

The Pittsburgh Steelers have acquired wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in a deal with the Indianapolis Colts.
The Colts started free agency off by signing Alec Pierce to a four-year, $114 million deal, making Pittman a trade candidate. The Steelers capitalized by making the move for Pittman to give them a quality wide receiver next to DK Metcalf.
Wide receiver was the top position of need for Pittsburgh, aside from quarterback, as they wait to see whether Aaron Rodgers will play in 2026.
Regardless of who is at quarterback, Pittman will be an impactful weapon for Mike McCarthy's offense. In the 2025 season, he hauled in 80 receptions for 784 yards and seven touchdowns.
That will pair well with Metcalf, who had 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns in his first season with the Steelers.
Pittsburgh's offense did not have a ton of reliable pass catchers in the 2025 season, as running back Kenneth Gainwell finished with the most receptions on the team with 73 catches for 486 yards and three touchdowns.
The pairing of Pittman and Metcalf gives the Steelers two big physical receivers, which will be tough for defenses to match up against.
They also have their slot receiver in place with Calvin Austin, who showed potential in the 2025 season with 31 receptions for 372 yards and three touchdowns.
The Steelers now have their wide receiver trio in place for 2026 and beyond, as they lock in Pittman on a three-year, $59 million extension.
Thomas Shea-Imagn ImagesMcCarthy is entering his first season as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he has a ton of experience, leading top offenses for both the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys.
With Pittman coming in, he can open the playbook up more as the Steelers look to win the AFC North title for a second-straight season against tough competition, as the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals are also upgrading their rosters.
It was important for Pittsburgh to address the wide receiver position, and with the trade for Pittman, they now have talented weapons for whoever the quarterback is in the 2026 season.
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