Will the Colts Sign Michael Pittman Jr. To An Extension? Fantasy Football Outlook

WR Michael Pittman Jr. is in the final year of his rookie deal and is due for a contract extension. The former second-round pick from the 2020 NFL Draft has stepped up as the top option in Indianapolis' offense and should receive a big contract because of it.

Pittman isn't worrying about the contract, though. He was telling reporters earlier in April that "it'll happen eventually," and leaving it to his agent. The wideout figures to be a big part of the Colts' future.

But does Pittman deserve a big contract? Will the Colts give him an extension? Let's see what makes sense for Indianapolis' rebuild.

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Does Michael Pittman Jr. Deserve A Big Contract?

Since Pittman was drafted, he has been a reliable outside target for the Colts. He had 40 catches for 503 yards and one touchdown as a rookie. In his second season, he tallied 88 catches for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns. Last year, the 6-foot-4 wideout finished with 99 catches for 925 yards and four touchdowns. 

His 2022 season was a slight drop-off from 2021; however, he still saw a high volume of targets in Indianapolis' offense. The Colts added Alec Pierce in last year's draft and Josh Downs in the 2023 NFL Draft, but Pittman should be the top wide receiver option moving forward. 

The numbers for Pittman in his first three years are solid, especially considering all the different quarterbacks he has had. In 2020, the Colts ran with Philip Rivers. In 2021, it was Carson Wentz under center. In 2022, Matt Ryan started 12 of 17 games. Now entering his fourth season, he'll catch passes from rookie Anthony Richardson or Gardner Minshew in 2023.

The talent is there for Pittman, and developing a connection with Richardson will be key for his future in Indianapolis.  

Will The Colts Give Pittman An Extension?

Pittman has often expressed this offseason that he isn't worried about a contract extension. That's fantastic fantasy football news because even if he doesn't get a new deal, he won't hold out. 

The Colts haven't said much about a Pittman extension, but it should happen eventually. The wideout has been a bright spot for the offense, and he will likely help Richardson develop over the years. At just 25 years old, the best years are ahead of him. 

Staying with the Colts on a new contract will also be the best-case fantasy scenario. He's finished as a WR2 over the past two seasons in PPR (WR17 in 2021 & WR20 in 2022) and has continued to see a high volume of targets. This year should be no different. 

He does have WR1 upside, but that depends on his quarterback play in 2023. Pittman should be a key fantasy option again this season and for years to come. 

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