After going 10-7 and losing to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round, the biggest question the Pittsburgh Steelers face is whether or not quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return. At 42 years old, he would be entering his 22nd NFL season.
As of now, the Steelers' options outside of Rodgers are slim. Will Howard and Mason Rudolph are the only other quarterbacks on the roster. However, no matter who begins the season under center, Pittsburgh is expected to pursue an upgrade at wide receiver.
Behind D.K. Metcalf, their second-most efficient wide receiver was Calvin Austin III with 31 receptions for 372 yards and three touchdowns. Their 202.4 passing yards per game were just the 22nd-most in the NFL last year.
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Under new head coach Mike McCarthy, the Steelers are under pressure to at least make it further than the wild-card round, something they haven't done since 2017. To help do so, USA Today's Ayrton Ostly predicts Pittsburgh will trade for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
"For Pittsburgh, the offense could use more weapons on the outside beyond D.K. Metcalf," Ostly wrote. "He’s a vertical threat thanks to his speed and Pittman would bring another physical skillset to the offense... If they’re willing to take on most of his salary, Indianapolis could get one of those selections back in a deal that may be worthwhile for both teams."
Acquiring Pittman would be a considerable financial obligation. The 28-year-old brings a cap hit of $29 million in 2026, playing in the final season of a three-year, $70 million contract.
However, he was solid last year, appearing in all 17 games and making 16 starts. The former USC Trojan hauled in 80 receptions for 784 yards and seven touchdowns (career-high).
While it's still possible that Rodgers returns, acquiring Pittman would give the four-time MVP yet another weapon to target. With $43.9 million in available cap space, the Steelers could easily afford to take Pittman's contract.