The Patriots are expected to secure the signing of a highly touted wide receiver projected to command a $92 million deal.
Despite the absence of playoffs, a quarterback dilemma, a struggling offensive line, and uncertainty surrounding the head coach and general manager positions, there is positive news for the New England Patriots. The team holds the No. 3 pick in the NFL draft and significant cap space for free-agent signings.
While the return of Bill Belichick remains uncertain, the conventional strategy of building an offense on a limited budget and prioritizing defense may need to evolve. ESPN’s analyst Aaron Schatz predicts that the Patriots will make two strategic moves: drafting a young quarterback in the first round and signing a top-tier wide receiver.
According to Schatz, the Patriots are expected to use their ample cap space in 2024 to afford a significant contract and bring in Michael Pittman Jr. to provide a valuable target for the young quarterback. This move is seen as a potential major upgrade to the team’s receiving corps, which currently lacks a clear No. 1 target.
Michael Pittman Jr. is recognized for his impressive performance with the Colts, recording 109 catches and 1,152 yards despite quarterback uncertainties. He is considered a No. 1 target and is projected to command a substantial contract, with Spotrac estimating a four-year, $90 million deal and Pro Football Focus anticipating a franchise tag of $20.7 million for the upcoming season.
While the prospect of the Patriots acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. is intriguing, there might be a setback if the Colts decide to apply the franchise tag to him, ensuring he stays with the team for another year. Alternatively, the Colts could choose to re-sign him directly. According to predictions from both Spotrac and Pro Football Focus, there is a likelihood that the Colts will retain Pittman.
Spotrac suggests that the Colts are in the process of building a promising foundation with young quarterback Anthony Richardson, recently extended running back Jonathan Taylor, and the stellar performance from Michael Pittman Jr. in a contract year. The franchise tag is seen as offering reasonable value, and a projected $4-year, $92 million contract appears plausible.
Pro Football Focus echoes a similar sentiment, emphasizing Pittman’s reliability as a possession receiver in the NFL. Despite potential limitations in production due to quarterback changes in Indianapolis, his impressive stats project him to receive a substantial contract, with the franchise tag being a probable outcome.
It’s important to note that the final decision rests with the Colts, and their commitment to retaining Pittman could impact the Patriots’ aspirations of securing him in the upcoming season.
