Breaking: Colts Exploring Deal To Sign $30.2million TE To Bolster Offence
It’s no secret that the tight end position for the Indianapolis Colts was a turnstile in 2023. Could that all be resolved this season if they select one of the most explosive tight ends in April? Potentially.
In year one underneath Shane Steichen, four different tight ends flashed at some point during the regular season.
- Kylen Granson – 30 receptions 368 yards 1 TD | 1 rush 2 yards
- Will Mallory – 18 receptions 207 yards 0 TD
- Mo Alie-Cox – 13 receptions 161 yards 3 TDs
- Andrew Ogletree – 9 receptions 147 yards 2 TDs
The tight end group combined for 70 receptions 883 yards 6 touchdowns. If one player put up those numbers, he would slot sixth in yards and seventh in receptions.
In three years as a Georgia Bulldog, Brock Bowers put up great numbers in a run first system that doesn’t force feed targets to their best player.
- Freshman – 56 receptions 882 yards (15.8 average) 13 TDs | 4 rushes 56 yards 1 TD
- Sophomore – 63 receptions 942 yards (15.0 average) 7 TDs | 9 rushes 109 yards 3 TDs
- Junior – 56 receptions 714 yards (12.8 average) 6 TDs | 6 rushes 28 yards 1 TD
Worth noting that Bowers missed four games as a Junior. Three games because of a knee injury and then sat out Georgia’s bowl game.
In his three seasons, Bowers amassed 175 receptions 2,538 yards (14.5 average) 26 touchdowns as a receiver. Additionally, he ran the ball 19 times for 193 yards and 5 touchdowns.
NFL Network analyst Lance Zierlein joined Query & Company Wednesday afternoon to access the type of talent the Colts could select.
“You never worry about drafting a talented player in to a position you have a lot of players. Do you have players that do what he does? No you do not. I like Granson and Mallory did a nice job last year. The fact is, he is rare run after catch stuff. He’s like watching Mike Alstot with the ball in his hands after the catch. Brock Bowers is just a unique player. He is a guy that helps you mismatch defenses. You need to have a variety of weaponry to attack defenses.”
If Bowers is on the board when it’s time for Chris Ballard to submit the pick, then he better take him. The likelihood of him becoming one the tight ends in the same conversation as Travis Kelce, Sam LaPorta, T.J. Hockenson, etc. is high.
Assuming Michael Pittman Jr. is back with the Colts, the offense is really missing a versatile weapon like Bowers. Someone with some ability to gain extra yards after the catch that can operate over the middle of the field for Anthony Richardson.
Colts’ Micahael Pittman Jr. shares wholesome post on first day of franchise tag eligibility
Michael Pittman Jr. never forgets his roots.
Shane Steichen is slowly helping the Indianapolis Colts rise from their once-horrid past. They came off a four-win season the year before and have improved by a large degree in this year’s campaign. They were still third in the AFC South but their nine wins can speak for themselves. Gardner Minshew was a stable presence at quarterback and one weapon that has been of great help is Michael Pittman Jr.
The Colts receiver is up for a franchise tag. This means that big money is heading his way. Michael Pittman Jr. is currently slated for $21.6 million for his large contributions to Shane Steichen’s offense led by Gardner Minshew. However, he knows that he will never forget his rural roots. He showcased what he has been up to in the offseason in the most humble way possible.
The Colts’ weapon has been living it up on the farm. In his latest TikTok video, he shows how he deals with hay by transporting them and stocking them up in his own warehouse. Pittman operates the machines all by himself and looks to be enjoying being back in his home environment where he can work to improve their farm.
Money often changes people’s behaviors for the worse. But, the Colts’ wide receiver is not going to allow that. Instead, he might just upgrade his equipment.
The Colts receiver to get a franchise tag
In an interview with James Boyd of The Athletic, Pittman was asked about the importance of the Colts giving him a franchise tag. His response was quite simple.
“I don’t think anybody would be displeased with $21.6 million. The franchise tag is almost like a sign of respect. Obviously, you get paid at the top five of your position, but do I necessarily want to play on one? No, I do not want to play on the tag, but you can use that to work toward a long-term deal as well,” he said.
He more than earned this amount of cash from the Colts. After all, Pittman caught 109 passes for 1,152 passing yards while also recording four touchdowns. His versatility might be tested as Minshew could take the backseat for Anthony Richardson to develop. Will they notch the best record in the AFC South next season?
