The Pittsburgh Steelers made a splash on the first day of the legal tampering period as the organization traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The deal was made with the Indianapolis Colts for just a late-round pick swap as the Colts were essentially just looking to dump his salary. The Steelers signed Pittman to a new extension once the trade was completed, and he is set to be in Pittsburgh through the 2029 season. He is a great addition to the roster as he is a reliable wide receiver that is in the middle of his prime, and he should help the offense excel through the air in 2026.
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Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. jogs on the field during a professional football game.
Pittman has spent his entire career with Indianapolis, but it was likely that he would be traded after the Colts re-signed Alec Pierce to a lucrative contract. He has the character of a player that represents the black and gold as he prides himself on doing the dirty work as a wide receiver, which includes blocking downfield. He is slotted behind DK Metcalf as the team's number two wide receiver, but he also seems to understand that the team will add to the room. The wide receiver spoke to the media on Friday, and he was asked about whether or not his versatility will allow the team to be flexible in acquiring another wide receiver.
"Absolutely, yeah, I think I can play inside, outside," Pittman said. "I'm pretty sure that they might be looking at somebody. They haven't said that, but just looking at our room, it does look a little thin numbers-wise."
Currently, Pittsburgh's wide receiver room is made up of Metcalf, Pittman, Roman Wilson, and Ben Skowronek. Wilson has not exactly found his footing in the NFL quite yet, while Skowronek is more of a blocking wide receiver and special teams player. The franchise is going to acquire another wide receiver or two, either in free agency or through the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. smiles as he stands on the playing surface prior to competing in a professional football contest.
Pittsburgh is in great position to draft a top wide receiver in the 2026 NFL Draft. The organization has the 21st overall pick, as well as a ton of draft capital if the franchise wanted to consider moving up in the first round. It doesn't seem like more than one or two wideouts will be selected in the top ten of the event, which could bode well for Pittsburgh.
Pittman being able to play inside and outside will allow the franchise to keep its options open when bringing in another wide receiver. Some names to consider in the draft are going to include Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, Denzel Boston, and KC Concepcion. Those are some of the top names entering the draft, while the draft is also deep at the position. Pittsburgh could find a gem on Day 2 or Day 3 of the event.
Steelers' Michael Pittman Jr. Would Set A Great Example For A Rookie Wide Receiver
Pittman impressed many during his opening press conference, and he has also been highly regarded around the league for his character and leadership abilities. He has played with inconsistent quarterbacks throughout his career, and not once has he complained publicly. He is a role model for younger wide receivers coming into the NFL, which is a good thing for Pittsburgh as the organization may need to draft a wide receiver in April.
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Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) points towards a referee to make sure he is lined up properly during a professional football contest at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The veteran wide receiver recorded nearly 800 receiving yards during the 2025 season, and he scored seven times. That type of production is exactly what the Steelers need, and his presence should take some attention away from Metcalf.
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