The Pittsburgh Steelers made another aggressive move to strengthen their offense, but the reaction across the NFL quickly shifted the conversation in a different direction. While the arrival of Michael Pittman Jr. appears to boost the Steelers’ receiving corps, one former Super Bowl champion immediately pointed out a lingering uncertainty.
Ryan Clark Questions Steelers’ Quarterback Situation After Michael Pittman Jr. Trade
The Steelers’ decision to acquire wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts sparked discussion across the NFL community, including from former Steelers safety Ryan Clark. Shortly after the news broke, Clark shared his thoughts on X, focusing on how Pittman fits alongside DK Metcalf while also raising a bigger concern about the offense.
Clark wrote, “I do wonder how the route tree breaks down now. Similar to DK. I believe better route runner. Not as much king speed or as ‘big’ a frame. Def a nice one two punch. Especially for the guy with the 2nd corner. Ummm Who’s throwing it?”
Clark’s reaction captured two key points. First, he acknowledged the potential upside of pairing Pittman with Metcalf. At the same time, he highlighted the unresolved quarterback situation that could ultimately determine how effective the new duo becomes.
I do wonder how the route tree breaks down now. Similar to DK. I believe better route runner. Not as much king speed or as “big” a frame. Def a nice one two punch. Especially for the guy with the 2nd corner.
Ummm Who’s throwing it? https://t.co/uooVvenL3K
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) March 9, 2026
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Colts agreed to trade Pittman to the Steelers in exchange for a late-round pick swap. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Steelers are also giving the receiver a new three-year, $59 million contract as part of the deal.
The trade came shortly after the Colts committed major money to another receiver. The Colts signed Alec Pierce to a four-year, $116 million contract, which made him the highest-paid wide receiver in free agency history. That move likely helped clear the path for Pittman’s departure.
Pittman spent six seasons with the Colts after being selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of USC. Before the trade, he was entering the final season of a three-year extension worth roughly $70 million that he signed with the Colts in 2024.
Statistically, Pittman is coming off a quieter season by his standards. He recorded 784 receiving yards in 2025, his lowest total since his rookie year. However, he also produced a career-high seven receiving touchdowns, which led the Colts.
According to PFSN’s WR Impact metric, Pittman finished the 2025 season with a 74.4 Impact Score and a C grade, ranking 50th among wide receivers for the season and 376th overall among qualifying receivers since 2019. Across 17 games, he totaled 111 targets, 80 receptions, 784 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns, numbers that reflect steady usage even during a down year in yardage.
For the Steelers, the move continues a clear pattern. The franchise has now acquired a wide receiver through a major trade in back-to-back offseasons. Last year, the Steelers traded for DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks and signed him to a five-year, $150 million deal.
Depth was also becoming a concern for the Steelers’ receiving room. Calvin Austin III is expected to become an unrestricted free agent, while veteran Adam Thielen announced his retirement from the NFL in January.
Still, as Clark suggested, the biggest question surrounding the Steelers’ upgraded receiver group remains unresolved. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers is currently a pending free agent, and during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show last week, he acknowledged that he has not yet received a contract offer from the Steelers and has not ruled out retirement.
Until that uncertainty is settled, Clark’s simple question may continue to hover over the Steelers’ ambitious effort to reshape their passing attack.
