Steelers Receive Pushback on Aggressive Trade

Pittsburgh's move to acquire Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. raises concerns about the team's receiver strategy.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a bold move in the NFL offseason, trading for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. However, the trade has received some pushback from analysts who question whether it aligns with the team's receiver needs. The Steelers are also facing uncertainty at the quarterback position, with four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers potentially leaving the team.

Why it matters

The Steelers' trade for Pittman is a high-profile move that could have significant implications for the team's offensive strategy and roster construction. Concerns have been raised about whether the team is addressing its most pressing receiver needs, particularly in the slot position. Additionally, the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh remains unsettled, which adds further complexity to the team's offseason planning.

The details

The Steelers traded for Pittman, a 28-year-old wide receiver, in a late-round pick swap. Pittman is set to sign a three-year, $59 million contract. The move comes after the Steelers shipped off wide receiver George Pickens last offseason. Analysts have pointed out that the Steelers' wide receivers ranked second-worst in yards from the slot last year, and they believe the team would have been better served by acquiring a threat like Rashid Shaheed, who signed a slightly cheaper deal to stay in Seattle.

  • The trade was agreed upon on Monday or Tuesday, but cannot be officially signed or finalized until the NFL's new league year and free agency period begin on Wednesday at 4 p.m. EST.
  • Last season, Pittman caught 80 passes for 784 yards and seven touchdowns while playing with several different quarterbacks, including Daniel Jones and an unretired Philip Rivers.

The players

Aaron Rodgers

A four-time NFL MVP quarterback who led the Pittsburgh Steelers to a 10-7 record and the playoffs in his first year with the team in 2025.

Will Howard

A quarterback prospect that the Steelers believe they have and are prepared to have on their roster if Rodgers does not return.

Michael Pittman Jr.

A 28-year-old wide receiver who the Steelers traded for from the Indianapolis Colts in a late-round pick swap. Pittman is set to sign a three-year, $59 million contract with the Steelers.

D.K. Metcalf

The Steelers' top wide receiver, who accounted for nearly half of the team's wide receiver receiving yards last year.

George Pickens

A wide receiver who the Steelers shipped off last offseason.

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What they’re saying

“Pittsburgh desperately needed a WR2 behind D.K. Metcalf (he accounted for nearly half of the Steelers WR receiving yards last year), but it's head-scratching to see them trade for another big wideout after shipping off George Pickens last offseason. Steelers wide receivers ranked second-worst in yards from the slot last year, so I would have much rather seen them find a threat like Rashid Shaheed.”

— Douglas Clawson, CBS Sports Analyst (CBS Sports)

“I think that they're hopeful and optimistic that he will come back. But if he doesn't, I think that where they go from there, people won't love this, but I think they believe that they have a quarterback prospect in Will Howard.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN NFL Reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.