Pittman needs efficiency rebound

Colts WR Michael Pittman got plenty of target and reception volume last season. He finished 16th among WRs in target share and 10th in the league in receptions. But his yardage efficiency tumbled. Pittman's yards per catch fell from 12.3 in 2021 to 9.3, with poor QB play a (the?) primary culprit. His average depth of target fell by more than 2 yards, with QBs Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger and Nick Foles all ranking 28th or worse in Pro Football Focus passing grade. Pittman also produced his lowest mark yet, though, in yards after catch per reception. According to PFF, he tied for just 53rd in yards per route and ranked 44th in receiving grade, among 97 WRs with 40+ targets. Pittman did, at least, rank a decent 26th in targets per route, matching his 2021 ranking. Rookie QB Anthony Richardson should be good for Pittman's aDOT. But we'd bet on the WR coming down from last year's 70.2% catch rate. Overall, it's tough to bet on big upside for Pittman from his WR3-level ADP. Read more about the outlook for Indy's lead wideout and see where he lands in our 2023 fantasy football rankings.

The Colts have agreed to a three-year deal with WR Michael Pittman Jr. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports it'll pay $70 million ($71.5 million max), with $46 million of that guaranteed. The contract gets rid of the franchise tag, which Indy had applied to ensure the wideout didn't reach free agency. Pittman looks like a top-20 dynasty WR for the next few years. We'll see what a full season of QB Anthony Richardson means for his production. Richardson got just two full games in his rookie campaign. Check our dynasty WR rankings to see where Pittman fits in your format.

The Colts are using their franchise tag on WR Michael Pittman. The two sides have been working on a long-term deal and have until July 15 to get something done. If they don't, Pittman will play the 2024 season on a one-year, $21.8 million deal. The 26-year-old has scored as a top-20 PPR WR in each of the last three seasons, including a career-best WR14 finish last year. He's holding steady at 16th in our dynasty WR rankings.

Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. returned from missing Week 16 with a shoulder injury to regain control of the team's receiving in Sunday's win over the Raiders. Pittman posted an unimpressive 5-46 receiving line on 7 targets. But he drew a target on 30.4% of the team's pass attempts and claimed 33.3% of Colts completions. WR Alec Pierce took his lone catch for a 58-yard TD to lead the team in receiving yards. Rookie WR Josh Downs followed with 53 yards on just 2 receptions. QB Gardner Minshew attempted just 23 passes, completing 15 for 224 yards on a day that found Indy running on more than half of its offensive plays. Pittman looks like the only startable Colts pass-catcher for most fantasy formats in Week 18. Indy faces Houston, which allowed Pittman 8 receptions back in Week 2. Pittman also caught 8+ passes in six straight full outings before the Week 15 game he left early.

Colts WR Michael Pittman (concussion, shoulder) is active for today’s game vs. the Raiders. He was a full-go in practice on Thursday and Friday and should be ready for his usual high-volume role today.

Colts WR Michael Pittman (concussion, shoulder) is listed as questionable for this weekend’s game vs. the Raiders. He was a full-go in practice on Thursday and Friday. HC Shane Steichen said Friday that Pittman has cleared protocol and is on track to play against Vegas. We’ll get the Colts’ inactives around 11:30 am ET on Sunday.