INDIANAPOLIS — Colts basic supervisor Chris Ballard provided a succinct however daring prediction when requested Wednesday on the NFL scouting mix whether or not impending free agent receiver Michael Pittman Jr. might be on the roster subsequent season.
“Sure,” Ballard mentioned, and not using a trace of hesitation.
It was a significant, if transient, reply to a crucial query going through Indianapolis. The Colts’ high wideout the previous three seasons, Pittman is ready to develop into a free agent within the coming weeks after enjoying out his rookie contract.
However given Pittman’s desire to check the open market, the one manner of really making certain Pittman stays on the roster for the 2024 season is to franchise-tag the 2020 second-round choose. NFL groups have till subsequent Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to designate a franchise participant.
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The nonexclusive franchise tag permits gamers to barter with different golf equipment, nevertheless it removes their unrestricted standing as a result of the participant’s authentic staff retains the suitable to match a competing supply or obtain two first-round picks as compensation if the participant indicators with one other membership. The accompanying one-year wage for a franchised vast receiver this yr is $21.816 million.
Relating to the thought of utilizing the tag, which the Colts have not utilized since designating former punter Pat McAfee in 2013, Ballard mentioned, “It is a software we’ve got. I am not going to say we’re not going to make use of it, however I am not going to say we’re. Hopefully we are able to come to an settlement and discover some compromise on a deal.”
Ballard mentioned these conversations are underway with Pittman’s representatives, however reaching a deal may show difficult, particularly earlier than Tuesday. Pittman has expressed a want to maximise his free company, saying just lately, “I would not be doing my due diligence if I did not discover each possibility and discover one of the best match.”
On Wednesday, Ballard mentioned, “We have had talks with [Pittman’s] agent, who is absolutely good… We’ll work onerous to get a deal achieved.”
Pittman’s worth to the Colts has lengthy been clear. The 26-year-old has averaged 99 receptions and 1,053 yards throughout the previous three seasons, throughout which he has performed with six totally different beginning quarterbacks.
Ballard and his workers will presumably be consulting with proprietor Jim Irsay all through the Pittman negotiations, primarily based on a well being replace Ballard provided on Wednesday.
“He’s progressing properly. We’re speaking,” Ballard mentioned of Irsay, who was just lately hospitalized with what the Colts described as a respiratory sickness.
“Shane [Steichen] and I’ve talked to him a number of instances and we maintain him abreast of something. Look, on the finish of the day, we’re not going to do something with out his approval, so we nonetheless maintain him within the loop. I imply, you understand him. He needs to know. He loves his staff. He is making his manner and he is doing properly. It is getting higher.”
All of that’s notable given Irsay’s current well being challenges, which prompted nice concern all through the group and amongst these near the longtime proprietor. Irsay had not been concerned in day-to-day administration of the staff for a lot of weeks, sources instructed ESPN. Earlier this month, Irsay posted on X that he was “on the mend. Grateful for all of the messages of affection and assist.”
It stays unclear what, if any, well being challenges stay for Irsay in his restoration, however his involvement in staff issues is a sign issues are trending in a optimistic path. Considerations about Irsay have been compounded by current information that he was discovered unresponsive at his residence in early December and rushed to the hospital in what police described as a suspected overdose.
