Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., recently acquired from the Indianapolis Colts, shared details on how new head coach Mike McCarthy plans to diversify his role. In an interview on Up & Adams, Pittman expressed excitement about expanding beyond his short-to-intermediate usage in Indianapolis. He anticipates lining up in various spots and returning to a broader route tree.
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts to serve as their WR2. Speaking to Kay Adams on Monday's episode of Up & Adams, Pittman outlined head coach Mike McCarthy's vision for his usage this season, which differs from his Indianapolis role focused on short-to-intermediate routes. Pittman noted frustration from past games where he felt he had more to contribute, saying, “He just talked about diversifying to more. Obviously, my role in Indy was more that short-to-intermediate game. And every single game I thought I could do more. I would leave games frustrated because I thought I had more to offer the team. Going over that with him and then telling him everything I can do and him seeing that and expanding my role and my route tree back to what it was in Year 2 or 3, I’m really looking forward to that.” He hinted at versatility without specifics: “I don’t want to give up that secret sauce but having the ability to move around a little bit.” Pittman suits a big slot role and outside work. His second season stats included 88 catches for 1,082 yards at 12.3 yards per catch, reflecting intermediate and deeper involvement McCarthy aims to revive. This could ease coverage on DK Metcalf and benefit the Steelers' tight ends. The quarterback situation, potentially involving Aaron Rodgers, might influence the offense's quick-game emphasis.
