Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters has plenty of work to do to get the club back on track. However, everything starts with ensuring star quarterback Jayden Daniels is in the best spot to succeed.
Point-blank, Daniels needs more weapons on offense. That was evident throughout his injury-marred second pro campaign and a recurring theme of Washington's disappointing 2025 results. Giving him an adequate pass-catching corps should be atop Peters' lengthy offseason to-do list.
Fortunately for Peters and Daniels, an interesting, unexpected option may have just emerged: Indianapolis Colts standout wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Michael Pittman Jr.'s murky future with Colts puts WR squarely on Commanders' radar
Pittman has a $29 million cap hit in 2026, the final season of the three-year, $70 million contract extension he signed in March 2024. The Colts can save $24 million while only leaving behind $5 million in dead money by cutting him. Put two and two together, and his future with the franchise is in serious doubt, which presents the Commanders with a lifeline.
It's hard to envision Washington giving up assets to acquire Pittman, considering trading for high-priced veterans has burned Peters in the past. Nevertheless, the Commanders could make a play for the veteran wideout if he becomes a cap casualty in Indianapolis.
Look no further than Deebo Samuel Sr., who's notably slated for unrestricted free agency. He's proof of concept that Peters won't be afraid to pounce if an opportunity, albeit a surprising one, to add Pittman comes along.
If Pittman is released, he'll collect what's owed to him from the Colts. Not to watch his pocket, but this opens the door to sacrifice cash for a better situation and a chance to win, right? Why not take a heavily incentivized deal to join Daniels and a Commanders squad with potential for a quick turnaround?
While Pittman voiced a desire to stay with the Colts, he acknowledged that “every player is self-aware” and “changes come” when expectations aren’t met. The 2020 second-round pick and Indy fell short of their goals, putting everyone under evaluation, with him admittedly being no exception.
Since he entered the league, Pittman's one of just 22 players with at least 5,000 receiving yards. A feat like that is a testament to his longevity, durability and consistency, and those traits check boxes for Washington. That's the kind of help the Commanders should try to get for Daniels.
On top of Daniels' presence, the Commanders currently project to have the sixth-most 2026 cap space. So, they have the means to lure Pittman should he hit the open market. The ball is in Indy's court.