The Pittsburgh Steelers' trade for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. went slightly under the radar on a day when over a billion dollars' worth of free agent contracts were given out. The veteran receiver had been named as a potential cut/trade candidate due to his teammate, Alec Pierce, needing a massive new deal. As soon as Pierce agreed to a deal with the Colts, the Steelers swooped in.
The deal made sense for both sides, but the Steelers look like the big winners early on. Not only were they able to lock Pittman Jr. down with a contract extension right away, but the trade details show that this was essentially a salary dump by the Colts.
According to Steelers insider Mark Kaboly, the Steelers are trading one of their sixth-round picks in this year's draft for one of the Colts seventh-round picks and Pittman Jr.
The Steelers will give up one of their 6th-round picks in exchange for Michael Pittman and the Colts' 7th rounder, according to league source(s). So, basically, a salary dump by the Colts, and the Steelers benefit tremendously from it. pic.twitter.com/cz8sR0YcMB
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) March 10, 2026
The Pittsburgh Steelers managed to get Michael Pittman Jr. basically for free
Am I personally the biggest fan of Pittman Jr.'s game? Not really, but he is undoubtedly the second-best receiver on the team now behind DK Metcalf, and would have been last season as well. He is a true possession receiver with strong hands and the size to be a true X receiver or big-slot weapon.
Pittsburgh lacked a player with that skillset last season, and it showed. When Metcalf couldn't win deep or create yards after the catch, the passing offense's explosiveness completely dried up. Pittman may not be an explosive mover, but he is a much better contested catch threat than Metcalf (career 52.6% compared to Metcalf's 42.1%) and can outmuscle defenders down the field.
Pittsburgh still needs to find a true slot receiver in the draft or free agency, preferably one who can separate at a high level. That would give head coach Mike McCarthy all the pieces he needs to run his offense at the highest level possible.
Even if Pittman is nothing more than a solid No. 2 receiver, it would be well worth the $59 million and the late-round pick swap it took to bring him on board.