The Colts are trading Pittman to the Steelers for a late-round pick swap. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is officially heading to Pittsburgh after six seasons in Indianapolis, marking a major shakeup in the 2026 NFL free agency period. The move came during the opening hours of the official tampering window on Monday, March 9, making it one of the first big trades of the offseason.
Within an hour of acquiring Pittman, the Steelers also signed Pittman to a new deal, reportedly a 3-year, $59 million contract. This move comes right on the heels of the Colts retaining Alec Pierce and making him their top receiver. The trade signals that Indianapolis is shifting its offensive priorities, and Indianapolis dumped considerable salary for the 2026 campaign in the receiver's trade. Pittman wasted no time celebrating the move. After news surfaced the Indianapolis Colts were dealing Pittman to the Steelers on Monday, the wideout delivered a 3-word response on X: "BLACK AND GOLD!!!!!" His enthusiasm speaks volumes about joining a franchise that's making serious investments in its receiving corps as part of a busy 2026 NFL free agency period.
Pittman will head to Pittsburgh after six seasons in Indianapolis where in 95 games with the Colts, the wideout posted 485 catches, 5,254 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns. Last season, Pittman recorded 80 catches for 784 yards and seven touchdowns. Now Pittman will join forces with DK Metcalf in Pittsburgh to try to become the next big WR duo in the league. The Steelers were looking for a solid complementary piece to their star receiver, and Pittman fits that need perfectly. For the Colts, this trade opens crucial cap space as they work to build around their other receiver and quarterback Daniel Jones. Indianapolis is making tough choices to balance their payroll while staying competitive. With Pittman now in Pittsburgh, the Steelers have bolstered one of their biggest offseason priorities, finding weapons for their offense under new head coach Mike McCarthy.