Michael Pittman Jr. Opens Up on Anthony Richardson, Contract
Jonathan Taylor is not the only playmaker in the final year of his deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
Michael Pittman Jr. was in that same 2020 draft class as Taylor. The WR1 for the Colts is entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract as well. But while Taylor and his tiff with the Colts regarding an extension has become increasingly public, Pittman has chosen a different approach.
Pittman has said on multiple occasions that he is letting his agent handle all contract negotiations behind the scenes. It is why he pays his agent, so he can stay focused on playing football and not allowing negotiations to be a distraction.
That being said, is Pittman expecting to get an extension done with the Colts before the season? And if not, would he still play without one?
"Do I expect it? I don't really expect nothing really," Pittman admitted. "If it happens, it happens. And if it doesn't happen, then yeah I would play it out without an extension."
Pittman still did not seem bothered by the lack of a contract extension when speaking to the media after practice Thursday. As a wide receiver, he does not have to worry about getting paid the way running backs have had to in recent years. Whether with the Colts or on the open market, Pittman will receive a nice payday on his next contract.
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Instead, Pittman is focused on getting to work with his new quarterback. Anthony Richardson has taken all of the reps with the first-team offense over the last couple of practices. Those reps mean extended time working with Pittman as the two continue to build chemistry with one another. Pittman has been impressed with the rookie quarterback so far.
"He’s always watching film, studying, learning from our last day," Pittman commented on Richardson. "I feel like he’s picking everything up really fast."
The growth by Richardson has not gone unnoticed by his coaches and teammates. Although he has only five official practices under his belt, Pittman and others have been impressed with how Richardson has commanded the huddle. Richardson is also adapting to the speed of the NFL, one of the biggest challenges for a rookie.
"(Richardson’s) just getting that accelerated vision that he didn’t have when he first came in because no rookie really knows the speed of NFL ball whether you’re a receiver, quarterback, lineman, cornerback. It’s just different. I think he’s doing well.”
But like any rookie in the NFL, things have not always been perfect for Richardson. He has had some throws he would like to have back and has thrown a couple of interceptions. When things do not go as planned, Richardson does not get beat up about it. He is ready to move on to the next play and keep working, no matter the result.
"He’s just always the same," Pittman said. "Like I’ve never noticed a change in him. He’s stone cold 24/7. He’s the same guy. ... He doesn't get too high and he doesn't get too low. So he just kind of stays steady. He kind of a like a 'next play' guy. 'So what, now what?' Whether it's good or whether it's bad.”
One of the most important aspects of this training camp is for Richardson to continue building chemistry with the rest of the wide receivers. Pittman, Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and others will be who Richardson is throwing to on Sundays for the foreseeable future. The quicker Richardson can get on the same page with Pittman and the rest of the wideouts, the easier things will be.
"He’s just getting more comfortable with certain guys and how certain guys play," Pittman explained. "Because I feel like I play different from all of our other wideouts because I’m a different body type – like I’m fast, but those guys are quite fast, you know what I’m saying? We’re a little different play style guys.”
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Pittman will likely be Richardson's go-to receiver throughout the 2023 season and maybe even beyond. In three seasons, Pittman has 227 catches for 2,510 yards and 11 touchdowns. The former USC Trojan is expected to put up good numbers once again as the top wide receiver for the Colts.
Pittman has produced at a high level and showcased his talents even with the quarterback carousel over the last few seasons in Indy. He has caught passes from five different quarterbacks since he was drafted in 2020. The lack of consistency and production at quarterback has limited what Pittman has been able to do, allowing some to question whether or not he is a true WR1 in the NFL.
But the outside noise does not bother Pittman. He cannot control what others think of him, and Pittman understands everyone will have an opinion. What he can control is becoming a better leader, mentor, and overall wide receiver for a Colts team who desperately needs playmakers.
Now is the chance for Pittman to silence the doubters. If he and Richardson can form good chemistry with one another, the pair may be a dangerous duo in the AFC for years to come. If that happens, Pittman may end up with a bigger paid day than imagined.
"I think every player wants to get paid," Pittman said with a smile. "Like I wouldn't mind one."
The Colts wouldn't mind paying Pittman either if his success on the field continues to climb.
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