Fantasy Football Impact: Colts Trade Michael Pittman to Steelers

Let’s dive into the fantasy football impact of the Colts trading wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers.

Fantasy Football Impact | Colts Trade Michael Pittman to Steelers

With Alec Pierce staying with Indy on a monster new deal, Michael Pittman is on the move. Pittman is headed to Pittsburgh to operate alongside DK Metcalf. He also got a new three-year deal in the process. We have no clue who the quarterback will be for Pittsburgh in 2026 (maybe Aaron Rodgers), but the Steelers will have a nice pass catching duo for whoever is under center. Last year, before Daniel Jones was injured (Weeks 1-13), Pittman was the WR17 in fantasy points per game, drawing a 20.9% target share with 1.74 yards per route run and a 24.7% first-read share (per Fantasy Points Data). Pittman could continue to produce as a WR2/3 in 2026 if the Steelers get competent quarterback play. Pittman is a wonderful stylistic fit alongside Metcalf. As Metcalf has excelled as a single high beater since hitting the NFL, Pittman has been a trusted weapon against two high. Last year, he posted only 1.27 yards per route run against single high, but a strong 1.84 yards per route run against two high. Pittman could be a nice value in fantasy in 2026 if he gets lost in the middle-round shuffle. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him out-target Metcalf this season.
– Derek Brown

Fantasy Football Impact: Colts Re-Sign Alec Pierce

Had they let Pierce get away, the Colts wouldn’t have had a true vertical threat among their wide receivers. Michael Pittman led the Colts with 80 receptions last season but averaged just 9.8 yards per catch. Slot receiver Josh Downs also averaged 9.8 yards per catch.

Pierce had an average depth of target of 18.9 yards in 2025, He’s led the league in yards per catch in each of the last two seasons, with 22.3 YPC in 2024 and 21.3 YPC in 2025.

Pierce’s role could expand now that the Colts have traded Pittman to the Steelers. Pittman averaged 5.6 targets per game last season, and while he’ll share targets with Downs and TE Tyler Warren, he could be targeted more frequently in 2026 with Pittman out of the picture (although the Colts will probably draft at least one wide receiver).
– Pat Fitzmaurice

Check out our full article for the fantasy impact of the Colts re-signing Alec Pierce