Breaking: Colts Agrees Deal To Sign $96 Million WR
It sure sounds like the Indianapolis Colts want to keep star wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. around for the 2024 NFL season.
It sounds like the Indianapolis Colts want to keep Michael Pittman Jr. around.
While the attention is sprawled over Indy for the NFL Scouting Combine, the Colts made headlines on Wednesday. General manager Chris Ballard declared that the team had every intention to keep the star receiver as a member of the team.
It doesn’t matter if it’s the franchise tag or an extension, according to Ballard. The priority is keeping Pittman Jr. in Indianapolis.
Reporter Nate Atkins said, “Colts GM Chris Ballard said that Michael Pittman Jr. will be on the roster come Week 1, either by an extension or the franchise tag if necessary.” Atkins reported this quote on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.
Last season, Pittman Jr. recorded 109 receptions, a career-high, and 1,152 yards, also a career-best. He caught four receiving touchdowns, which he also did in 2022. It didn’t quite match his six scored in 2021, the top mark for his career so far. 2021 is also the only other season he recorded 1,000 yards (1,082). He has 3,662 career receiving yards and 15 career receiving touchdowns.
He’s become a very reliable target four years in and should only improve as time goes on. He’ll also help second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson out even more as he progresses. So, it’s not difficult to understand why the team is prioritizing Pittman’s presence with them.
Indianapolis Colts Owner Gets Major Health Update After Hospital Scare
It looks like Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is on his road to full recovery after a major health scare last January.
According to Colts GM Chris Ballard, Irsay remains involved in the team’s activities this offseason as he recovers from his recent respiratory illness.
What Happened to Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay?
For those who missed it, the Colts revealed in early January that Irsay was hospitalized and receiving treatment for a “severe respiratory illness.” It raised plenty of concerns, especially since it hasn’t been over a month since the Indianapolis boss was brought to the hospital due to a reported overdose.
“Jim Irsay is currently being treated for a severe respiratory illness. While this unfortunately means he won’t be able to perform with his band this week in Los Angeles, he is receiving excellent care and looks forward to returning to the stage as soon as possible. We’ll have no additional information at this time and we ask that you respect the privacy of Jim and his family as he recovers,” the Colts said on their statement at the time.
Irsay has since been released from hospital, with the Colts owner posting on X (formerly Twitter) early this February to tell his fans that he’s “on the mend.” He also thanked all his supporters for all the prayers he received during his time in the hospital.
Jim Irsay’s Current Health Status, According To Indianapolis GM
Now speaking to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine, Chris Ballard was asked about Jim Irsay. The Indianapolis Colts GM shared that the 64-year-old owner is “progressing well” and that they are in frequent conversations with him when it comes to the decision-makings of the team.
“He is progressing well. We are talking. . . . [Coach] Shane [Steichen] and I have talked to him multiple times and we keep him abreast of anything,” Ballard said, per Anthony Calhoun of WISH-TV.
“Look, at the end of the day we’re not gonna do anything without his approval, and so we still keep him in the loop. I mean, you know him, now. He wants to know. He loves his team. And so, you know, he’s making his way. And he’s doing well. He’s doing better.”
Irsay has yet to make his first public appearance ever since his medical scare. However, based on the recent updates, it shouldn’t be long before the Colts boss speaks to the media again.
For now, the Colts and the Indianapolis faithful can only hope for the best when it comes to Irsay’s full recovery and give him all the time he needs to get back to his old self.
