Michael Pittman Jr. Heads to Pittsburgh in Fresh Start
Michael Pittman Jr. joins the Pittsburgh Steelers after a breakout season with the Indianapolis Colts, where he could benefit from Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback.
The wide receiver begins his Steelers era after six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, shipped out for a late-round pick earlier this month.
The 6-foot-4 receiver has built a solid résumé in Indianapolis. Selected 34th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Pittman appeared in 13 games as a rookie, hauling in 40 receptions for 503 yards. But 2023 marked his breakout campaign: 16 games played, 109 receptions on 156 targets, and 1,152 receiving yards.
The Receiving Yards Bet
Oddsmakers at DraftKings have set Pittman's regular-season receiving yards Over/Under at 774.5, with both sides carrying -110 odds.
Historical consistency suggests the Over has merit. Since that injury-plagued 2020 season, Pittman has suited up for at least 16 games every year and surpassed 784 receiving yards in each of those seasons. He hasn't missed significant time since.
The Aaron Rodgers Question
One critical variable looms: who will be throwing the ball?
Aaron Rodgers currently sits atop the Steelers' depth chart, but the 42-year-old veteran's future remains unsettled. Reports indicate a retirement decision could come before April's draft. However, Rodgers' 13-year history with new Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy in Green Bay suggests continuity is possible.
If Rodgers commits to one more season, Pittman could have a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback feeding him targets—a development that would make eclipsing 774.5 yards a comfortable proposition.
