The Pittsburgh Steelers are looking to remain competitive despite having a new coach and potentially a new quarterback under center. Despite winning the AFC North last season, the Steelers lost in the AFC Wild Card Round. Now, they are looking to re-tool and continue to be competitive. Let’s take a closer look at this trade the Pittsburgh Steelers made and what it means for them going into the 2026 season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers trade for and extend Michael Pittman Jr
Michael Pittman Jr, Pittsburgh Steelers
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) pulls in a pass during warmups Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, ahead of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts have agreed to a late-round pick swap in a trade including wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. In addition to the trade, the Steelers are signing him to a three-year, $59 million contract extension. With Pittman now being part of a strong 1-2 punch with wide receiver DK Metcalf, this offense has a lot of potential in the passing game.
This move seemingly comes right after the Indianapolis Colts re-signed Alec Pierce to a four-year, $116 million contract. Pittman has been a stalwart for the team as its number-one receiver as in 16 games last season, he would record 80 catches on 111 targets for 784 yards (9.8 yards per reception) with a career-high seven receiving touchdowns. Pairing with Metcalf should allow him to be more of a threat as teams have to prepare for both receivers.
It will be interesting to see if the Pittsburgh Steelers are signaling that Aaron Rodgers is going to return to the team for his second season with them and pair up with his former coach, Mike McCarthy. Either way, the Steelers have significantly improved their wide receiver room for whoever is going to be under center for the team in the 2026 season.