For one of the best wide receivers available in the free agent class, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might be the perfect destination.
The Buccaneers are seen by CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell as one of the three “best” teams for wide receiver Michael Pittman of the Indianapolis Colts. After having his greatest season to date, Pittman is set to make his first career free agency entry. The 26-year-old just finished the 2023 season with a career-high 109 catches.
Pittman, who is comparable in stature to 6-foot-5, 231-pound Mike Evans, may be a suitable substitute if Evans joins with another team, according to Podell.e.
“The 6-foot-4, 223-pound target is undoubtedly essential to the Colts’ quarterback Anthony Richardson’s development,” Podell writes. On the other hand, there will be many suitors if he isn’t franchise-tagged and goes on the open market. Along with Nico Collins and Tank Dell, the division foe Houston Texans could use a reliable third receiver, and they have over $50 million in cap space going into the summer. Pittman would also be a logical choice to take the place of the player higher on this list in Tampa Bay.
Why the Buccaneers Could Benefit from Michael Pittman
Podell also predicts that Pittman would agree to a $90.9 million, four-year contract with an average value of $22.7 million. In terms of salary, that would place Pittman as the ninth-highest paid receiver in the NFL annual value
Pittman recorded 1,152 receiving yards and tied for fifth place in the NFL in receptions during the previous campaign.Pittman ranked among the top-graded starting receivers last season with an 80.0 receiving grade and 77.7 offensive grade, per Pro Football Focus. Among all receivers, Pittman ranked 21st in receiving grade and 28th in offensive grade.
Evans, in contrast, had somewhat higher marks the previous season, with an offensive grade of 81.5 and a receiving grade of 83.0.
Leave a Reply