The Indianapolis Colts have several concerns that need to be addressed following the 2025 season. The lack of draft capital is at the top of that list. It is well known that the Colts gave away their next two first-round draft picks to the New York Jets for Sauce Gardner. Another issue on that list is the looming free agency of key offensive players. Players such as Alec Pierce, Jonathan Taylor, and Michael Pittman will be free agents within the next two seasons. Also, Indy is uncertain about who will be the quarterback in 2026 and beyond.
With that being said, the Colts could be willing to move on from a respected veteran receiver this offseason. To retain one receiver who can be the number-one target. Also, to regain draft capital and make room in salary, a Michael Pittman trade is a realistic option for the Colts.
A Michael Pittman Trade Could be Realistic For Colts
Salary Cap Gymnastics
A Michael Pittman trade should definitely be on the Colts’ radar this offseason. If the Colts were to trade Pittman, they would be saving $24 million in cap space. Now, the Colts can also save this by cutting Pittman. However, cutting the 28-year-old veteran would not be wise for the Colts. Yes, it would cut that $24 million in salary out, but they get nothing in return. For the good of a franchise that is already under scrutiny for its front office choices, they can’t.
The trade return for Michael Pittman could put the Colts back into the first round of the draft in 2026. It more than likely wouldn’t put them in the top 15 picks, but it would get them in. The Colts would have to trade him to a team that is already a contender, has the money, and lacks a true number-one receiver. Teams like the Bills, Chargers, Patriots, and 49ers could all be possible destinations. Now, there would have to be some “salary cap gymnastics” done with these landing spots, but it can be done take on Pittman’s contract. It’s also worth noting that the Colts could load up on second round pics with a Pittman trade as well.
Potential New Wide Receiver 1
Michael Pittman is known as the number one receiver in Indianapolis. But after this season, is there competition for that spot? Although Pittman has had a great 2025 season, a lot of the attention has gone to Alec Pierce. The young playmaker has made highlight reel play after highlight reel play. Although Pierce is set to be a free agent after this season, it should be well within the Colts’ interest to bring him back. Pierce is projected to make WR1-type money. So, if the Colts want to bring him back, a Michael Pittman trade would almost need to happen.
By bringing back Pierce and trading Pittman, the Colts would be making their receiving core younger as well. Every team wants to be able to compete with its young players. And making Pierce the number one in Indy, the Colts could definitely do that with what they could receive from a Pittman trade. Now, obviously, the Colts may not even trade Pittman. However, it could be the missing piece in solving the puzzle for the Colts’ roster makeup for the next couple of seasons.