Michael Pittman Jr.
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New Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. delivered a message on social media after his trade from the Indianapolis Colts.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made sure they put their stamp on the beginning of free agency during the first week. But their most significant move may have come via trade.
The Steelers decided to trade with the Indianapolis Colts for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who they then signed to a three-year, $59 million contract.
Speaking for one of the first times since the trade, Pittman appeared on the Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams to discuss all things Steelers, including his potential quarterback in Aaron Rodgers.
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Michael Pittman Jr. Reveals Expanded Role in Steelers Offense
One thing that should excite Steelers fans is that Pittman appears to be happy to be joining the team after talking to new head coach Mike McCarthy.
According to Pittman, McCarthy told him that he would be moved around a lot more compared to what he was in Indianapolis, expanding both his role and route tree.
“Just talking about diversifying it more because obviously my role in Indy was that short, intermediate game,” Pittman said. “And I always felt like every single game I was like — I can do more. I would leave games frustrated because I always felt like I had more to offer the team.”
His short-area game, though, is something that ESPN believes could be a good fit — especially if Rodgers makes a return.
“Pittman, 28, fits with the Steelers because he runs short routes, averaging only 8.1 air yards per target. And quarterback Aaron Rodgers — who is a free agent but seems likely to be back in Pittsburgh again — does pretty much one thing in the late stage of his career: throw short. Seventy-six percent of Rodgers’ pass attempts went under 10 air yards last season, the highest rate in the league.”
Pittman’s career-best season came back in 2023 when he logged 1,152 yards and four touchdowns. That being said, he recorded a career-high in touchdowns with seven last year with only 784 yards.
Michael Pittman Jr. Addresses Aaron Rodgers’ Uncertain Future
Of course, Adams couldn’t go without asking Pittman about the potential of playing with Aaron Rodgers and whether he knew anything about him making a return.
“I don’t know nothing. I haven’t talked to Aaron,” Pittman said. “I’m trying to give him space because Aaron is a guy who likes his space. He likes to get refreshed. Like, I didn’t want to just get signed and blow him up.”
Pittman said that Rodgers is thinking things over with his wife but ultimately believes he still wants to play again.
“I think that he wants to play. Just knowing Aaron prior to this, I think that he’s going to try and play as long as he can.”
If Rodgers were to return, it would be for his 22nd season and second with the Steelers. Having Pittman alongside last year’s leading receiver DK Metcalf is hoped to entice the veteran quarterback into making his return.
If not, that could lead the team toward starting last year’s sixth-round pick Will Howard or veteran Mason Rudolph — or potentially looking toward a free agent like Kirk Cousins.