INDIANAPOLIS – As the clock ticks toward Tuesday’s deadline for teams to use the franchise tag, the work continues for the Indianapolis Colts.
Soon – the deadline is today at 4 – general manager Chris Ballard and his staff must decide whether to play tag with Michael Pittman Jr.
“Chris and his staff are working through that right now,’’ Shane Steichen said during a Tuesday morning Zoom call.
There’s no question the objective is to extend the working relationship between the Colts and their leading receiver.
“The player he is, the person he is, the competitor he is, the playmaker he is, we love everything about him and we want him to be a Colt,’’ Steichen said.
Ballard insisted last week at the NFL Scouting Combine he expected Pittman to remain a Colt in 2024 whether it was under the one-year, $21.8 million non-exclusive franchise tag or with a long-term contract.
If the team uses the tag on Pittman, he still will be allowed to negotiate with other teams and sign an offer sheet with one. The Colts would have the opportunity to make the offer sheet, or allow Pittman to relocate and receive two first-round picks as compensation.
Pittman’s value to the Colts is undeniable.
He has led them in receiving in each of the last three seasons and is coming off the best season of his career: 109 receptions, 1,152 yards, four touchdowns.
Moreover, that value is increased by the presence of Anthony Richardson. It’s critical for a franchise to surround its young quarterback with as much reliable skill players as possible.
Think back to 2012 when the Colts re-signed Reggie Wayne – 34 and heading into his 12th season – to give rookie Andrew Luck a proven wideout.
And Pittman is just 26 and heading into his fifth season.
“It’s huge,’’ Steichen said of nurturing the Pittman-Richardson relationship. “When you’ve got a reliable player like Pitt that’s going to show up every Sunday and make plays like he does, definitely helps a young quarterback.
“To keep that chemistry with those two guys . . . will be huge for Anthony’s growth.’’
Speaking of Richardson, Steichen revealed the No. 4 overall pick in last year’s draft has been bouncing from Jacksonville, Fla. to Indy with his rehabilitation work. Richardson underwent season-ending surgery on his right shoulder Oct. 24 and began throwing early last month.
“He’s making great progress,’’ Steichen said. “Not going to put a timetable on his return, but he’s in great spirits. Feeling good.
“He’s making really, really good progress.’’
You can follow Mike Chappell on Twitter at @mchappell51.