The Indianapolis Colts have a long list of pending free agents who had massive impacts throughout the 2023 season, including wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and cornerback Kenny Moore II.
While it isn’t clear what will happen to either one, there is a level of expectation that both will return to the team on new contracts this offseason.
ESPN’s Matt Bowen listed the best free-agent fits for the top-50 players set to hit the market, which includes Pittman (No. 17) and Moore (No. 31). He agrees with the notion that the best fit for both players.
17. Michael Pittman Jr., WR
Best team fit: Indianapolis Colts
Regardless of whether it’s an extension or the franchise tag, if I were the Colts, I wouldn’t let the talented receiver walk. Pittman has both the production and the great fit in Shane Steichen’s offense. In 2023, he posted a career-high 1,152 receiving yards, with 44.5% of those yards coming after the catch. And with a healthy Anthony Richardson back under center, the Colts have to retain their top target; Pittman can win at all three levels of the field.
Pittman’s case is interesting considering the Colts have the franchise tag in their back pocket if they need it. A contract extension would be the ideal path for both sides, but it’s unclear how far apart they are.
Pittman would be able to fit into most offenses seamlessly as an X-receiver, but his best fit is remaining with the Colts.
As for Moore, Bowen held the same feeling about his best fit on the market.
31. Kenny Moore II, CB
Best team fit: Indianapolis Colts
The best scheme fit for Moore would be staying home with the Colts in defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s system. He’s one of the top slot corners in the NFL, with the ability to match in coverage outside. Moore had three interceptions in 2023 and has picked off 17 passes in his pro career.
Moore’s situation isn’t as cut and dry as Pittman’s even if it the expectation should be that the Colts re-sign him. Where these two sides are in terms of his value remains to be seen. Moore is getting up there in age, but he did just come off arguably his best season.
Regardless, the Colts defense would suffer greatly without Moore’s presence in the slot considering what he provides both in coverage and in run defense.
We’ll see what happens with both players over the next three weeks before the market officially opens, but the best situation for both of them likely is to return to the Colts.
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