The Pittsburgh Steelers are making a long-awaited splash at wide receiver.
On Monday, the Indianapolis Colts agreed to trade WR Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers in a late-round pick swap (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter), less than an hour after the Colts agreed to a four-year, $116M deal with WR Alec Pierce. Pittsburgh then agreed to a three-year, $59M deal with Pittman, per NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.
It appears to be a wise move for Pittsburgh, which clearly needs a WR2 behind DK Metcalf.
How pending Michael Pittman Jr. trade helps Steelers
It’s no secret Metcalf carried Pittsburgh’s passing attack last season, leading the team in targets (99) and receiving yards (850). No other Steeler surpassed 486 receiving yards during the regular season last season, so it’s no surprise the AFC North club ranked 22nd in the NFL in passing yards per game (198.2).
The pending trade for Pittman gives Pittsburgh another quality pass-catcher besides Metcalf. Since the Colts took the former USC Trojans star with pick No. 34 in the 2020 NFL Draft, he has remained a consistent option in the passing game, tying for 10th in the NFL in receptions (485) and 17th in receiving yards (5,254), via StatMuse.
Keep in mind that’s with a revolving door at quarterback. During his tenure with the Colts, Pittman caught passes from QBs Carson Wentz, Anthony Richardson Sr., Daniel Jones and Philip Rivers, to name a few.
A WR who can produce with nearly any QB will be key for the Steelers. Their future at the most important position remains uncertain even if QB Aaron Rodgers returns in 2026. There’s a strong chance it could be the 42-year-old’s final season if he does.
Beyond him, the Steelers lack an answer at QB. Their active roster features QBs Mason Rudolph and Will Howard. Rudolph has a 9-9-1 starting record in the regular season, while 2025 sixth-round pick Howard didn’t play during his rookie season.
Pittsburgh may wait until the 2027 NFL Draft to take a QB, which looks stronger at the position than this year’s crop. Highly touted QBs Arch Manning (Texas Longhorns) and Dante Moore (Oregon Ducks) headline the class.
As the Steelers enter a new phase under head coach Mike McCarthy, they’ll clearly make many roster tweaks. At least Pittsburgh has potentially filled one hole with the agreed trade for Pittman.