GM - Free agent WR Michael Pittman Jr. will be a Colt in 2024 - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Colts general manager Chris Ballard offered a succinct but bold prediction when asked Wednesday at the NFL scouting combine whether impending free agent receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will be on the roster next season.

«Yes,» Ballard said, without a hint of hesitation.

It was a meaningful, if brief, reply to a critical question facing Indianapolis. The Colts' top wideout the past three seasons, Pittman is set to become a free agent in the coming weeks after playing out his rookie contract.

But given Pittman's preference to test the open market, the only way of truly ensuring Pittman remains on the roster for the 2024 season is to utilize the franchise tag on the 2020 second-round pick. NFL teams have until next Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET to designate a franchise player.

The nonexclusive franchise tag allows players to negotiate with other clubs, but it removes their unrestricted status because the player's original team retains the right to match a competing offer or receive two first-round picks as compensation if the player signs with another club. The accompanying one-year salary for a franchised wide receiver this year is $21.816 million.

Regarding the idea of using the tag, which the Colts haven't utilized since designating former punter Pat McAfee in 2013, Ballard said, «It's a tool we have. I'm not going to say we're not going to use it, but I'm not going to say we are. Hopefully we can come to an agreement and find some compromise on a deal.»

Ballard said those conversations are underway with Pittman's representatives, but reaching a deal could prove challenging, especially before Tuesday. Pittman has expressed a desire to maximize his free agency, saying recently, «I wouldn't be doing my due diligence if