Steelers Acquire Michael Pittman Jr. in Bold Trade with Colts After Alec Pierce's Extension

Steelers Acquire Michael Pittman Jr. in Bold Trade with Colts After Alec Pierce's Extension

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a significant move by trading for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts in a late-round pick swap, according to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. This acquisition comes with a new three-year, $59 million contract extension for Pittman, who had one year left on his previous $71.5 million deal signed in 2024. This trade follows closely on the heels of the Colts extending another wide receiver, Alec Pierce, who signed a lucrative four-year deal worth $116 million, making him the highest-paid wide receiver in free agency history. The Colts' investment in Pierce rendered Pittman expendable, prompting this trade. Last season, Pittman had an impressive performance, catching 80 passes for 784 yards and scoring seven touchdowns. Over his six-year career, he has achieved two 1,000-yard receiving seasons, including a standout 1,152-yard season in 2023. The Steelers, looking to bolster their receiving corps as they transition from the Mike Tomlin era, had been in search of additional wide receiver talent. Last year, DK Metcalf, acquired from the Seattle Seahawks, was the leading receiver for Pittsburgh, with 59 receptions for 850 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. With Pittman joining the team, he is expected to enhance Mike McCarthy's passing attack, although the Steelers still need to finalize their quarterback situation. This is a developing story.

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-03-09