NFL free agency is right around the corner, giving teams the chance to bolster their roster at the most crucial point of the offseason. March 9 will mark the beginning of the annual tampering period, and there will likely be movement around the NFL before then, with several players getting cut.
As teams still decide what players they want to keep around, there have been rumblings that the Indianapolis Colts will release receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
If he, in fact, hits the open market, Kansas City should make a serious push to add him.
Michael Pittman Jr.'s Possible Release Would Give Chiefs Notable Free Agent Target
Pittman is currently on the books at $29 million for the 2026 season, but the Colts would create $24 million in cap space if they released him before March 15, per Spotrac. Even though the Colts currently have him on the roster, that may not be the case, and he had a feeling that his time may be coming to an end when he spoke with the media after the season finale.
When speaking to reporters, Pittman said, "Obviously, when you have a year like this, you know changes come. I’m not here thinking that anything is safe. (I’ve) just got to work on the things I can do better. I know I’ve got a lot of good ball left, so hopefully they bring me back, but whatever happens, it was meant to be, and I’ll always be a Colt.”
The Colts have fellow WR Alec Pierce hitting free agency and want to keep him around. Spotrac projects him to get a four-year, $80 million deal, and that number could rise. He posted career-highs across the board, which featured 47 catches and 1,003 receiving yards, in addition to six touchdowns. The Cincinnati product is a big play threat, averaging 21.3 yards per reception.
Considering that Pierce is 25 years old, compared to Pittman being 28, the Colts are leaning in his direction. Indianapolis also has stud tight end Tyler Warren, so it's easy to see why the passing game doesn't need Pittman as much as it once did.
Nonetheless, the Chiefs need to make some quality additions to the receiver room, and the former USC standout would be a great option.
While he isn't a burner, Pittman owns strong hands and is a smooth route runner who can thrive in the short/intermediate area of the field. In his six-year career, he has snagged 485 passes (709 targets) for 5,254 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns. Since 2021, Pittman has finished with 100-plus targets, 700-plus receiving yards, and at least three touchdowns.
He can also line up in the slot or on the outside, showcasing his versatility. Considering that Hollywood Brown, Tyquan Thornton, and JuJu Smith-Schuster will all hit free agency for K.C., they will need to add more playmakers to that room, and if Pittman hits the open market, he would be an ideal target for this club.