Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or Jaylen Waddle

Friday, January 16, 5:21 PM

The Athletic's James Boyd writes that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. sits atop the list of potential big names that the Colts could part with this offseason due to salary considerations, mutual decision, or poor performance. Pittman pretty much admitted after the season finale in Week 18 that he could have played his last game with the team. He has a $29 million salary cap hit in 2026, but the Colts would clear $24 million in cap space with only $5 million in dead money if they release him. Boyd thinks Pittman will either have to restructure his contract with Indy or play elsewhere next season. The sense is that Pittman doesn't want to leave, but Alec Pierce took over as the Colts' top wideout in 2025, with Pittman catching 80 passes for 784 yards (second-fewest of his career), although he did have a career-high seven touchdowns.

Sunday, January 4, 3:46 PM

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (ribs) is officially inactive for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the New England Patriots. He had been listed as questionable after practicing in a limited capacity. This Quinn Ewers-led offense finds itself incredibly short-handed with Waddle, De'Von Achane (shoulder), Darren Waller (groin, IR), and Tyreek Hill (knee, IR) all sidelined. Malik Washington, Cedrick Wilson, and late-season breakout Theo Wease Jr. should step up as Ewers' top targets in the passing game on Sunday. Those receivers will look to outduel a Patriots defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest yards to opposing wide receivers in 2025.