Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and cornerback Kenny Moore II were listed among ESPN’s top 50 free agents set to hit the market during the 2024 offseason.
An annual list compiled by Matt Bowen, it’s no surprise Pittman and Moore are two of the top players on the list. They also are likely high on the list of priorities for the Colts over the next month.
In the ranking, Pittman came in at No. 17 overall, which was third among wide receivers behind Tee Higgins (No. 7) and Mike Evans (No. 12).
Here’s what Bowen said about Pittman:
With his physical 6-foot-4 frame and high-end ball skills, Pittman can play on the boundary or create vertical matchups from slot alignments. He has the vision to produce on catch-and-run concepts, with 44.5% of his career-high 1,152 receiving yards coming after the catch this season. Pittman’s 109 receptions in 2023 were also a career best, and he is more than willing to work the dirty areas of the field.
Pittman should be getting a hefty bag from the Colts this offseason. There’s no reason he shouldn’t receive a market-level deal around $22 million annually. Unless he’s looking to become the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, it’s difficult to see a deal not getting done.
As for Moore, he ranked No. 31 on the list, which was fifth among cornerbacks behind Jaylon Johnson (No. 9), L’Jarius Snead (No. 11), Kendall Fuller (No. 19) and Chidobe Awuzie (No. 29).
Here’s what Bowen said about Moore:
He’s still one of the top slot corners in the league, picking off three passes this season, giving him 17 interceptions for his career. Moore has the profile to play inside, and he’s rugged and aggressive versus the run game. But he also has the awareness to play in space and can match in coverage.
Moore bounced back in a major way after a poor 2022 campaign. The Colts needed it just as badly as he did considering the youth movement in the secondary.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Moore this offseason, but if the Colts can find a way to bring him back, it would mean a lot for a secondary that is continuing its development.
The majority of the top players on this list won’t even hit the market, but Colts fans will be keeping a keen eye on both Pittman and Moore, among others, over the next month.
