The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to acquire wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. via a trade with the Indianapolis Colts. As the legal tampering period begins and moves get announced all over the place, General Manager Omar Khan went out and got a quality veteran wideout for just a late-round pick swap. He will make a great WR2 option opposite of star receiver, DK Metcalf. With both men standing at 6'4", it will be very difficult for opposing cornerbacks to limit damage done via jump balls, as they can't just double-cover both of them.
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Former Colts Michael Pittman Jr. runs with the football during a road game against the Houston Texans in 2025.
Shortly after the deal was announced, NFL insider Adam Schefter reporter that Pittman and the Steelers have also agreed on a contract to keep him in Pittsburgh for more than just 2026.
Steelers are signing their new WR Michael Pittman to a three-year, $59 million deal. https://t.co/E9xOdfDOfB
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2026
Pittman had one year left on the deal that he signed with the Colts. The three-year contract includes the one year he had in 2026, and two more years were added on to it. This now includes about $35 million in new money over the timeline of this deal, although it is currently unclear if the Steelers will add or remove some of that money from his current number at $24 million for 2026.
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Former Steelers safety Damontae Kazee gets ready to lay a hit on former Indianapolis Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. during a regular season game in 2023.
Pittman got paid like a WR2, so that is how he is expected to slot into this new offense under Mike McCarthy. Metcalf will continue to be the top option, but whenever he is double covered, the newest Steeler will get his chance to shine. This is a low-risk, high-reward move that will help set up present and future quarterbacks for success, and it proves why the team is ran by "The Khan Artist."
Pittman did have his struggles as the top option in Indianapolis, as he only eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards twice in his six-year career. The Colts had their own issues with wide receiver and quarterback, and he struggled to carry the load for them. However, it's clear that he still has plenty of talent, and it's very likely that being the WR2 and having Metcalf move defenders off of him could allow him to show his true potential.
Steelers Are Likely Not Done At Wide Receiver
Everyone knew the Steelers were going to target a wide receiver in the offseason, as they only had three under contract. However, trading for Pittman did not appear to be on anyone's radar. For the late-round pick swap, there are not exactly a ton of complaints on this move. On top of that, they could still bring in a veteran to provide more depth and stability at the position for 2026 as they also look to draft another wideout.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan holds up a phone to his ear as he stands in the team's War Room during the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Steelers are expected to run a lot more 11 personnel under McCarthy. That means that the wide receiver position becomes even more of a need, as he would normally want to have three wideouts on the field at once instead of two. Some depth options will be on the table, as well as a viable starting slot receiver.
What do you think about the Steelers trading for Pittman, as well as the contract they're signing him to? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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