Michael Pittman Jr.
Wide Receiver #11
Michael Pittman Jr. News
Michael Pittman Jr.'s Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Long-Term Quarterback Uncertainty in Pittsburgh
After spending the first six seasons of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March. Across 17 games with the Colts in 2025, Pittman Jr. recorded 80 receptions for 784 yards and seven touchdowns on 111 targets. While the 28-year-old has never been the most explosive downfield threat, he's made his bones as a possession receiver who can consistently win in the short and intermediate areas of the field. That may make him a perfect fit with Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who prefers to get the ball out of his hands as quickly as possible at this stage of his career. Still, Pittman Jr.'s production has generally been declining since his highest-usage year in 2023, when he hauled in 109 catches for 1,152 yards on 156 targets. He also faces target competition in Pittsburgh from veteran wideout DK Metcalf and rookie wide receivers Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen. In dynasty formats, managers may want to look to sell high on Pittman Jr.
Jun 6, 2026 12:40 PM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. Gets a Fresh Start in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will get a fresh start in 2026 following an offseason trade. Dealt from the Colts to the Steelers, Pittman will slot in as a starting wide receiver opposite DK Metcalf next year. He offers a major upgrade for the Steelers, who endured a rough season of Calvin Austin III as their No. 2 receiver last year. Pittman was impressive when quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) was healthy, averaging 11.4 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) and ranking as the overall WR8. However, his production took a hit when Jones was ruled out for the season. Therein lies the biggest question mark for Pittman in 2026. We still don't know who his quarterback will be in Pittsburgh. An Aaron Rodgers return seems probable, but nothing is imminent. Assuming Rodgers does return to the Steelers, he could support top-25 finishes from both Metcalf and Pittman. We're encouraged by Pittman's new opportunity, as the Steelers' decision to trade for him shows how much they want to get him involved on offense. He currently ranks as the WR52 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings, so managers who have higher expectations could opt to buy low on Pittman this offseason.
Apr 19, 2026 7:59 AM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. a Buy-Low Candidate Following Post-Trade Dip
Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. finished the 2025 season valued as a low-end WR3 in consensus dynasty rankings, but since the offseason trade that moved him from Indianapolis to Pittsburgh, he has fallen to the low WR4 range. Pittman will be viewed by most as the clear second option behind D.K. Metcalf in a Steelers offense whose current quarterback situation would have to be graded as incomplete, so the dip is understandable, but he will still play the entirety of the 2026 season before turning 30, and he has finished as the WR23 or better in four of the past five seasons. He has become a go-to option for a revolving door of Colts quarterbacks by being a big-bodied target who runs precise routes and is rarely out of place against zone coverage. Whether his next signal caller is an unproven first-round rookie or a surly veteran who expects things to be done in a very particular way, nothing about Pittman's game suggests he will not continue to be a reliable target-earner.
Mar 30, 2026 5:49 AM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. a Good Fit With Steelers?
The Athletic's Mike DeFabo believes that newly acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., a player with good size (6-foot-4, 223 pounds), physicality, and pedigree, will be a good fit with the Pittsburgh Steelers. If the Steelers re-sign quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the 42-year-old future Hall of Famer "seems to prefer veterans who understand the nuances of route running, how to read coverages and what it takes to prepare for an opponent." Pittman, who should slot in as the No. 2 behind DK Metcalf, "checks a lot of those boxes." The 28-year-old will receive a new three-year, $59 million contract with the Steelers after being acquired from the Indianapolis Colts on Monday. Pittman did lead the Colts with 80 catches last year and had a career-best seven touchdowns, but his yardage total (784) was down for a second straight season. His 2026 fantasy value hinges on whether Rodgers returns for another season in Pittsburgh.
Mar 10, 2026 7:19 AM EST
Steelers Acquire Michael Pittman Jr. From the Colts
The Pittsburgh Steelers are acquiring wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts on Monday in exchange for a late-round pick, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The Colts deemed Pittman expendable after re-signing Alec Pierce to a four-year deal on Monday. The 28-year-old former second-round pick in 2020 out of USC took another step back in 2025 in his sixth year in the NFL with an 80-784-7 line on 111 targets over 17 games played. Pittman does have two 1,000-yard seasons in his career, but expecting a third in 2026 in Pittsburgh probably isn't wise for fantasy managers, especially when considering the unknown quarterback situation in the Steel City. It's the second straight year Pittsburgh has traded for a wideout -- last year, they landed DK Metcalf from Seattle. In his new digs, Pittman will most likely operate as the WR2 behind Metcalf.
Mar 9, 2026 8:57 AM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. Not a Lock to be Released by Colts
There have been rumblings that the Indianapolis Colts will release wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason to free up salary cap space, but it doesn't sound like a foregone conclusion. "Pure hypothetical (Michael Pittman Jr.) won't be here," general manager Chris Ballard said at the NFL scouting combine on Tuesday. Pittman did have a career-high seven touchdowns in 17 games in 2025 in his sixth year in the league, but his 784 receiving yards were his fewest since his rookie year in 2020. His 2026 fantasy value will hinge on where he's playing in the upcoming season. If the Colts restructure his contract and also re-sign Alec Pierce, Pittman will be more of a WR3/flex. The best-case scenario would be staying in Indy and having Pierce leave in free agency. The Colts have a lot of balls up in the air this offseason, but it sounds like they prefer to keep Pittman, if possible.
Feb 24, 2026 5:08 PM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. Could Benefit from Change of Scenery
Indianapolis wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. carries an expected $29 million salary cap hit into 2026, but the Colts could clear all but $5 million by cutting him before the new league year. With Alec Pierce coming off his first 1,000-yard campaign and set for unrestricted free agency, the belief around Indianapolis is that the team will prioritize him over the 28-year-old Pittman. With the 12-plus games played by Daniel Jones before his season-ending Achilles injury arguably representing the pinnacle of quarterback play that Pittman has seen in his six-year career, the always steady, but never explosive, receiver could still have more to show. While he's never come close to delivering on his former top-ten dynasty ranking, his value could once again spike if he lands in the right situation.
Jan 31, 2026 12:01 PM EST
Colts to Part Ways With Michael Pittman Jr. This Offseason?
The Athletic's James Boyd writes that Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. sits atop the list of potential big names that the Colts could part with this offseason due to salary considerations, mutual decision, or poor performance. Pittman pretty much admitted after the season finale in Week 18 that he could have played his last game with the team. He has a $29 million salary cap hit in 2026, but the Colts would clear $24 million in cap space with only $5 million in dead money if they release him. Boyd thinks Pittman will either have to restructure his contract with Indy or play elsewhere next season. The sense is that Pittman doesn't want to leave, but Alec Pierce took over as the Colts' top wideout in 2025, with Pittman catching 80 passes for 784 yards (second-fewest of his career), although he did have a career-high seven touchdowns.
Jan 16, 2026 5:21 PM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. Returns After Injury Scare
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (calf) was able to return to Sunday's AFC South clash against the Jacksonville Jaguars after being designated as questionable. The veteran caught one of his two targets before leaving the game with discomfort in his leg, but he returned later in the first half. Pittman quickly developed chemistry with starter Daniel Jones (Achilles), which led to eight top-25 finishes among PPR receivers in the first 13 games of the season, but he has taken a backseat in the weeks since Jones was lost for the year. From a fantasy perspective, he's difficult to rely upon with the Colts playing out the string.
Dec 28, 2025 2:04 PM EST
Michael Pittman Jr.: High-Floor Fantasy WR3 in Week 17
Across 15 games this season, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has recorded 76 receptions for 757 yards and seven touchdowns on 104 targets. However, Pittman Jr.'s production has fallen off since Philip Rivers took over for Daniel Jones (Achilles) as the starting quarterback in Indianapolis. Across his last two games, Pittman Jr. has recorded seven catches for 58 yards on 10 targets. His touchdown production has also dried up over the second half of the season, as he has just one end zone grab since Week 8. In Week 17, Pittman Jr. will face a Jacksonville Jaguars defense that has been susceptible to allowing production through the air. The Jaguars enter the week ranked 18th in the NFL in total passing yards allowed (3,492) and 27th in passing touchdowns allowed (26). Pittman Jr. played well in his first matchup of the season against Jacksonville, hauling in nine catches for 79 yards on 12 targets. Pittman Jr.'s lack of explosive ability limits his production upside, but he profiles as a solid fantasy WR3 in Week 17.
Dec 27, 2025 2:08 PM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. Trending Down with Veteran Signal-Caller
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.'s fantasy value takes a modest slide ahead of his clash with the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. For the most part, the USC product has been a stellar fantasy asset in 2025, working his way to a current WR13 standing in PPR formats. However, Pittman's viability becomes murkier with 44-year-old Philip Rivers calling signals for the Colts. In Rivers' first action in nearly half a decade in Week 15, Indianapolis fell 18-16 to Seattle. While the QB was efficient, he failed to push the ball downfield and evenly distributed his pass attempts, targeting four pass-catchers at least five times. Unfortunately, a wideout like Pittman, who thrives on volume, may find it challenging to produce at the level that fantasy managers had become accustomed to over the majority of the season. The offense may adapt and evolve as Rivers continues to shake off the rust, but all Colts' skill players take a fantasy hit in the meantime. As for Pittman, he'll rank as RotoBaller's PPR WR37 for Monday's contest.
Dec 21, 2025 12:45 AM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. Has a Grim Outlook Against Seattle
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. had a down year in 2024. However, he's turned it around this season. In 13 appearances, the 28-year-old has 69 catches (94 targets) for 699 yards. While he could have a tough time surpassing his mark from the 2023 campaign (109 receptions), he has already amassed a career-high seven touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Colts have struggled of late, with the team losing their last three contests. To make matters worse, Daniel Jones went down with a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 14 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. As a result, Indy will turn to Philip Rivers or Riley Leonard (knee), who no longer carries an injury designation, in Sunday's meeting with the Seahawks. As expected, many feel that neither player will do enough to get Indianapolis back to the top of the AFC South. With that in mind, Pittman's fantasy ceiling might be at its lowest point of the season, especially with a challenging contest on tap. Although he's still a must-start in any setup, considering he's been a top fantasy wideout, managers should expect the worst and hope for the best in Week 15.
Dec 12, 2025 11:00 PM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. Catches Just One Ball in Week 13 Loss
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught just one of his four targets for 13 yards in a 20-16 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 13. Pittman was quiet in the close loss as the Colts mostly leaned on Alec Pierce in the contest. The veteran receiver is putting together a solid season, posting 60 catches for 620 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. Despite the slow outing, Pittman remains one of the top targets on an excellent Colts offense. He will look to bounce back on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 14.
Dec 1, 2025 5:32 AM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. a Low-End WR2 in Week 13
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. continued to show a nose for the end zone in a Week 12 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, catching his seventh touchdown in 11 games. He will look to keep it going at home against the Houston Texans in Week 13. The Texans have been a difficult matchup for receivers this season, allowing just the 29th-most fantasy points per game to the position thus far. Pittman has operated as the Colts' No. 1 receiver this season and should continue to see plenty of targets, which keeps him in the low-end WR2 conversation for Week 13 despite the tough matchup.
Nov 29, 2025 8:11 AM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. Finds the End Zone in Week 12
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. caught five of his eight targets for 27 yards and a touchdown in a 23-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. Pittman scored the first touchdown of the game when he pulled in a six-yard pass from Daniel Jones with 8:06 left in the first quarter. It was mostly a quiet day after that for Pittman as the Colts only managed two field goals in the second half. Pittman has been a solid fantasy receiver this season as he has 59 catches for 607 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games this year. He will look to keep it going in Week 13 against the Houston Texans.
Nov 24, 2025 5:54 AM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. a WR2 in Week 12
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. will come out of a Week 11 bye to face off against the Kansas City Chiefs on the road in Week 12. Pittman is enjoying a bounce-back season after a rough 2024, catching 54 passes for 580 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games. The veteran wideout will look to break a two-game scoreless streak in Week 12 as he goes up against a Kansas City defense that is allowing just the 27th-most fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts. While this is a tough matchup, Pittman has been an excellent red-zone threat this season and should return low-end WR2 numbers for fantasy managers in Week 12.
Nov 21, 2025 4:30 PM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. Held to Two Catches in Week 10 Win
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. turned in a quiet performance in Week 10's 31-25 win over the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin. Pittman caught both of his two targets for only 19 yards in the win. Week 10 was a rare game where Pittman wasn't the Colts' most productive receiver as the team leaned on Alec Pierce, who caught four of seven targets for 84 yards and a touchdown. Pittman has now caught 54 passes for 580 yards and six touchdowns in 10 games for the Colts this season. He will be on bye in Week 11 before a Week 12 road matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Nov 11, 2025 7:11 PM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. a Low-End WR1 in Week 10
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (glute) practiced fully on Thursday and Friday after missing Wednesday's session with a glute injury. He is listed without an injury designation and should be ready to roll heading into a Week 10 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin, Germany. Pittman is enjoying a bounce-back season for the Colts, leading the team with 52 catches for 561 yards and six touchdowns in nine games. He will look to keep it going against an Atlanta secondary that is allowing the 26th-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers in 2025. The tough matchup isn't ideal but Pittman and the Colts offense have been too good to downgrade in fantasy. He settles in as a low-end WR1/high-end WR2 in Week 10 and should be started in all lineups.
Nov 8, 2025 9:29 AM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. Removed From the Final Injury Report
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (glute) was able to practice in full on Thursday and Friday and has been cleared to play in Week 10 against the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin, Germany, on Sunday. Pittman was held out of Wednesday's practice with a glute injury, but he quickly returned to a full practice on Thursday and is fine to play overseas this weekend. The 28-year-old needs to be in all starting fantasy lineups this weekend as the Colts look to bounce back from only their second loss of the year last week to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittman has been the clear WR1 for the Colts and quarterback Daniel Jones in 2025, catching 52 of his 68 targets for 561 yards and six touchdowns in what has been a fine bounce-back season for him. He could be primed for another big game against Atlanta, a defense that has been more vulnerable to WRs in recent weeks.
Nov 7, 2025 5:51 PM EST
Michael Pittman Jr. Returns to Thursday's Practice
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (glute) returned to practice on Thursday after being listed as a non-participant on Wednesday with a glute injury, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. It's encouraging news that means Pittman should be available to play this weekend in Berlin, Germany, versus the Atlanta Falcons. The 28-year-old is having a bounce-back season in 2025 with quarterback Daniel Jones running the offense in Indy. The former first-rounder had only 808 receiving yards and three touchdowns in 16 games in 2024, but he's already up to 52 catches, 561 receiving yards, and a career-high-tying six touchdowns in 2025 through nine starts. As long as Pittman is available to play this weekend overseason, he should be a must-start in all fantasy football lineups as the Colts' WR1. Through nine weeks, Pittman is the WR11 in half-PPR scoring in average fantasy points per game.
Nov 6, 2025 1:43 PM EST
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