The Pittsburgh Steelers offseason started off hectic and continued that same course on Monday. As the NFL's legal tampering period opened up, it was announced shortly after that the organization struck a deal with the Indianapolis Colts to bring in wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The move comes after the exhausting discussions so far this offseason that Pittsburgh needs to bolster its wide receiver room. On Monday, they made a big step in doing so and helping out DK Metcalf in the Steel City. With the move, one member of the national media feels that this is a perfect, professional shot at quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf celebrate during a game in 2025 NFL season.
Rich Eisen made note on The Rich Eisen Show, that while this improves the wide receiver room in Pittsburgh, it is also a move that should be gaining attention from Rodgers. It was heavily noted throughout 2025 that Metcalf struggled at times, especially due to defenses keying in on him. The wide receiver room just improved with this move for the Black and Gold, prompting Eisen's comments about a Rodgers reunion.
"'Hey Aaron,' that's one way to wave at him. 'We got you Pittman,' when we come knocking on your door, because I think that's going to be the answer for them," said Eisen.
Pittman joins the team as a great running mate for Metcalf, listed at six-foot-four and 223 pounds. He has also eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving twice in his NFL career and the size he has makes him a great playmaker. In four of Pittman's six NFL seasons in his career, he has gone over 10 yards per reception on the year. With this addition, Metcalf now has a partner that will garner attention and free him up on the field for the Steelers.
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA TODAY
Newly acquired Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. walking off the field after an NFL game with the Indianapolis Colts in December of 2023.
With this move made on Monday, it is definitely a message to Rodgers, or whoever may end up being the signal-caller in Pittsburgh, that the team understands where it was lacking in 2025. Pittman collected 784 yards receiving in 2025, which would have been good for second best among Steelers wide receivers, as well as seven touchdowns. This is a definitive upgrade over Calvin Austin III, who totaled just 372 yards receiving in 2025. With this move, the organization also has the flexibility to add even more to its wide receiver room via the NFL Draft.
Steelers Need To Continue To Improve Offense
While this was not hostile or malicious jab at Rodgers, or anyone for that matter, the move to trade for Pittman shows that General Manager Omar Khan and company recognize weaknesses that must improve heading into the 2026 NFL season. With the organization's known draft capital this year, they would benefit themselves in heading into the right direction even more to send a message and get a young wide receiver prospect in the draft. The team holds 12 overall picks as well as three in the third round. Due to the depth of this year's wide receiver class, the team can add another upgrade in April with one of those third-round picks.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach Mike McCarthy (middle) takes picture with Team Owner Art Rooney II (left) and General Manager Omar Khan (right).
With the Colts committing big-time money to wide receiver Alec Pierce, the feeling around them was that they would be moving on from Pittman. Pittsburgh quickly swooped in, wasting no time to send a message to the league that they are ready to upgrade at a position that desperately needs it if they want to have success in 2026. The move seemingly did just that, with Eisen impressed by it, and saying that this was a subtle wave at Rodgers to let him know they are looking to improve where they see fit for the 2026 season. While a Rodgers decision has not come yet, it is expected to be announced sooner than the time it was last year.
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