The Indianapolis Colts ended their 2023 season with a lackluster 9-8 record. The disappointment can be partly attributed to the back-to-back injuries of several players. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr was one of those unfortunate players who was injured due to a brutal hit from the Pittsburgh Steelers Damontae Kazee.
Pittman was even ruled out from play for the alleged hit. However, his resilience and dedication to the team didn’t decrease a bit. He continued wreaking havoc on their rivals’ defenses, and the Colts now addressed his outstanding athleticism with a blockbuster contract.
Colts signing WR Michael Pittman Jr to $46M guaranteed contract
The Colts have secured Michael Pittman Jr with a lucrative three-year contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in terms of average annual salary on the team at $23.3 million. This deal is reported to be worth up to $71.5 million, including an impressive sum of $46 million guaranteed. It made him the third-highest paid player on the Colts in total contract value.
This contract marks a significant pay raise for the wide receiver whose rookie deal amounted to just under $10 million over the first four years of his NFL career. The negotiation process unfolded over the past week, with the Colts initially placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on him in anticipation of securing a long-term agreement. However, the footballer was on vacation at the time, and both parties successfully reached a consensus later.
The extension keeps Michael Pittman Jr. donning the Colts jersey through the 2026 season, ensuring stability and continuity in their receiving corps. This strategic move by the Colts reflects their commitment to building around promising quarterback Anthony Richardson, who is currently on a rookie contract. The team aims to maximize their offensive potential and foster the growth of their second-year quarterback by providing him with a highly compensated target in Pittman Jr.
What was Michael Pittman Jr’s 2023-24 campaign like?
Michael Pittman Jr’s performance has been nothing short of impressive since entering the NFL in 2020, and the 2023-24 season was no exception. His exceptional performance yielded remarkable statistics, with 106 receptions along with 1,152 receiving yards, marking career-high achievements.
The 2023 season presented additional hurdles for the wide receiver, as the Colts grappled with quarterback injuries. Rookie Anthony Richardson’s early-season setback paved the way for Gardner Minshew to step in as the starting QB. Despite the transition, Pittman remained a reliable target of the signal-caller.
With 336 receptions, the receiver holds the franchise record for the most receptions by a player in their first four seasons. His 3,662 receiving yards rank him among the top performers from his draft class.
