On the first day of the legal tampering period, the Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly made a big move to acquire WR Michael Pittman Jr. in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. It’s the second year in a row the Steelers have looked to solve their need at receiver through the trade market, as the team dealt a second-round pick for DK Metcalf last season. While Pittman came at a cheaper cost, Steelers DL Cam Heyward said on his Not Just Football podcast that he’s excited to see how the two fit together.
“I think they both have big bodies, and to put them together on the field, now you have two guys who you have to put a lot of attention on them. I look at this, this opens up Pat Freiermuth a little bit more. This opens up Darnell [Washington]. DK [Metcalf] shouldn’t have to experience more double teams, unless you’re just double-teaming both of them, and then that’s when mismatches start to happen all over the place.”
While Metcalf has the potential to excel as a downfield threat, the lack of other weapons in Pittsburgh’s receiving corps led to Metcalf frequently being bracketed. Given that he isn’t much of a contested catch threat, he was limited in how much of an impact he could make. While it was still a productive season for Metcalf, it was clear that he needed help and the Steelers had to bolster their receiver position.
Pittman should at least provide a receiver who can work underneath and is worthy of some extra attention from defenses. Working with another deep threat in Alec Pierce last year with the Colts, Pittman still put up 80 receptions for 784 yards and seven touchdowns. If he’s able to take the attention off Metcalf and create separation underneath, his acquisition will prove to be a good one.
Pittsburgh’s offense could be shaped by who winds up playing quarterback, but in a Mike McCarthy west coast offense with Aaron Rodgers under center, Pittman is a solid option as someone who’s proven he can separate and is a strong route runner. While his game has taken a bit of a step back in recent years, he’s still a solid option as a No. 2. With Rodgers’ penchant for getting rid of the ball quick, Pittman could be extra valuable as an underneath receiver.
Metcalf could benefit the most from the Pittman acquisition, but as Heyward pointed out, it should open things up over the middle for the team’s tight ends, something that should make Pat Freiermuth happy after a year where he was underutilized. Pittman himself should be productive, but his presence alone should help the Steelers offense as a proven receiver the defense will need to devote attention to and away from Metcalf and co.
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