The Steelers’ first open practice is Wednesday at Saint Vincent College, and we’re counting down the days with a look at their 15 most important players entering the 2026 season. Next up is Michael Pittman Jr.

One of Mike McCarthy’s biggest offensive priorities for the Steelers this season is simple: throw more often and more efficiently on first down.

For that to happen, Michael Pittman Jr. will need to be a key factor.

And not simply because the Steelers traded for him and signed him to a three-year, $59 million contract.

Pittman is one of the best receivers in the NFL at creating quick separation and thriving in the short passing game. Pro Football Focus charted him as one of the most efficient receivers on short passes — between zero and nine yards from the line of scrimmage — in 2025.

His 58 targets at that range were 12th most among NFL receivers. He ranked in the top 10 in short receptions and receiving yards on those receptions his position group, and among the top five in yards gained per route run and reception rate among qualified receivers.

What helped him achieve those stats was his ability to beat press coverage and counter jam efforts from even the best cornerbacks in the NFL. His film repeatedly showed him defeating press coverage with efficient footwork and strong hands, even against elite corners such as the Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II.

At 6 feet 4, 223 pounds, Pittman has the size to go up and get the football. Still, the deep ball has never been the best part of his game. In his first six years in the league, he has just 21 receptions on deep passes — targets at least 20 yards downfield. Only four of those receptions went for touchdowns. His new partner, DK Metcalf, has more receptions and touchdowns on deep passes in his last two seasons alone.

That doesn’t mean the skills of the 2020 second-round pick from USC will limit the Steelers. Combined with Metcalf, the two can present a multi-faceted challenge for secondaries and give McCarthy a wider variety of talent to plan around. If defenses double-team either receiver, the other will be left in a favorable one-on-one coverage — and that excites Pittman.

“I think me and him are going to do well.” Pittman said in May. “Obviously, you know teams are going to double-team him, then that’s going to leave me free. If they’re going to double-team me, it’s going to leave him free.”

Without a proven No. 2 receiver last season, the Steelers struggled to find counters for defenses that consistently double-teamed Metcalf. Pittman’s history as the Colts’ primary receiver gives the Steelers two top threats for the first time in years.

McCarthy’s offense won’t be built solely on explosive plays. Instead, the Steelers will work to stay ahead of the chains and win consistently manageable situations. Pittman’s skills make him a natural fit for McCarthy to incorporate him in spacing concepts, stick concepts and glance routes to give Aaron Rodgers more opportunities with a quick passing attack.

That could make Pittman the key to unlocking the rest of the Steelers’ offense.