Colts WR Michael Pittman reveals what he's 'chasing' in 2024

Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman is coming off a career-high 109 catches for 1,152 yards in 2023. As a result, Indianapolis rewarded him with a three-year, $70 million contract extension this offseason.

Now with some long-term security, the 26-year-old is looking to take his game to another level.

"I'm chasing respect," Pittman said via Bobby Kownack of NFL.com. "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 has already been a 1,000-yard receiver in two of his first four years in the NFL. That's why finding the end zone is a new priority for him.

"I think that starts with probably more touchdowns," Pittman added. "In my career, I haven't been a big touchdown guy. That's something that I'm really gonna focus on. So that's my first step, and then once we get that going, we'll start looking in other directions."

The former second-round pick has never had more than six receiving touchdowns in a season, which came in 2021, and only has 15 total in four years.

Those aren't bad numbers by any means, but he knows he must become an all-around player if he wants to be considered one of the best at his position.

A key player that must help him reach those goals is second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson. The No. 4 overall pick in 2023 flashed as a rookie, throwing for 577 yards and three touchdowns while also rushing for 136 yards and four touchdowns before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5.

Pittman is confident he and Richardson can continue growing together this season.

"He's just more comfortable," Pittman finished. "He leads by example, but now he knows everybody, so he feels he can speak more confidently, and like I've also been kind of forcing him into those roles."

Pittman has led the Colts in receptions, yards and touchdowns in each of the past three seasons, but is the 2024 season the year he finally contends to lead the league in those categories?