The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, where all the picks traded in the years leading up to it finally turn from numbers into actual football players. With that in mind, we’ll be taking a look at what some of those trades look like now with the added context.
This time, we’ll be looking at a trade that sent Indianapolis’ eighth all-time leading receiver to a new franchise:
Original terms of the Michael Pittman Jr. trade from the Colts
- Steelers receive: Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., 2026 seventh-round pick (No. 230)
- Colts receive: 2026 sixth-round pick (No. 214)
Essentially, the Colts traded Pittman to trade up 16 draft slots on Day 3.
What did the Colts do with the picks from the Michael Pittman Jr. trade?
With the 214th pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL
Draft, the Colts selected Ohio State DE Caden Curry.
How was Michael Pittman Jr.’s performance for the Colts in 2025?
Pittman saw a second straight year of declining production with the Colts in 2025, but still turned in an 80-catch, 784-yard, seven-touchdown season as Indianapolis’ WR2.
In comparison, the Steelers’ second-leading receiver in 2025, Calvin Austin III, recorded just 372 yards and three touchdowns.
Pittman’s athleticism has declined over his career, but in a well-schemed Colts offense he put his toughness and route-running savvy to good use as a possession specialist. Entering 2026, Pittman has said he’s excited to show he can still play in an expanded role.
Pittman has broken 750 receiving yards in every year of his NFL career except his rookie campaign. The Steelers signed the 28-year-old to a three-year, $59 million extension ahead of the 2026 season.
What did the Steelers do with the picks from the Michael Pittman Jr. trade?
With the 230th pick of the seventh round in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected Navy RB Eli Heidenreich.
