Michael Pittman Jr. trade grades: Steelers take advantage of Colts salary dump

The Indianapolis Colts agreed to trade wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers in a deal that reportedly includes a late-round pick swap. Pittman and the Steelers also agreed to a new three-year contract worth up to $59 million, according to a league source.

Why they made the move

The Colts re-signed wideout Alec Pierce for four years and $116 million, so they needed to pare payroll somewhere. Pittman led the Colts with 80 receptions and seven touchdown catches last season, and he was third on the team with 784 receiving yards.

The Steelers simply need receivers, as Calvin Austin III was their second-most productive wideout last season with 31 catches, 372 yards and three touchdowns. Pittman can be more of a volume receiver with DK Metcalf as the explosive-play threat.

Steelers grade: A

The Steelers were clearly well-positioned to swoop in on the Colts’ financial plight in the wake of the Pierce contract. The trade compensation is minimal, and they didn’t even hit the $20 million bar on the contract.

The Steelers now have a better 1-2 combination at receiver, and they’ll almost certainly continue to add pieces. The Pittman trade was a good start.

Colts grade: Meh

It’s a salary dump that was part of the calculus when they decided to keep Pierce.