The New York Jets are considering a trade to acquire a top-tier wide receiver to complement Garrett Wilson’s talents. One promising option is Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr, who could be available due to roster and salary cap considerations this offseason.
According to NFL insider Matt Lombardo, the Colts may lean toward trading Pittman to maintain their investment in younger receiver Alec Pierce. Lombardo explained on
The Manchild Show with Boy Green Digital
that
“The executive I spoke to told me that he is so confident in the Colts keeping Alec Pierce that he thinks there is a non-zero chance that the Colts would trade Michael Pittman Jr to be able to keep Pierce.”
Lombardo further suggested that a mid-round draft pick plus a player might be the likely compensation if the Jets pursue this deal, especially given established relations between the two organizations:
“My guess would be probably a mid-round pick [and] maybe a player. These two teams obviously have a relationship with Chris Ballard and Darren Mougey from the trade deadline, working out the Sauce Gardner deal,”
he said.
He also noted that the Jets represent a logical trade destination for Pittman:
“So if there is a trade to be made, then I think this would be a natural landing spot with the Jets and Michael Pittman, Obviously, as far as a fit from a compensation and draft capital standpoint and matching that with the need of a big play wide receiver, Michael Pittman to the Jets makes a lot of sense for everyone involved.”
Financial Pressures Could Push Colts to Move Pittman
Michael Pittman Jr, 28, remains under contract through the 2026 season, carrying a $70 million deal. However, his $29 million cap hit in 2026 presents financial challenges for the Colts, who could free up significant space by releasing or trading him.
James Boyd of The Athletic highlighted these salary dynamics, writing,
“Pittman has a $29 million cap hit in 2026. The Colts could release Pittman and create $24 million in cap space for next season while carrying just $5 million in dead money. Those financial incentives make it very likely that Pittman has played his last game for the Colts.”
ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell also weighed in on the situation, noting the strategic considerations faced by Indianapolis:
“If the Colts want to keep Pierce, moving on from Pittman will probably be part of that equation. All of Pittman’s 2026 salary is nonguaranteed, so Indy could cut him if needed. He would have some modest trade value as a WR2,”
Barnwell explained.
Recent Performance Trends Show Some Decline
Pittman, who showcased his potential as a USC product and emerged as a reliable offensive weapon, has recorded substantial production in recent years. Between 2021 and 2023, he accumulated 296 receptions, 3,159 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns.
Still, his numbers have tapered somewhat over the last two seasons. In 2024, Pittman tallied 69 catches for 808 yards and three touchdowns, while in the previous season, he had 80 receptions for 784 yards and scored seven times. This dip raises questions about whether his performance slide stems from declining ability or the impact of inconsistent quarterback play.
Jets Face Decisions Regarding Pittman’s Future Contract
If the Jets successfully trade for Pittman, management will need to determine how to approach his contract situation. They could allow him to finish the 2026 season on his current deal before making decisions or negotiate an extension as part of the trade process.
Spotrac estimates Pittman’s market value at a two-year, $58.27 million contract extension, which would average $29.1 million annually. Such a figure would rank him ninth among the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL, according to Over The Cap data.
Potential Impact of Adding Pittman to the Jets’ Offense
Bringing Michael Pittman Jr into the Jets’ offensive system alongside Garrett Wilson could provide a much-needed deep threat and increase the team’s scoring options. Given Pittman’s size and experience, he could serve as a reliable target to complement Wilson’s playmaking abilities, potentially elevating the Jets’ offensive efficiency.
The trade would also reflect the Jets’ commitment to strengthening their offensive weapons, with quarterback development and deep passing attack likely improving as a result. Should the deal come to fruition, it might reshape the Jets’ receiver corps and influence their competitive outlook for the upcoming seasons.
#NFL Insider Matt Lombardo revealed that an anonymous executive told him that there is a "non-zero chance that the #Colts would trade Michael Pittman Jr to be able to keep [Alec] Pierce" this offseason.
One of the teams that could be in the mix for him: the #Jets.
"Michael… pic.twitter.com/J3v8fv4Ihz
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) February 18, 2026
