With general manager Chris Ballard opting not to give out any extensions this offseason, the Indianapolis Colts have several key players playing in the final year of their respective contracts. Naturally, some situations have been louder than others. There have also been some that are flying under the radar. Actually, Jonathan Taylor is pretty much the only contract situation that has made headlines.
However, along with Taylor, Michael Pittman Jr. is one of the players in the final year of his contract. Throughout the offseason, he admitted that his situation is much different than Taylor’s, and that he’s comfortable playing his deal out and letting his agent handle everything. While that’s been happening, Pittman has been proving his value to the Colts throughout the first three weeks of the season.
Michael Pittman Jr.‘s contract year is off to a great start
Through three games, Pittman leads Indianapolis with 25 receptions for 230 yards and one touchdown. That’s significantly more yards and catches than Josh Downs, who’s second on the team with 15 receptions for 124 yards. Regardless of who’s at quarterback, Pittman has been a security blanket, being targeted 34 times in three games, and finding ways to make plays.
On Sunday, in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens, Pittman made an unreal play, going up over two Ravens defenders and snagging a jump ball while his helmet was being yanked off, thanks to an uncalled facemask. The catch, that led to an overtime victory, essentially yelled to the organization to pay Pittman.
It has only been three games, and there’s a lot of football left to be played, but that’s the kind of wideout you want on your team, especially with a young quarterback. Pittman is the established No. 1 receiver on the team, and it hasn’t been a burden that’s too heavy for him to carry. Through the first three games, he has consistently answered when he’s been called on, and if he continues to do so, he’ll make himself a lot of money.