Steelers' Mike McCarthy Thinks Michael Pittman Jr Is Definitely A Perfect Fit: "That's How We Play Football"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone through a significant change this offseason. That was brought upon them when Mike Tomlin decided to step down as head coach following the 2025 campaign. To replace Tomlin, the Steelers' front office decided to hire fellow Yinzer Mike McCarthy to serve as just the franchise's 17th head coach all-time. McCarthy, while similar to Tomlin, is more of an offensive-minded coach. He has already announced on several offseason media outlets that he will call the plays for the offense in 2026. The former Super Bowl champion will bring a change of philosophy to the Black and Gold, giving fans reason to be optimistic for the upcoming season.

In free agency this month, the Steelers have lived up to that change in philosophy thus far. They signed their fair share of defensive guys in Jamel Dean, Jaquan Brisker, and Sebastian Joseph-Day. All were positions of need, but they also upgraded big-time on offense, trading for Michael Pittman Jr., and signing Rico Dowdle. The franchise traded for star wide receiver DK Metcalf on March 9th of 2025, the same date they traded for Pittman this year. A big difference this time around is that Pittman will be expected to fill the WR2 role, whereas Metcalf has been looked at to lead the room. Pittman can play both outside and inside, and is an exceptional blocker in the run game.

McCarthy recently appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, where he talked about the team and their offseason so far. McCarthy gave General Manager Omar Khan credit for going out and acquiring Pittman, believing the former Indianapolis Colts standout is the perfect fit for his West Coast style offense. 

"He's perfect, he's the way I love to play. Bigger target, can play all three spots, you know, he can play the X, Z, and the F. You know, move him around," McCarthy explained. "That's just the way we like to play football. We like to play concept football and keep moving our guys around to try to create matchups." 

The former USC Trojan has always played multiple roles. He is a bigger slot receiver who can be a mismatch for teams' nickel cornerbacks. Pittman's versatility not only opens up Pittsburgh's offense, but also their 2026 NFL Draft plans. Having him on the roster makes wide receiver a less urgent need. Khan is likely to select a wide receiver to ensure the room won't be a problem again, and McCarthy's offense also requires three capable wide receivers always ready.

If the season started today, Ben Skowronek and Roman Wilson would battle it out for the WR3 spot. Skowronek is more of a special teamer, and Wilson, while he will likely make the team, hasn't been able to see the field consistently yet in his young career. A wide receiver in the first or second round, then one in the later rounds, would round out the room nicely. Pittman's versatility can also play a role in which receiver the team could draft. They could use a slot receiver, a guy like KC Concepcion, but using Pittman in the slot could suffice as well.

Steelers Should Sit Tight At 21 In The Draft

The Steelers are picking 21st overall in the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh come late April. This draft class is deep at the wide receiver position. With there being no urgent needs on the roster, there's no reason the Steelers should trade up. If they select a wide receiver as expected, a guy like Omar Cooper Jr., Denzel Boston, or even Jordyn Tyson may fall due to injury concerns. They will get their guy, and Pittman's unique skill set will make whoever they draft the right fit for the offense. 

Pittman fills a huge need for the Steelers, and the team will finally have at least two reliable wide receivers on the roster for the first time in years -- and maybe more. With the quarterback situation still to be solved, whoever it is will have a solid core of wide receivers to work with.

#SteelerNation