January 09, 2025: ESPN College GameDay analyst Pat McAfee during NCAA, College League, USA football game action between the Oregon Ducks and the Indiana Hoosiers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. /CSM Atlanta United States of America - ZUMAc04_ 20260109_zma_c04_270 Copyright: xJohnxMersitsx

Mar 10, 2026, 5:56 AM CUT

Pat McAfee Left Fuming as Indy Confirm Major Steelers Trade for $59M NFL Star

Pat McAfee's reaction to NFL news is always a show. But his live, expletive-filled response to the Colts trading Michael Pittman was one for the books. The news of the star receiver heading to the Steelers clearly struck a nerve with the former Colts punter.

On Monday, during an episode of the Pat McAfee Show, host McAfee broke the trade news live after NFL insider Tom Pelissero made an X post about the development. Coming from a player who spent all his life with the Colts, we weren't surprised to see McAfee rage.

“F***! Sorry, sorry, sorry. Breaking news. Pittman is headed to Pittsburgh. You guys are gonna love him,” he said.

In a late-round pick swap, the Steelers signed Michael Pittman Jr., with a three-year, $59 million contract to keep Alec Pierce around for four more years. This deal is a major boost for Pittman, whose previous contract hit the $29 million salary cap in 2026.

The 28-year-old wide receiver was the 34th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. In the five seasons he has played 95 with the Colts, Pittman recorded 5,254 receiving yards, 100 rushing yards, and scored 25 touchdowns.

In the 2025 season, Pittman made 80 receptions and seven touchdowns for 784 yards. And in the last two seasons, he even exceeded the 1000-yard mark.

Pittman Had a Different Reaction Than Pat McAfee

In an X post, Pittman revealed that his wife had a dream about him joining the Steelers.

“Crazy! My wife @KiannaPittman_ had a dream a month ago I was wearing a Steelers jersey. God works in crazy ways! #SteelCity,” Pittman wrote.

Pittman will now join receiver D.K. Metcalf, who made 59 receptions for 850 yards and scored six touchdowns. The Steelers, looking to upgrade their receiver depth chart ahead of the 2026 season, were eyeing Pierce, too. However, the Colts retained him.

This trade appears to address key needs for both the Steelers and the Colts. How will this trade shake up the AFC North? Comment your thoughts and read more such stories on the Cleveland Browns Community.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar