Steelers Now
By wiring a sixth-round draft pick to the Indianapolis Colts this offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers strengthened their receiver room. Michael Pittman Jr. jumps in beside DK Metcalf, forming the best 1-2 punch the Steelers have had at wideout since Ben Roethlisberger was in the saddle.
Former Cincinnati Bengals receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who was a 1,000-yard performer in 2006 and 2007, is buying Pittman’s stock, even though he had the fewest receiving yards last season (784) since his rookie go-round.
“People forget, Michael Pittman … he did a lot in Indy, and he’s never had a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers,” Houshmandzadeh said Tuesday on “Speakeasy.” “One thing about (him), he’s gonna separate. And people are (like), ‘Oh, he can’t separate.’ He’s gonna separate, and he’s gonna catch the ball. And Pitt is big as fuck. He’s working.
“And so he’s gonna block his ass off. He’s gonna be the type of receiver that Pittsburgh’s gonna love, but I don’t think people realize how big this dude is. Pitt is every bit of 6-4, 225 (pounds), 230. He’s big as hell.”
Pittman’s best season came in 2023, when he caught passes from Gardner Minshew II and Anthony Richardson, putting up career-highs in targets (156), receptions (109) and receiving yards (1,152). Pittman reeled in — notice the fisherman pun — seven touchdowns a campaign ago.
Pittman also joined a handful of Steelers teammates, including Rodgers, on a trip to Wyoming recently, which could help as the offense takes shape during training camp later this month.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former NFL WR: Steelers Fans Will Fall in Love with Michael Pittman
