Who Should I Start? Robert Woods or Michael Pittman Jr.

Friday, February 23, 2:21 PM

The Houston Texans will have an estimated $65.4 million in salary cap space in 2024, so they are in good shape. But if they are going to cut someone to gain even more cap space this offseason, The Athletic's Mike Jones speculates it could be veteran wide receiver Robert Woods. While Woods has been regarded as a reliable veteran, his production has declined in recent years, and he's set to count $9.75 million against the cap. He had only 40 catches for 426 yards and a touchdown in 14 games in 2023, and the emergence of young receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell could cause the soon-to-be 32-year-old to be expendable. If he's cut, Woods would come with a $4.75 million dead-cap hit. Even after Dell suffered a season-ending injury last year, Woods found it difficult to stand out for the Texans and fantasy managers.

Thursday, May 30, 4:30 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (knee) did not participate in Thursday's OTA practice, but Joel A. Erickson of Indy Star said it was for precautionary reasons. Pittman banged knees with a defender last week and limped off the field, but he is expected to be "fine". The former second-round pick has posted at least 88 receptions, 925 yards, and four touchdowns over the last three seasons, but he'll face more target competition this year. The Colts selected Adonai Mitchell in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and 2023 third-rounder Josh Downs is expected to have an expanded role. All that said, Pittman should remain the WR1 for Anthony Richardson and post at least low-end WR2 numbers in his fifth NFL campaign.