With free agency approaching and the team entering a pivotal offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to explore significant upgrades on offense after an inconsistent 2025 campaign.
The unit showed flashes but never found the balance or reliability needed to keep pace with the AFC’s top contenders, and one analyst believes the front office could be preparing to make one of the more aggressive moves of the spring, potentially forming a scary tandem with DK Metcalf.
Steelers Predicted To Acquire Indianapolis Colts WR
The Steelers may have won the AFC North last season, but they suffered an early playoff exit, with their 202.4 passing yards per game ranking just 22nd in the NFL. Beyond Metcalf, who finished 23rd in PFSN’s NFL WR Impact Metrics, no other receiver emerged as a consistent contributor. Calvin Austin III was the team’s second-most productive receiver but recorded just 31 receptions for 372 yards and 3 touchdowns.
While Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback for the 2026 season remains uncertain as Aaron Rodgers weighs his decision, the franchise is still expected to upgrade its wide receiver room, and USA Today analyst Ayrton Ostly predicts Pittsburgh could pursue a trade for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Although Indianapolis has not indicated any desire to move Pittman, the team faces major financial decisions. The Colts are negotiating long-term extensions with quarterback Daniel Jones while also aiming to retain top receiver, Alec Pierce.
Pittman is entering the final year of a three-year, $70 million contract and carries a $29 million cap hit in 2026. Trading him before June 1 would save Indianapolis $24 million in cap space, potentially helping the franchise retain both Pierce and Jones.
For Pittsburgh, the move would be financially manageable. The Steelers currently have about $43.9 million in available cap space, giving them the flexibility to absorb Pittman’s contract.
“He’s a vertical threat thanks to his speed and Pittman would bring another physical skillset to the offense. The Steelers have a dozen picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, including a projected five combined selections in Round 3 and Round 4. If they’re willing to take on most of his salary, Indianapolis could get one of those selections back in a deal that may be worthwhile for both teams,” Ostly wrote.
Pittman, a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has been a steady performer in Indianapolis. The former USC Trojans standout has recorded at least 750 receiving yards in every season except his rookie campaign, including two 1,000-yard seasons.
He remained productive last season as well, appearing in all 17 games with 16 starts. Pittman finished with 80 receptions for 784 yards and a career-high 7 touchdowns, while ranking 50th in PFSN’s NFL WR Impact Metric.
