As it currently stands, the Pittsburgh Steelers have solved one of their biggest problems, as they've addressed their wide receiver room. With the addition of now-former Indianapolis Colts star Michael Pittman Jr., the team has a real threat to complement DK Metcalf. In 2025, the Steelers seemingly solved their issue by acquiring Metcalf to pair with George Pickens, but Pickens was traded shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft. Metcalf signed a five-year extension when he was acquired, so a trade seems to be off the table for him. The team could still use one more wide receiver for depth, but the room is already miles better than it was last season.
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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.
Pittman is a former second-round pick by the Colts in 2020. He has 5,254 yards and 25 touchdowns so far in his career. He has been a consistent receiver for the Colts and is not often injured. He is a big physical receiver, similar to Metcalf, as he stands at 6'4", 223 pounds, and will go up and get a jump ball consistently. He also runs exceptional routes and should be a nice Z receiver for the Steelers.
While Pittman is praised for his skill on the field, his biggest praise may be about him off the field. There has been plenty of talk about Pittman and his character. He is a football guy who won't cause problems on or off the field. Hopefully, he will break the Steelers' trend of diva wide receivers.
Pittman's former quarterback, Daniel Jones, appeared on The Pat McAfee Show, where he discussed his Achilles injury and rehab. Jones was also asked who would step up in the Colts' wide receiver room with Pittman now a Steeler. Jones had nothing but good things to say about the newest playmaker in Pittsburgh.
"First, just obviously bummed to see Pitt go. He was a, you know, tremendous leader, obviously a great player, extremely productive, and a guy you can count on, as tough as they come. Always being out there, wish him the best, I know he'll crush it," said Jones.
Not only did the Steelers acquire a great receiver, but they did it for dirt cheap. They only gave up a sixth-round pick. With the Colts extending Alec Pierce and Pittman going into the last year of his contract, they had no choice but to move the former USC Trojan.
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Former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) points towards a referee to make sure he is lined up properly during a professional football contest at Lucas Oil Stadium.
The Steelers gave Pittman a three-year, $59 million extension upon acquiring him. The team now has its stars at wideout, but depth pieces are still needed.
Steelers Should Still Draft A Receiver Early
The Steelers were always thought to draft a wide receiver with their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. They could finally solve that problem in front of their home crowd. With the acquisition of Pittman, that could possibly change. Now the team can explore all options with the 21st pick, not just WR. They still have needs at defensive tackle, safety, slot cornerback, and offensive line. They hold 12 picks in the draft, and three of them are third-round picks. They could potentially move up in the first for a guy like Caleb Downs, or stay put and draft defensive line.
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Steelers' Omar Khan sits in the war room during the 2025 NFL Draft.
A position like guard or slot corner would be a day-two pick, so with that said, they should look to draft a wide receiver with their second-round selection. They could snag Omar Cooper Jr, or maybe even KC Concepcion. Concepcion would be the ideal fit for the Steelers' needs. A nice slot receiver and big yards after catch ability. Put Concepcion in the Steelers' offense, and they may finally be legit for the first time since the Ben Roethlisberger days. Omar Khan still has work to do, but the Steelers may be on the rise.
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