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Michael Pittman Jr.
WR · PIT

Michael Pittman Jr.

Position WR
Team PIT
Bye Week 9
PPR Rank #89

Michael Pittman Jr.

NFL player. Position: WR. Team: PIT.

Quick Facts

  • Position: WR
  • Team: PIT (Pittsburgh Steelers)
  • Bye week (2026): 9
  • FantasyPros PPR rank (pulled 2026-05-21): 89

2026 Outlook

Pittman traded to Pittsburgh Steelers in May 2026 for minimal draft compensation (sixth-round pick to the Colts, who sent back a seventh-round pick that became Navy RB Eli Heidenreich). Ideal receiver fit for Aaron Rodgers' late-career offense—76% of Rodgers' pass attempts last season were under 10 air yards, and Pittman (28) specializes in short routes, averaging 8.1 air yards per target. However, his efficiency has declined since peak 2023: yards per route run fell from 2.2 to 1.6, open score dropped from 67 to 49. The Colts prioritized Alec Pierce ($29M/year) over Pittman, signaling organizational preference has shifted (per 2026 NFL free agency grades: Aaron Rodgers, Dexter Lawrence - ESPN).

Reuniting with Rodgers and Coach Mike McCarthy (who also coached Rodgers for 13 years in Green Bay) creates a second-chance opportunity. McCarthy's offense is rooted in West Coast principles focusing on timing and quarterback-receiver connection—the exact system Pittman and Rodgers are familiar with. Rodgers emphasized the comfort level: "I spent 13 years in [McCarthy's offense]. It's stuff that we used to run, but he's just called it something different now." This continuity could help Pittman regain efficiency despite recent decline. (per Steelers' Aaron Rodgers on familiar Mike McCarthy offense: 'It's stuff that we used to run')

Pittman's move to Pittsburgh adds a new target for Aaron Rodgers but positions him as WR2 behind DK Metcalf. Last season, Metcalf accounted for almost half of the Steelers' receiving yards (850 out of 866 total team receiving yards), showing the extreme concentration at one receiver. Pittman gives Pittsburgh receiving diversity: he caught a career-high seven TDs in 2025 and owns two 1,000-yard seasons to his resume, making him a legitimate secondary option for Rodgers rather than a luxury (per Myles Garrett to Rams? A.J. Brown to Patriots? CBS Sports picks favorite NFL trades of 2026 offseason).

Role / Depth Chart

WR2 in Pittsburgh alongside DK Metcalf. Short-route specialist in Aaron Rodgers' system.

Injury Status

Healthy.

Recent News

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)

Coaches shaping Michael's role

Mike McCarthyHead CoachBrian AngelichioOffensive CoordinatorJason SimmonsDefensive Pass Game Coordinator/Defensive BacksAdam HenryWide Receivers CoachJahri EvansAssistant Offensive Line CoachJames CampenOffensive Line Coach

What the Experts Are Saying

Flock FantasyUpdated Top 50 Wide Receiver Rankings & Tiers (ROS)
Fantasy Points Fantasy FootballSTOP Drafting The WRONG 2026 Rookies 🚨 Make The RIGHT Picks (w/ Jacob Gibbs)
FantasyProsFantasy Football Draft Rankings & Tiers | Experts WR Risers, Fallers & Favorite SLEEPERS (2026)