Colts Trade WR Michael Pittman Jr. to Steelers

Steelers acquire talented receiver as Colts clear cap space

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Indianapolis Colts have traded wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to multiple reports. Pittman, who had 80 catches for 784 yards and 7 touchdowns last season, will join the Steelers' receiving corps that already includes DK Metcalf. The trade clears over $24 million in cap space for the Colts, who have also agreed to trade linebacker Zaire Franklin to the Green Bay Packers.

Why it matters

The Steelers have been seeking to upgrade their receiving options, and the addition of Pittman gives them a talented young wideout to pair with Metcalf. For the Colts, the trade frees up significant salary cap space as they look to rebuild their roster around new quarterback Alec Pierce, who they signed as a free agent.

The details

In the trade, the Colts will send Pittman, a 2020 second-round draft pick, to the Steelers. Pittman is coming off a strong 2025 season where he had 80 receptions for 784 yards and 7 touchdowns. The Steelers, who acquired DK Metcalf in a trade last year, now have two of the NFL's top young receivers on their roster as they look to overhaul their offense under new head coach Mike McCarthy.

  • The trade will be completed when the new league year begins on Wednesday, March 13, 2026.

The players

Michael Pittman Jr.

A 25-year-old wide receiver who was drafted by the Colts in the 2nd round in 2020 and had 80 catches for 784 yards and 7 touchdowns last season.

DK Metcalf

A 27-year-old wide receiver who was traded to the Steelers last March and is one of the NFL's top young receivers.

Alec Pierce

The Colts' new starting quarterback after signing him as a free agent this offseason.

Zaire Franklin

A linebacker for the Colts who was also traded, this time to the Green Bay Packers.

Mike McCarthy

The new head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, tasked with overhauling their offense.

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What they’re saying

“We must continue to build our roster with top-end talent, and Michael Pittman Jr. fits that mold perfectly.”

— Mike Tomlin, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers (Steelers.com)

“This trade allows us to free up significant cap space as we look to retool our roster around Alec Pierce and other key pieces.”

— Chris Ballard, General Manager, Indianapolis Colts (IndyStar)

What’s next

The Steelers will look to integrate Pittman into their offense alongside DK Metcalf, while the Colts will continue to build around their new quarterback Alec Pierce in the offseason.

The takeaway

This trade represents a win-win for both teams - the Steelers get a talented young receiver to pair with Metcalf, while the Colts clear significant cap space to continue rebuilding their roster around their new franchise QB.