USATSI
There aren’t many players in the 2024 free agent class with better timing than Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Pittman totaled his first 100-catch season in 2023 at age 26 during his contract year. The 109 catches he totaled were fifth-most in the NFL this past season and rank as tied for fourth-most in a single season in Colts history. They’re also the most since current Indianapolis wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne, a 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist, erupted for 111 back in the 2010 season, Hall of Famer Peyton Manning’s last healthy season with the Colts.
As a result, Indianapolis placed the franchise tag on Pittman on Tuesday, per CBS Sports Lead NFL Insider Jonathan Jones. The franchise tag value for the wide receiver position is a one-year, fully guaranteed $21.8 million deal.
Most receptions in season
Colts history
2002
Marvin Harrison
143
1999
Marvin Harrison
115
2010
Reggie Wayne
111
2023
Michael Pittman Jr.
109
2001
Marvin Harrison
109
2012
Reggie Wayne
106
Based off what Colts general manager Chris Ballard said at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, Indianapolis hopes to secure Pittman’s services for future seasons to come, not just 2024.
“Here’s what I’ll tell you, we’ve had talks with his agent, who is really good. His agent has been doing it a long time. He’s really good at what he does. We’ll work hard to get a deal done,” Ballard said via transcript. “It’s [the franchise tag] a tool we have. I’m not going to say we’re not going to use it, but I’m not going to say we are. Hopefully we can come to an agreement and find some compromise on a deal.”
Compromising will be more difficult than perhaps anticipated for Ballard and his front office since Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/colts-place-franchise-tag-on-michael-pittman-jr-hope-to-re-sign-wr-to-multiyear-deal/
Author : Garrett Podell
Publish date : 2024-03-05 20:37:47
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