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Indianapolis Colts Fans React to Michael Pittman Jr.’s Surprising Franchise Tag

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Christian Alamodin | Last updated 3/8/24

Michael Pittman Jr. is an important player to retain for the Indianapolis Colts as they’re trying to provide as solid a wide receiver corps to Anthony Richardson as possible.

The Colts need to provide as much help for Richardson as possible, so keeping Pittman in the team si the first order of business for the team during the offseason.

As free agency inched closer, the Colts had to make a move to keep their top wideout in the team and decided to activate the non-exclusive franchise tag on him with the hopes of settling a better contract during the 2024 season.

Analysts and fans react to Indianapolis Colts putting the franchise tag on Michael PIttman Jr.

According to Colts Wire’s Kevin Hickey, the Colts gave the 26-year-old the non-exclusive tag. While it is far from the ideal situation for the Colts, it will allow the Colts to match any offers that the USC standout receives from any NFL team interested in acquiring his services.

Fans and analysts immediately gave their two cents on the issue. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo observed that the Colts made a sensible move as it didn’t feel like they were close to making any sort of deal:

Never got the sense the sides were close on a long-term deal leading up to today, so the franchise tag always seemed like the likely option. #Colts make the move, now have until July to do a multi-year deal. https://t.co/ZCpgCP9PLH

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 5, 2024

The Athletic’s Zak Keefer noted that it’s been a while since the Colts used a franchise tag on any single Colts player, and the last player they used it on is a beloved figure in the league today:

First time the Colts have used the franchise tag in 11 years.

Last was on @PatMcAfeeShow in 2013 for $2.9 million. And I believe that was because Jim Irsay had no interest in letting McAfee sniff the open market.

— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) March 5, 2024

Next Gen Stats provided relevant stats to provide a motive for the Indianapolis Colts giving him the franchise tag:

Michael Pittman gained 891 receiving yards when facing 5+ yards of cushion (off coverage) in 2023, 5th-most in the NFL.

Pittman also recorded +9.5 receptions over expected against off coverage last season, 4th-most in the NFL.#ForTheShoe https://t.co/vhpXSF4DQv pic.twitter.com/1hGhf3YKgt

— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 5, 2024

Michael Pittman Jr. enjoyed a solid season despite the Colts’ inability to make the playoffs. He caught for 1152 yards and four touchdowns through 16 regular-season games. He also had a 70% catch rate and a career-high 72.0 yards per game.

The tag will give the Colts more time to find a deal that will benefit all parties involved. Fans will be hoping that they can tie the talented wideout for longer and become a backbone for the team’s hopes for Super bowl contention.