Colts' Pittman eyes big 2024 after extension: 'I'm chasing respect'
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman is looking for a breakout 2024 season after signing a contract extension.
"I'm chasing respect," Pittman told reporters Wednesday, per Bobby Kownack of NFL Network. "The whole thing that comes with being an older guy, it's like I'm known now, but I need to get to that next level and reach that next tier."
Pittman inked a three-year, $71.5-million extension with the Colts just a week after they placed the franchise tag on him this offseason. The deal includes $46 million guaranteed.
The USC product set career highs in receiving yards (1,152) and receptions (109) last campaign. Pittman has eclipsed 1,000 yards in two of his four NFL seasons and has led the Colts in receiving yards in each of the previous three years.
One area of Pittman's game that he's looking to improve is his touchdowns. The 26-year-old has just 15 career scores and has only posted more than five touchdowns in a single campaign once.
"In my career, I haven't been a big touchdown guy. That's something that I'm really gonna focus on," Pittman said. "So, that's my first step, and then once we get that going, we'll start looking in other directions."
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will enter his second season after only playing in four contests in his rookie campaign. Pittman had high praise for the former fourth overall pick, saying he "leads by example" and that he looks more comfortable.
Pittman has 336 catches and 3,662 receiving yards in 62 career games.