Anthony Richardson stands to benefit significantly from the Indianapolis Colts’ move at wide receiver on Tuesday afternoon. The second-year quarterback missed most of the 2023 season, but he’ll need help on offense when he returns from his shoulder injury for the upcoming season.
The Indianapolis Colts need WRs
The Colts’ wide receiver corps lacks depth. Their best wide receiver, Michael Pittman Jr., was set to head to free agency following the 2023 season. However, the Colts’ general manager said last week at the NFL Combine that the team would retain Pittman for the upcoming season.
Michael Pittman Jr. received the franchise tag
Per Adam Schefter with ESPN, the Colts are utilizing their franchise tag on Pittman for the 2024 season. Pittman is coming off his best career season, as he caught 109 passes for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns in the 2023 campaign.
Colts officially are placing their franchise tag on wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who had a career-high 109 receptions and 1,152 yards this past season. Pittman has had a different starting quarterback in each of his four years with Indianapolis. https://t.co/XUiE8AzT5I
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 5, 2024
Anthony Richardson needs help on offense
As Schefter notes, Pittman has worked with four different quarterbacks in each season he’s played for Indianapolis. Last season, he started the season with Richardson. After Richardson’s injury, he had to adjust midseason by continuing his breakout season with veteran backup Gardner Minshew.
The tandem of Pittman and Minshew was nearly enough to get the Colts to the playoffs.
Now, Ballard must work to sign Pittman to a long-term deal. Even with Pittman, the Colts should explore adding a veteran wide receiver or drafting a pass catcher to help Richardson with his development.
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