On the latest episode of the Locked On Colts podcast, on the Locked On Podcast network, hosts Jake Arthur and Zach Hicks discuss how the Indianapolis Colts could replace a few potentially-departing stars: wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., safety Nick Cross, and defensive end Kwity Paye.
While Pittman is a productive player for the Colts, he is due to count $29 million against the salary cap in 2026, which would be the seventh-highest hit among any NFL receiver in the upcoming season. Pittman's contract was appropriate when signed during the 2024 offseason, but he has yet to reach 1,000 receiving yards or 100 receptions in a season since then, while also dealing with a back injury during the 2024 season.
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While the Colts may look to extend Pittman and push the cap hit into bonuses or guarantees, he could be traded or released. Jake and Zach discuss how the 2026 NFL Draft is almost certainly the best option to potentially replace Pittman.
Cross is a young, ascending player who is a true draft-and-develop success story for the Colts. In the last two seasons, Cross has totaled 266 tackles (11 for loss), 3.5 sacks, 7 QB hits, 2 forced fumbles, 4 interceptions, and 10 pass breakups. The issue is that Cross may be worth more than what the Colts can afford, as fellow defensive backs Charvarius Ward Sr., Cam Bynum, Kenny Moore II, and Sauce Gardner account for nearly 20% of the team's cap in 2026, and the team will still need to re-sign quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce. If Cross' true market value is below $10 million per year, that's much more feasible for Indianapolis.
As for Paye, the Colts desperately needed pass rushers to step up in 2025, and despite playing the most games (17) and snaps (721) of his career, Paye had his least productive season. Paye is an above-average run defender, but he disappeared when the Colts needed him to improve the most.
You can find the audio version of the latest episode on the official Locked On Colts site, or by following on YouTube:
MOVING ON?: How Indianapolis Colts Can Replace Potential Departing StarsThe Indianapolis Colts have several veterans who could be on the chopping block this offseason. How can the team replace these significant contributors throu...Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to a members-only Discord server, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.
Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.