Breaking Down the Steelers Trade of Michael Pittman
Monday began the first day of the new league year in the NFL, and the Pittsburgh Steelers wasted no time addressing their biggest need of the offseason, as they have acquired veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first mentioned the deal, and that the two teams will be swapping late round picks, while NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Pittman being signed to a three-year, $59 million dollar extension from the Steelers.
Pittman was a second round draft selection of the Colts out of USC in 2020.
The 28-year-old wideout spent the first six years of his career with Indianapolis. He recorded over 1,000 yards receiving twice in 2021 (1,082) and 2023 (1,152). This past season, Pittman had 784 yards receiving and a career-high seven touchdown receptions.
Assessment of the deal: Pittman was set to make $22 million in 2026, but the Colts made him expendable, this after re-signing Alec Pierce to a four-year deal for $116 million, which now makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in the league.
As for the Steelers, they needed to bring in a bonafide, WR2, to pair alongside DK Metcalf. Pittsburgh finished 2025 ranked 22nd in passing offense, so the addition of Pittman should help remedy that issue.
The Steelers are certainly in a favorable position, in regards to available cap space. Before this move, they had over $51 million to spend.
This situation with Pittman is very similar to what the Steelers did last offseason with Metcalf, when they acquired him from the Seattle Seahawks and then extended him shortly after.
Steelers general manager, Omar Khan, took advantage of a team looking to move a quality receiver for cap purposes, and add to a position that quite frankly had been ignored the past two seasons. For the beginning of new league year, it’s a great start for the Steelers offense.