INDIANAPOLIS – Life is good for Michael Pittman Jr., on several levels.
First, he emerged relatively unscathed from a collision with a few defensive backs two weeks ago. He bumped knees, but it looked worse at the time.
Pittman is being held out of the Indianapolis Colts’ mandatory minicamp for precautionary purposes, but is expected to be full-go when training camp opens in late July.
“Good, good,’’ Pittman said Wednesday. “I’m out here getting ready. I’m just not out there practicing. I’m going through my weight-lifting, stretching and all that stuff.
“It was just a bang-bang play. Wasn’t really thinking much, but it hurt a little bit in that moment. Other than that, I was fine.’’
Not only does Pittman have his health, he secured long-time financial security in March when he signed a three-year, $70 million contract that included $46 million in guarantees.
As it turned out, the Colts’ leading receiver was the tip of the spear of a burgeoning wide receivers’ market.
At the time, Pittman’s $23.3 million per-year average ranked No. 7 among receivers.
Now, he’s 12th.
Since Pittman re-upped with the Colts, six receivers have signed deals that have pushed the market to incredible heights: Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson ($35 million per season), Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown ($32 million), Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30 million), Miami’s Jaylen Waddle ($28.25 million), Philly’s DaVonta Smith ($25 million) and Houston’s Nico Collins ($24.25 million)
And with Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase and Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb in line for new deals, the prevailing question: How how is up?
Again, the Jefferson established the newest ceiling with a four-year, $140 million contract that included $110 million in guarantees.
“I mean, shoot, I don’t even know,’’ Pittman said. “It’s just going to keep going.
“I think it’s great because we’re getting to a point where you don’t even gotta be the guy and you’re going to get a lot of money. You could be receiver No. 2 and get 20 (million dollars) a year. And the top tier, you see JJ just get 35.’’
Pittman doesn’t regret being at the front of the line.
“I kind of expected it to keep going because there was a long line of guys that still had to sign,’’ he said. “For me, I just got to a place where I was comfortable.
“I felt like the structure was (right) and we thought it was a good time to just do the deal.
“I don’t look at other guys and just kick myself. I don’t really care that much. I signed it and even if guys are getting more, I think what I’m getting is a decent amount of money.’’
Pittman’s value to the Colts is undeniable.
He has led them in receiving in each of the past three seasons and is coming off the best year of his career. In 2023, he finished with 109 receptions for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns.
One of the things that’s motivating Pittman as he heads into his fifth season is earning respect nationally.
“It’s being respected at the top of my position,’’ he said, “which is what I’m going after.’’