Michael Pittman Jr. has a gut feeling.
The new Steelers receiver stressed that he has no inside information when it comes to Aaron Rodgers, the mercurial quarterback deciding on whether he wants to run it back.
But he thinks the 42-year-old still has the itch.
“I think that he wants to play,” Pittman said on “Up & Adams” on Monday. “Just knowing Aaron prior to this, I just think that he’s going to try and play as long as he can. He’s a beast.”
It would certainly help Pittman’s chances to compete for a Super Bowl if Rodgers returns for a 22nd season in 2026 due to limited quality options.
There are no high-ceiling options remaining in free agency, and the Steelers are not in a position to draft a projected Day 1 starter since they own the 21st pick.
The team has the underwhelming options of Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster.
The Steelers have made it known they would like Rodgers back, but he said earlier this offseason he had yet to receive a contract offer.
Pittman, 28, has already spoken with his new coach, Mike McCarthy, but is leaving Rodgers alone.
“I’m trying to give him space because Aaron is a guy, he likes his space. He likes to get refreshed. Like, I didn’t want to just get signed and blow him up like, ‘Hey, Aaron, what’s the deal?’” Pittman said.
“Just give him time, ya know? Him and his wife, they got to handle some things and then he will decide if he wants to come back or not.”
Just as Rodgers would help Pittman’s chances of winning his first title, having Pittman on the team certainly makes Pittsburgh a more appealing destination.
Last year’s Steelers team relied on DK Metcalf in the passing game, while this addition gives the team a strong receiving combination.
Pittman is coming off two disappointing seasons in which he tallied 808 and 784 receiving yards, respectively, while adding 10 scores across those years.
Rodgers took until June last year to make his decision and it’s possible it may be another long wait.
“I think they’re going to give him the most time that he needs,” Pittman said. “At the end of the day, we also have two other quarterbacks on the roster that I think are great guys too in Will and Mason, so we have really good plans whether he doesn’t come back or whether he does.
“Obviously, hoping that he comes back.”