When the new league year begins, the Steelers are expected to complete a trade for WR Michael Pittman Jr., who should fit the culture. Tim Benz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review recently spoke with Kevin Bowen, who has covered Pittman with the Colts, describing him as a receiver who gives “Hines Ward vibes”. That is a name that is catnip to Steelers fans, and he explains why it is apt.
“He is a tough, hard-(nosed) wide receiver”, Bowen said of Pittman, via Benz’s transcript. “There’s no USC pretty boy in him, even though he is a USC product. You can very clearly see that his dad was a 10-year veteran in the NFL playing running back”.
Even though Mike Tomlin is gone, the Steelers still love their bloodlines, and Pittman has them. His father played running back in the NFL for 11 seasons, winning a Super Bowl—with Tomlin—in Tampa Bay in 2002. He led the NFL that postseason in rushing with 182 yards, although he didn’t score.
Pittman was a bigger, physical running back, and his son is physical for his position, fitting the Steelers’ mould. Bowen believes that and his blocking abilities are among his strengths, as were strengths of Hines Ward. “A methodical power wideout. The Colts got a lot of easy completions to him and let him try to break tackles with his physicality”.
Of course, people love to make Hines Ward comparisons when talking about Steelers wide receiver targets, not just Pittman. One that is particularly apt this year is for draft prospect Jordyn Tyson, a projected first-round pick. He has been a popular mock favorite for Pittsburgh thus far, but whether he will be available is uncertain.
The Steelers, though, already have Michael Pittman, or they will if everything goes according to plan. The Colts were looking to unload his salary after re-signing Alec Pierce. Reportedly, the Steelers are swapping a sixth-round pick for a Colts sixth-round pick as part of the Pittman trade. Pittsburgh is also expected to sign him to a new three-year contract, assuming the trade goes through, which isn’t guaranteed.
Pittsburgh made a big trade for wide receiver last year, moving a second-round pick for DK Metcalf. The Steelers aren’t expecting the Michael Pittman trade to move the needle as much as that, but they are counting on him to be a reliable second target and carry himself professionally.
Bowen doesn’t think that should be a concern in the slightest. “I think Pittman will be more than happy to do the hard-nosed dirty work stuff”, he said about his role within the Steelers’ offense. “He brings a level of tenacity and physicality to the receiver position. I think he’ll be very accepting of being a consummate pro”.
It was because of issues like that that the Steelers traded George Pickens last year. Now set to cash in big after a career year in Dallas, Pickens had proven his talent. What he has yet to prove is his professionalism. Michael Pittman isn’t the same athlete, but he is a professional and a hard worker. That’s why he is with the Steelers now.
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