Why Colts' trades of Pittman, Franklin were 'gut-wrenching' but necessary
Indianapolis traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers in a move to cut salary and traded Zaire Franklin to Green Bay to get younger at linebacker.
PHOENIX — The Colts had to make some difficult decisions this offseason. The kind general manager Chris Ballard hasn’t made often in his decade at the helm in Indianapolis. Famous for putting his faith in his core guys, Ballard has typically let those players reach the end of their contracts before saying goodbye.
But Indianapolis traded away two of those pieces early this offseason, sending wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers to clear salary and trading middle linebacker Zaire Franklin to Green Bay in exchange for defensive tackle Colby Wooden. Moving those two locker-room leaders was necessary.
It also wasn’t easy. “Pitt and Zaire represent our culture and what we want players to stand for, but Chris also said we need to get younger,” Colts principal owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said. “We have a hard cap, and we have to look at sort of what’s best for the whole, and we needed to get some other people signed.
… I just feel really happy that we were able to get them to other teams where I know they’re going to contribute there and be successful, but honestly, it’s gut-wrenching. ” The Colts had two clear priorities this offseason. Bring back starting quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce.