Steelers Trade for Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr.

Pittsburgh adds a proven possession receiver to complement DK Metcalf

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts. Pittman, a 28-year-old veteran, has had four seasons with at least 80 catches and is coming off a 109-catch, 1,152-yard campaign in 2023. The Steelers sent a late-round pick to the Colts in the deal and signed Pittman to a three-year, $59 million extension.

Why it matters

The Steelers' receiving corps was thin a couple years ago, even after trading for DK Metcalf. Pittman adds a reliable possession receiver to complement Metcalf's big-play ability. With the Steelers' quarterback situation still uncertain, having two proven wideouts will be crucial for the offense.

The details

The Colts signed receiver Alec Pierce to a four-year, $114 million extension on Monday, making it difficult for them to also keep the highly paid Pittman. Indianapolis opted to trade Pittman to the Steelers for a late-round pick swap, providing some salary relief. Pittsburgh then signed Pittman to a three-year, $59 million contract extension.

  • The Colts signed Alec Pierce to a four-year, $114 million extension on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Michael Pittman Jr.

A 28-year-old wide receiver who has had four seasons with at least 80 catches in his NFL career, including a 109-catch, 1,152-yard campaign in 2023.

DK Metcalf

A star wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, acquired in a trade from the Seattle Seahawks last offseason.

Alec Pierce

A wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts who signed a four-year, $114 million extension on Monday, March 9, 2026.

Daniel Jones

The quarterback situation for the Indianapolis Colts is not completely resolved, with Daniel Jones as a potential option.

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What they’re saying

“Pittman adds a needed possession receiver to the mix. In four of his six NFL seasons he has had at least 80 catches. Pittman topped out with 109 catches for 1,152 yards for the Colts in 2023.”

— Frank Schwab, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Steelers will look to integrate Pittman into their offense alongside DK Metcalf, with the team still needing to determine their starting quarterback for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Steelers have significantly upgraded their receiving corps over the past two offseasons, first acquiring DK Metcalf and now adding the reliable Michael Pittman Jr. This should provide a strong foundation for their passing attack, regardless of who ends up under center in 2026.