How the Colts plan to replace receiver Michael Pittman Jr.

PHOENIX — Trading Michael Pittman Jr. left a lot of targets available in the Colts ' offense. By his own admission, Pittman didn’t play up to his standards in 2025, but he led Indianapolis with 78 catches, finished second on the roster with 111 targets and led the Colts with seven touchdown catches.

Indianapolis decided to push in its chips on electric outside threat Alec Pierce this offseason, cashing out on Pittman with a trade to the Steelers in the process, but an expanded role for Pierce will not account for all of those targets. From the sounds of it, the Colts are not planning to have any one player replace Pittman. Not veteran wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhin e, and not a rookie, although a draft pick at the position is always a possibility.

The Colts plan to replace Pittman’s production by spreading it among its top three remaining targets. “First off, a ton of respect for Michael Pittman and what he did for this organization for so many years, the toughness he brought, he’s going to be missed on this team and in this city,” Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen said. “With him departing, obviously, Tyler (Warren), Alec, Josh (Downs), getting more targets for those guys.

… I’m excited for those guys’ opportunity. ” An expanded role for Pierce was made clear when the Colts signed the NFL’s best deep threat to a four-year deal worth $84 million in guarantees and up to $114 million overall. Pierce’s megadeal is the biggest reason that Pittman is in Pittsburgh.