The Indianapolis Colts have a big decision to make with homegrown star Michael Pittman and impending free agent Alec Pierce. Even though the Colts missed the playoffs, Pierce had the best season of his career and is arguably the top wide receiver set to reach the open market. Finding success with Daniel Jones, Philip Rivers, and rookie Riley Leonard, the former second-round pick finished the season with 47 receptions for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns.
Now established as one of the game’s premier deep threats, Pierce will likely receive a massive contract if he reaches the open market. Wide receiver is one of the game’s most important positions, and the Colts won’t want to lose Alec Pierce as a free agent. Given the likelihood of him receiving franchise-altering money, Indianapolis may have to cut Michael Pittman to retain Pierce.
Colts Could Cut Michael Pittman to Keep Alec Pierce As A Free Agent
Michael Pittman is one of the team’s better draft picks in recent memories, and signing him to a three-year, $68 milllion contract after his 2023 season was a no-brainer. After all, the former second-round pick had just recorded 109 receptions for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns despite primarily catching passes from backup Gardner Minshew.
However, the NFL is a “what have you done for me lately” league, and Pittman’s recent production may not be enough to save his job. While he’s still a solid player, he’s averaged just under 800 yards in the past two seasons. This is adequate production, but it’s not what the Colts thought they were getting when they extended him.
Michael Pittman has a $29 million cap hit next year, but the Colts can clear $24 million by releasing him. Alec Pierce will likely earn more than $24 million per year in terms of total value, but Indianapolis could easily structure his deal to lower his overall cap number. Jameson Williams received a three-year, $80 million extension, and Pierce will likely receive something in that same neighborhood.
Cap Space
As of this posting, the Indianapolis Colts are projected to have $45.8 million in cap space next year. While this is enough to extend Alec Pierce and keep Michael Pittman, it doesn’t account for the quarterback situation.
As of this posting, the Indianapolis Colts probably don’t have their starting quarterback on the roster. Daniel Jones is an impending free agent and, had he not torn his Achilles, he would’ve earned a massive extension. However, the former Giant may or may not be ready for the start of the 2026 season, and even if he is, he might not recapture his old form.
The Colts probably won’t commit long-term to Daniel Jones, but they might use the franchise tag. OverTheCap projects the quarterback franchise tag to be worth just north of $46 million, which will eat through all of the Colts cap space. If General Manager Chris Ballard goes down this road, he may have no choice but to cut Michael Pittman if he wants to keep Alec Pierce.
Main Photo: Kirby Lee – Imagn Images