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Colts Star Michael Pittman Jr. Knows He's No Longer in the Colts' Future Plans and Could Be Traded to an AFC Rival, So He Voluntarily Reduces His Salary to Stay with the Colts, Saving $12 Million in Cap Space

Indianapolis Colts is gearing up for a potentially transformative 2026 season, and one of the most important pieces of news involving the team is that Michael Pittman Jr., the star wide receiver, has voluntarily agreed to reduce his salary in order to remain with the team. This move could save the Colts $12 million in cap space while still keeping Pittman in the fold.

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According to sources from Spotrac and OverTheCap, Pittman signed a 3-year, $70 million extension with the Colts in March 2024 after receiving the franchise tag. However, his current contract created a cap hit of $29 million for the 2026 season, the highest cap hit on the team and ranking him among the top 7-9 wide receivers in the NFL for that year. This has led the Indianapolis Colts to reassess their long-term plans with Pittman, especially with rumors circulating that he could be traded to a rival in the AFC, specifically to the Denver Broncos.

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In response to these possibilities, Michael Pittman Jr. took the initiative to reduce his salary in order to help the team free up cap space. He agreed to cut his salary from $22 million down to $10 million for the 2026 season. This move will save the Colts $12 million in cap space while allowing Pittman to continue playing for the team he loves.

While there may be changes in the future, Pittman shared that he does not want to leave Indianapolis Colts, the team that has been his home throughout his NFL career. He said: “I love this team, love this city, and I don’t want to one day be standing on the field as an opponent against my teammates. I will never consider myself an enemy of the Colts because this is where I belong, and I will give everything for this team.”

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Pittman’s message not only reflects his deep love for the Colts, but it is also a strong commitment to remain an integral part of the team’s roster. He doesn’t want to just be a player on another team; he wants to continue being an essential part of the Indianapolis Colts’ success.

Although the trade rumors involving the Denver Broncos are still just that — rumors — Pittman’s decision to reduce his salary shows his strong commitment to the team and his love for Indianapolis. With this sacrifice, Pittman is not only securing his place in the team but also serving as a role model for younger players and Colts fans.

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Houston, Texas – Joe Mixon, the two-time Pro Bowl running back for the Houston Texans, has officially announced he will not return to the team after changes in the roster and coaching staff. This decision not only reflects a shift in the long-term plans of the Texans but also marks a significant turning point in Mixon’s career. Mixon joined the Texans in 2024 and quickly won over fans with his powerful running and impressive receiving abilities. During the 2025 season, he played a pivotal role in helping the team reach the playoffs, creating memorable moments with his teammates. However, after the coaching change with Mike McCarthy, Mixon realized his playing style no longer aligned with the team’s vision for the future. “When I found out I was no longer in the team’s plans, I felt disappointed and disheartened. I gave everything I had for this team, but sometimes, change is inevitable. While I can’t continue playing under the team’s colors, I will always cherish every moment I spent as part of the Texans. I will always remember Houston and the fans here.” These emotional words from Mixon reflect his decision to move on to the next chapter of his career. While Mixon’s departure is a big loss for the Texans, fans understand that such decisions are necessary for the team’s long-term growth. After Mixon leaves, Texans will need to find a player who can replace his role in the offense. Damien Pierce, a promising young talent, could be the ideal replacement for Mixon, as he has shown impressive running abilities in the past season. However, no one can deny that Joe Mixon played a crucial role in the Texans’ offensive success. Mixon’s decision not to return also underscores his desire to keep the great memories he built at Houston. He shares that staying with the team no longer fits his goals, and he wants to preserve the positive experiences he had with both the team and its fans. “Houston will always be the place I call home. No matter where I go, I will always remember the great moments with you all. Thank you for always being there for me,” Mixon says. As for the Texans, while this is a challenge, it also presents an opportunity for the team to rebuild its offense and continue to compete in the AFC. After Mixon’s departure, the team will need to strengthen its attack to stay competitive in the league. Now, Mixon is looking forward to a new chapter in his career, with the goal of joining a team with championship aspirations. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a strong team with a solid offensive foundation, is the destination Mixon is eyeing. With fresh expectations and motivation, he believes this is where he can continue to grow and achieve the success he has longed for. Though Mixon will no longer wear the Texans colors, his contributions over the years will always be remembered by fans. These are memories that will never be forgotten, and no matter where he goes, Houston fans will always wish him the best in his next journey.