Jim Nantz Surprised By The Steelers' Tremendous Offensive Addition In 2026: "I Hear Great Things"

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2024 season with concerns at wide receiver, and while the 2025 offseason initially appeared to solve the issue, questions still remain. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan made a major move by trading for star wideout DK Metcalf to boost the offense. However, about a month later, Pittsburgh dealt its top receiver, George Pickens, leaving the position in flux once again.

Khan and new head coach Mike McCarthy made it abundantly clear they were committed to fixing the wide receiver room. They followed through by striking a deal with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire Michael Pittman Jr. Known for his blue-collar mentality and physical style of play, Pittman is widely viewed as a perfect fit for Pittsburgh’s identity. Many analysts believe Steelers fans will quickly embrace the impact he brings to the offense.

While speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, legendary broadcaster Jim Nantz shared his excitement about the Steelers’ newest offensive addition. He pointed to Pittman’s consistency and toughness as traits that translate well in big moments. Nantz also noted that adding a receiver of Pittman’s caliber will elevate the entire offense moving forward.

"Michael Pittman to the Steelers," Nantz said while speaking on McAfee's show on Tuesday morning. "I think that Michael Pittman, you had Metcalf getting all the coverage. There was no number two -- no really scary number two for any defense for the Steelers. I mean, Pittman, he has had a 100-catch season. He had the one year where his back was a little hurt."

McAfee, who played for the Colts and is a self-proclaimed Indianapolis guy at this stage in his media career, knows Pittman well. He spoke about how his back issues stemmed from the fact that he'll just throw his body into any car crash on the football field.

"I love him as a player," Nantz said. "I don't know him as a person, but I hear great things about him. I just think he's a tremendous player. I think if you had to sit down, if you are gonna keep Alec Pierce or Michael Pittman, I would have thought about that one a long, long time."

Pittman has quietly been one of the most productive wide receivers in the league over the past several seasons. From 2021 through 2023, he consistently put up top-tier numbers, including a 1,000-yard campaign in 2021 and another in 2023. 

That 2023 season was especially impressive, as Pittman hauled in 109 receptions while serving as a focal point of the offense. Even in 2022, when he finished with 925 yards, he remained a reliable and high-volume target.

Steelers' New WR Does More Than Just Produce

Pittman’s impact goes far beyond what shows up on the stat sheet. His physicality, toughness, and willingness to do the dirty work make him a different kind of weapon. Whether it is fighting for extra yards, blocking in the run game, or making contested catches in traffic, Pittman brings a level of intensity that embodies the identity of Pittsburgh. That is exactly why Steeler Nation is so excited about what he adds to this offense.

When someone as respected and connected to the game as Nantz speaks so highly of a player, it only reinforces the belief that Pittsburgh made the right move. Pittman has already proven he can produce at a high level, but his mindset and style of play suggest his best football could still be ahead of him. For a team looking to reestablish itself offensively, this addition could end up being exactly what the Steelers needed.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I read and respond. 

#SteelerNation