Pierce to get more targets, and the Colts may look to add another receiver in the upcoming NFL Draft, potentially targeting Indiana's Elijah Sarratt.

Why it matters

The Colts' decision to trade Pittman, their leading receiver in 2025, signals a shift in their offensive strategy and a belief that Downs and Pierce can step up as the top targets for quarterback Daniel Jones. This move could have significant implications for the team's passing attack in the 2026 season.

The details

The Colts traded Pittman to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, a move that initially seemed puzzling given Pittman's production. However, the team remains confident in its receiving corps, led by Alec Pierce and Josh Downs. Downs, a fourth-year receiver, experienced a dip in production in 2025 but the Colts believe he can bounce back and thrive in an expanded role. The team may also look to add another receiver in the upcoming draft, with Indiana's Elijah Sarratt mentioned as a potential target.

  • The Colts traded Pittman to the Steelers this offseason.
  • Downs had a dip in production in the 2025 season.

The players

Michael Pittman Jr.

A star wide receiver who was traded by the Colts to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.

Alec Pierce

A wide receiver who the Colts retained in free agency and expect to be a key part of their passing attack in 2026.

Josh Downs

A fourth-year wide receiver for the Colts who the team believes can step up and thrive in an expanded role after a dip in production in 2025.

Chris Ballard

The general manager of the Indianapolis Colts who expressed confidence in Downs and Pierce after trading away Pittman.

Elijah Sarratt

A wide receiver from Indiana University who the Colts may target in the upcoming NFL Draft as they look to add to their receiving corps.

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What they’re saying

“[Trade of Michael Pittman] going to help Josh and Pierce get more targets.”

— Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts

“We've always had our eye on Indiana's Elijah Sarratt. At 6-2 and 210 pounds, he's a slightly smaller version of the 6-4, 223-pound Pittman.”

— Mike Chappell, Sports Reporter, FOX59

What’s next

The Colts will likely look to add another wide receiver in the upcoming NFL Draft, with Indiana's Elijah Sarratt mentioned as a potential target.

The takeaway

The Colts' decision to trade away Michael Pittman Jr. signals their confidence in the duo of Alec Pierce and Josh Downs to lead their passing attack in 2026. The team believes this move will allow Downs and Pierce to take on bigger roles and get more targets, while they may also look to add another receiver through the draft to further bolster their receiving corps.