Michael Pittman Jr.
Getty
Michael Pittman Jr. was the Colts' leading receiver in 2022.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a blockbuster trade at the start of the NFL’s legal tampering period on Monday. According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Steelers have traded for Indianapolis Colts veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
One of the league’s more underrated wide receivers over the last stretch, Pittman has eclipsed 1,000 yards twice and has been targeted at least 110 times in five consecutive seasons. Now, he heads to Pittsburgh to join new head coach Mike McCarthy. Following the move, fellow Steelers insider Mark Kaboly showed how fired up he was about the news.
Mark Kaboly Reacts to Pittsburgh Steelers Trade for Michael Pittman Jr.
Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr.
GettyMichael Pittman Jr. comes over to the Steelers after six seasons with the Colts.
Michael Pittman Jr. will now join star wide receiver DK Metcalf in the wide receiver room in the Steel City. He could also potentially be catching passes from future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers, that is if Rodgers decides to return to Pittsburgh.
While many Pittsburgh-based folks are excited about the move by the Steelers, few were more happy about it than insider Mark Kaboly. Here is what the Steelers correspondent had to say regarding the trade:
“I have been a huge Michael Pittman fan since he was drafted. Huge get by the Steelers. A receiver was always priority No. 1 for the Steelers.”
Other than Metcalf, Pittsburgh doesn’t necessarily have another star pass-catcher. Last season, it didn’t have another wide receiver that was able to surpass 500 yards receiving. This offense neeeded help in a big way, and it got it.
Mark Kaboly
I have been a huge Michael Pittman fan since he was drafted. Huge get by the Steelers. A receiver was always priority No. 1 for the Steelers.
Could an Aaron Rodgers Return Be More Likely Now?
Aaron Rodgers
GettyIf Aaron Rodgers returns to play for the Steelers in 2026, it will be his 22nd career NFL season.
A major move such as this could add some more smoke to the fire of a potential Aaron Rodgers return. The four-time MVP and Super Bowl champion is clearly approaching the end of his career. Now 42 years of age and having battled a fractured wrist for much of last season, nobody would blame him if he decided to hang up his cleats.
However, Pittman Jr. does give the Steelers another big-bodied wide receiver, which can a lot of times be an aging quarterback’s best friend. Furthermore, the Steelers hired Rodgers’ former head coach with the Green Bay Packers in McCarthy. Together, in a span of 11 years (2008-2018), the two helped the Packers make eight playoff appearances, win five division titles, and take home a Lombardi Trophy.
While Rodgers can’t be blamed if he wanting to retire, he also doesn’t deserve blame if he wants to return. This is especially true when you look at the faces that he could see in the Pittsburgh locker room in 2026. Between seeing old friends and mentors, as well as being introduced to new, talented players, the all-time great may be persuaded to return to the NFL for at least one more season. However, time could certainly be ticking on a decision from him with free agency essentially under way.