Jauan Jennings
Getty
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings
The Indianapolis Colts made numerous cap-saving moves to retain both Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce on high deals. One of those moves involved trading wide receiver Michael Pittman to the Pittsburgh Steelers, which saved the team $24 million in cap space.
Pittman was the number two receiver on the Colts’ depth chart for the 2025 season, hauling 784 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.
Pierce will be the first wide receiver option for the 2026 season, but he could use another quality teammate next to him.
Jauan Jennings San Francisco 49ers
GettyThe Colts can add some quality to the wide receiver room
Michael Pittman was with the Indianapolis Colts for six seasons before being traded to the Steelers and Indy needs to find a player with a similar level of experience and quality to Shane Steichen’s offense.
With not many options left in free agency, one of the more highly sought-after players remains on the market: Jauan Jennings.
CBS Sports’ Zachary Pereles named the Colts as a best fit for the former San Francisco 49ers receiving threat.
“In keeping Alec Pierce, the Colts lost Michael Pittman Jr. Pierce is a big-play threat who added some nuance to his game in 2025, and Josh Downs is an elusive slot man with some downfield pep. Pittman was the reliable, tough-yards guy. With no first-round pick, the Colts could consider… [Jauan] Jennings.
The wide receiver logged 643 receiving yards and a career high 9 touchdown catches in a single season. In his career, Jennings has recorded 2,581 receiving yards and 22 touchdown receptions.
Spotrac projects that the offensive weapon will receive a three-year, $67.8 million deal with his next team. Indy has around $26 million in cap space and the projected contract is a bit steep for Jennings. But if the teams can work a deal, the wide receiver could likely join the squad.
Drafting A Wide Receiver
Eric McAlister
GettyThe Colts could get some help through the draft
The Indianapolis Colts do not have a first-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft due to trading it to acquire cornerback Sauce Gardner. Indy will make its first selection on Day 2 with the 47th overall pick.
First-round talent can fall into the Day 2, and with a receiving core that needs more options, the Colts could use the 47th pick to add a playmaker.
Pereles named TCU receiver Eric McAlister as the team’s best draft fit for the wide receiver spot.
McAlister, who started his collegiate career with Boise State, has accrued 1,952 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Horned Frogs.
Tyler Warren Set Up For Strong Second Season
Tyler Warren
GettyColts tight end Tyler Warren
If the Indianapolis Colts do not add another receiving threat to the offense, Tyler Warren could be the next target for Shane Steichen’s offense.
The 2025 NFL Draft first-round selection hauled in 817 receiving yards and 4 touchdown catches in his rookie season.
Pittman and Warren were both targeted the same number of times in the 2025 season, with Warren having one more target at 112.
Tyler Warren would be one of the first two reads with Alec Pierce on the offense and could have a strong second season under the Colts coaching staff.