You are right.
Pittman saw what JT did to the Colts, and he would be remiss not to say that.
Plus I remember hearing Ballard talk about letting players test the market as well.
I think that approach is best for both parties so MPJ knows he didn't take too little, and Colts know they didn't overpay.
That said, I hope they hammer out a deal before all that happens.
Not that they wouldn't apply franchise tag, but I believe the last person they did that with was Pat McAfee like 10 years ago.