Steelers Acquire Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. in Trade with Colts

Pittsburgh adds a top target after Indianapolis invests heavily in Alec Pierce

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to trade wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a deal that includes a late-round pick swap. Pittman and the Steelers also agreed to a new three-year contract worth up to $59 million.

Why it matters

The Colts re-signed wideout Alec Pierce to a four-year, $116 million deal, so they needed to free up salary cap space. Pittman was their leading receiver last season, so this trade allows them to invest in Pierce while the Steelers add a top target to their passing attack.

The details

Pittman led the Colts with 80 receptions and seven touchdown catches last season, and he was third on the team with 784 receiving yards. The Steelers' second-most productive wide receiver in 2022 was Calvin Austin III with 31 catches, 372 yards and three touchdowns, so Pittman provides a significant upgrade.

  • The trade was agreed to on March 9, 2026.

The players

Michael Pittman Jr.

A wide receiver who led the Indianapolis Colts in receptions, receiving touchdowns, and was third in receiving yards in 2022.

Alec Pierce

A wide receiver who the Indianapolis Colts re-signed to a four-year, $116 million contract.

Calvin Austin III

The Pittsburgh Steelers' second-most productive wide receiver in 2022 with 31 catches, 372 yards and three touchdowns.

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What they’re saying

“The Steelers simply need receivers, as Calvin Austin III was their second-most productive wideout last season with 31 catches, 372 yards and three touchdowns. Pittman can be more of a volume receiver with DK Metcalf as the explosive-play threat.”

— Jeff Howe, Author (nytimes.com)

What’s next

The Steelers will likely continue to add more pieces at the wide receiver position to build out their passing attack around Pittman and DK Metcalf.

The takeaway

This trade allows the Colts to free up salary cap space after investing heavily in Alec Pierce, while the Steelers add a top receiving threat to complement their existing options and improve their passing game.