Michael Pittman Jr.
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Pittsburgh Steelers WR Michael Pittman Jr.
Now that the Pittsburgh Steelers have begun reshaping their roster a bit through free agency, their next potential big move comes in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Sitting at No. 21 overall, the Steelers were projected to make a significant move to fill one of their biggest needs heading into next season. However, they may have solved some of those issues within free agency.
While Pittsburgh is anxiously awaiting Aaron Rodgers’ decision on whether to return or not, that could possibly determine what they do in the first round. Then again, whether he returns or not, some mock drafts still have the Steelers drafting quarterback Ty Simpson.
But that’s not the only offensive projection mock drafts have the Steelers going with. Another possibility had been one of the top wide receivers. However, one big move Pittsburgh made may have altered those plans, according to CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards.
More Steelers On Heavy: Steelers’ Michael Pittman Jr. Trade Called ‘Head-Scratching’
Michael Pittman Jr. Trade Could Have Shifted Steelers Draft Plans
It wasn’t a free agent signing, but the Steelers did make a trade with the Indianapolis Colts for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Already Pittman is considered a much-needed complement to DK Metcalf and a massive upgrade to the receiver room. If Pittsburgh truly feels secure with him as their WR2, then the team could once again lean toward defense at No. 21.
That’s where Georgia linebacker CJ Allen enters the picture.
“By trading for Michael Pittman Jr., Pittsburgh alleviated some of the pressure to acquire another receiver. The Steelers don’t have many pressing needs in the present, but they’re an older team that should be looking to get younger. The hope is that CJ Allen and Payton Wilson can be the battery of the future,” Edwards wrote.
In three seasons with the Bulldogs, Allen recorded 205 combined tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, along with one interception and two forced fumbles.
Linebacker is definitely an interesting position for the Steelers. Wilson has yet to fully come into his own after two seasons, and there are also questions surrounding Patrick Queen’s future with the team.
If Allen were to fall to Pittsburgh at No. 21, it could end up being a smart long-term move, even if it means the team once again leans heavily toward defense like it has often done during Mike Tomlin’s tenure.
The expectation under new head coach Mike McCarthy was that the offense would begin to lead the way moving forward, particularly after the team’s additions on that side of the ball in free agency.
Steelers Widely Praised For Michael Pittman Acquisition
Pittman’s addition has largely been viewed as a positive move for Pittsburgh.
Pro Football Focus called the trade with Indianapolis a “very good” deal for the Steelers, suggesting the team came out ahead in the move.
“The Colts needed to make this move after signing Alec Pierce to such a hefty deal, and it profiles as a big upgrade for the Steelers‘ offense. Pittman has a safe pair of hands, dropping just 5.0% of the catchable targets he has seen throughout his NFL career, and is another big target for whoever the Steelers’ quarterback is in 2026,” PFF analyst Gordon McGuinness wrote.
Overall, PFF gave the Steelers a B+ grade for their early free agency work.