INDIANAPOLIS - Michael Pittman Jr. dreamed of reaching free agency, of getting to see all of his potential suitors line up and weigh them against the situation he enjoyed in Indianapolis.

But he knew that was never going to happen.

But unlike the last time a Colts star player was faced with the potential of the franchise tag, Pittman had faith this would all work out. He sensed the moment the Colts were in with a developing Anthony Richardson and a team that just went 9-8. He'd kept the dialogue open with general manager Chris Ballard.

He wanted the Colts to identify him as a true foundational player, and that's what they did with a contract that will pay him $70 million over three seasons and make him the eighth-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL.

"I kind of knew the whole time that this was going to happen," Pittman said.

He wore a navy blue suit to sign his new deal, his first veteran contract as an NFL player.

"I think It's just fulfilling to know that you are the guy they drafted you to be," he said.

Pittman grew up in this business as the son of an 11-year NFL running back. He always wanted to have his best season in a contract year and did, finishing sixth in the NFL with 109 catches and 14th with 1,152 yards.

After four years with seven different starting quarterbacks, including a new option entering each season, he grew excited about the prospect of becoming the No. 1 option for a player as talented as Richardson, someone he compared to a running back, quarterback and receiver all in the same body.

GO DEEPER: The multiple personalities of Michael Pittman Jr.

Even with Richardson going down after just four starts last season, Pittman found a way to have his best season. Along the way, he was able to show growth in the ways he handled adversity, and general manager Chris Ballard fell in love with those traits as a potential cornerstone player.

"Look, he cares about winning. He wants to win. And when you're a good player, part of that is you want the football," Ballard said. "I don't know that I would want to be around a guy who doesn't want the football."

"... One thing you don't have to worry about with that guy is he empties the tank."

So, faced with the franchise tag, a strong fit on the field and a community where he's gotten married, become a father and bought a home, Pittman found it was time to settle down. He opted for a three-year deal over a four-year one, but it isn't because he's looking to leave.

"With how fast the receiver market is accelerating, I think it's nice to have an option after two (years) to maybe re-up it," Pittman said.

Indeed, the deals are flying fast at the receiver position. In addition to the deal Mike Evans signed last week for two years and $41 million plus incentives at age 30, Calvin Ridley inked a contract with the Titans for four years and $92 million. Before long, names like Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase will only raise the ceiling at the position.

Pittman is betting on himself again, this time to produce for two seasons in his prime with Richardson at quarterback rather than the carousel he's used to. If it works, he could sign a new deal entering his contract year in 2026 at age 28 that is bigger than this one, given the inflation of the salary cap.

Of course, that gap in time also could allow the Colts to draft another wide receiver with extension potential in that span. This year's NFL Draft class is considered one of the best in recent memory at the position.

But that's a concern for later. Pittman is locked in as the Colts' No. 1 wide receiver. He's set to get the ball a bunch, which is what he's always looking for. And he's ready to do what his career hasn't let him do until now: build with one quarterback.

"I think we're just going to open it up," Pittman said. "I think with (Anthony) coming back, we get a guy we've had for two years straight and we're going to really see what he can do and all his talent. I'm just looking forward to accenting him and making him the best player he can be and him making me the best player I can be."

Contact Nate Atkins at natkins@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @NateAtkins_.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Michael Pittman Jr. has a plan with new Colts contract