As free agency approaches, this is the time of year in the NFL when difficult decisions are made regarding veterans carrying significant cap numbers. That could be the case for a standout receiver on the Indianapolis Colts, and one prominent voice connected to the franchise is pushing back on the idea.
Pat McAfee Pushes Back on Michael Pittman Jr. Cap Report
ESPN’s Pat McAfee opposed a report suggesting wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. could be a cap casualty this offseason. “DON’T LOVE THIS,” McAfee posted on X. “Dude is a dawg thru and thru.”
DON’T LOVE THIS
Dude is a dawg thru and thru https://t.co/sSlekIa0fI
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 17, 2026
McAfee was responding to reporting from The Athletic that outlined Pittman’s contract situation entering 2026. Pittman is scheduled to carry a $29 million cap hit in the final year of the three-year extension he signed with the Colts. He is set to earn $22 million, none of which is guaranteed.
If the Colts were to release him, they would create approximately $24 million in cap space while absorbing $5 million in dead money, according to Spotrac. A contract restructure remains another path if the organization prefers to reduce the cap number without moving on.
Pittman was paid like a star receiver, but his production has dipped. He recorded 1,152 receiving yards before signing his three-year, $70 million extension in March 2024. He followed that with 808 yards in 2024 and 784 yards in 2025. Pittman ranked 19th in PFSN’s WRi Metric following the 2023 season. He finished 2025 ranked 50th.
The Colts’ season began with playoff expectations before unraveling down the stretch. An Achilles injury to quarterback Daniel Jones triggered a seven-game losing streak that knocked the Colts out of playoff contention. The team turned to longtime retired veteran Philip Rivers, who dropped both of his starts as the Colts were officially eliminated from the playoff picture in Week 17.
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This season, receiver Alec Pierce’s role expanded within the offense. Pierce is approaching free agency, and the Colts must also account for upcoming decisions involving Jones and defensive end Kwity Paye. Balancing those financial commitments will influence how the front office approaches Pittman’s contract.
With $29 million tied to Pittman’s cap figure and zero guarantees left on the deal, the Colts hold the leverage. Whether that leads to a pay cut, a restructure, or a release will signal how the franchise values its veteran playmaker heading into 2026. McAfee’s endorsement won’t mean much if the numbers don’t make sense for the Colts.
