In addition to making a splash in free agency by re-signing Alec Pierce, the Indianapolis Colts also traded Michael Pittman to the Steelers.
In return, the Colts received a sixth-round pick, while they sent Pittman and a seventh-round pick to Pittsburgh.
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The move was made to create salary cap space. Pittman’s salary cap hit is as high as $29 million for the 2026 season. While he’s reliable, his production doesn’t match the value of his current contract.
Pittman’s salary cap hit is projected to be the seventh-highest among all receivers in football. However, his 773 receiving yards last season ranked 29th in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
By trading Pittman, the Colts created $24 million in cap space. It would be unrealistic to keep both Pittman and Alec Pierce on his new contracts.
So how many points did the Colts get for this move? Let’s take a look.
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Expert Ratings Colts-Steelers trade for Michael Pittman
CBS Sports: C
What Jordan Dajani had to say: “For a 6-foot-4, 223-pound wide receiver, a late-round pick swap is nothing to worry about. Although it’s understood it’s more of a financial move for Indianapolis.”
sports: Um
What Jeff Howe had to say: “It was part of the calculus when they decided to keep Pierce.”
Sports Illustrated: C+
What Gilberto Manzano had to say: “Overall, this is a huge risk for Indianapolis, and after retaining Pierce and trading Pittman, it might just break even at wide receiver.”
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: NFL Free Agency: Colts-Steelers trade scores for Michael Pittman trade