The Pittsburgh Steelers waited less than an hour into the league’s legal tampering period to acquire a wide receiver — Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday the Steelers executed a trade for Pittman. The full details of the trade have yet to be released. But multiple insiders have reported the deal will be include a Day 3 draft pick swap.
“I’m told the Colts are flipping ‘late round picks’ with the Steelers in trade for Michael Pittman,” wrote NFL insider Josina Anderson on X.
From the Colts perspective, the trade came about an hour after the team agreed to a contract extension with fellow receiver Alec Pierce. Before the deal, pundits considered Pierce one of the top free agent wideouts.
Pittman posted 80 catches for 784 receiving yards with seven touchdowns in 17 games last season. He reached the 1,000-yard plateau during 2021 and 2023.
The Steelers are adding Pittman after years of receiver trade speculation. The team acquired 2025 leading receiver D.K. Metcalf in a trade last offseason.
Ironically, the Steelers also traded for Metcalf on March 9.
Steelers Acquire Michael Pittman Jr. From Colts: Report
In Pittman, the Steelers are landing a wideout who has posted at least 775 receiving yards in each of the past five seasons. Metcalf was Pittsburgh’s only pass-catcher to eclipse that mark during 2025.
Calvin Austin III, who is an unrestricted free agent, was second among Steelers receivers last season with 372 yards.
With Metcalf and Pittman, Pittsburgh will have its best 1-2 wide receiver tandem in years under first-year head coach Mike McCarthy. General manager Omar Khan was able to give the team that without giving up a top draft choice.
To fully grade the trade, pundits and fans will have to wait until all the details of the deal come out. Entering March 9, the Steelers held seven Day 3 picks, including two in the fourth round.
Steelers insider Mark Kaboly raved about the trade on X minutes after the deal.
Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora was a little more skeptical of what Pittman’s impact could be. But Kozora still saw the move as an upgrade with potentially another receiver addition for Pittsburgh coming this offseason.
“Pittman is a tough dude over the middle but game had been declining, does most damage underneath, but I was looking for someone a little more dynamic than what he offers,” wrote Kozora.
“Pittsburgh still could — and likely will — make more moves in FA and/or draft.”
Steelers Signing Pittman to Contract Extension: Report
Shortly after the trade, reports from multiple insiders also surfaced the Steelers were signing Pittman to a new contract.
“The Steelers are giving WR Michael Pittman Jr. a new three-year, $59 million deal, source says,” reported NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. “New team and new money for Pittman.”
Prior to the new contract, Pittman had a year remaining on his current deal.
His 2026 cap hit was set to be $24 million. Pundits strongly expect that number to be much lower for the upcoming season.
Pittman could be 32 years old when his extension with the Steelers expires. That may be a concern since Pittman’s receiving yards have dropped each of the past two years.
But he could get more targets in Pittsburgh than Indianapolis going forward. And in the immediate future, it’s hard not to like what Pittman will likely bring to the Steelers offense.
Steelers Land 2-Time 1,000-Yard WR in Bargain Trade: Report