3 Indianapolis Colts who won't be back after season-ending loss to Texans
By Mark Powell
2. Colts are at risk of losing Michael Pittman
Michael Pittman Jr. is set to be a free agent after this season. The Colts have a few options with Pittman, the first and best of which is to sign him to an extension. Pittman Jr. is young enough to develop into the No. 1 wide receiver Anthony Richardson needs. He's also volatile and injury prone enough to perhaps never become what the Colts believe he can be.
That's a rather wide range of possibilities, and it's why Indianapolis shouldn't just place the franchise tag on Pittman Jr. as a cop out. Pittman can create separation and would be a solid No. 2 option on a Super Bowl team. With the Colts, he's the best option, which says a lot about where the offense is at this season.
Spotrac lists Pittman Jr.'s market value at around a four-year, $90 million contract. The Colts have that sort of money to spend, which is why I find it hard to believe he actually leaves. However, they should consider letting Pittman walk at that rate and drafting a receiver who can play at his level for a cheaper price tag. The Colts have plenty of areas to improve, not just wide receiver.