Colts Might Release Michael Pittman After Using Transition Tag On Daniel Jones

The Indianapolis Colts may have to make notable changes to their roster after using the transition tag on Daniel Jones.

Jones was having a career year with the Colts prior to suffering a torn Achilles. He had 3,101 passing yards, 164 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns in 13 starts. The Colts have the chance to match any competing offer sheet he receives this offseason since they used the transition tag on him. If he fails to receive a long-term deal, he'll play the 2026 season on a salary of $37.833 million.

Unfortunately for the Colts, the transition tag for Jones puts them over the cap for the new league year. That could lead to them cutting wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. just to become cap compliant.

Releasing Pittman would free up $24 million in cap space for the Colts. Although it's not a move they're eager to make, they may have no choice but to do it.

That'd be a significant loss for the Colts.

While at the NFL Combine this week, Colts head coach Shane Steichen raved about Pittman's skillset.

"Pitt's been phenomenal for us," Steichen said. "I mean, one of the toughest guys I've ever been around, the way he plays the game, the contested catches (have) just absolutely been awesome."

Since joining the Colts in 2020, Pittman has hauled in 485 passes for 5,254 yards and 25 touchdowns.

If the Colts release Pittman before the start of the new league year, that would undoubtedly weaken their wide receiver room.