Omar Khan started the Steelers off boldly on the first day of free agency, as he agreed to terms with the Indianapolis Colts to bring wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh and reportedly has an agreement to sign free agent cornerback Jamel Dean from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Michael Pittman beats James Pierre for a touchdown. Photo Credit: Jenna Watson, IndyStar via Steelerswire.com
The Steelers have started free agency with a splash before – signing Ladarius Green in 2016 and trading for D.K. Metcalf last spring, but starting free agency with twin moves like these is out of character for this franchise.
- Yet, the Steelers aren’t straying as far out of their comfort zone as might seem.
Their biggest roster needs are at wide receiver and cornerback. And it has been common practice in Pittsburgh to use free agency to address those to give themselves a freer hand in the draft.
In Michael Pittman the Steelers gain a 6-year starter with just under 500 catches to his name. He’s will also give Aaron Rodgers, Mason Rudolph or Will Howard a big target to throw at, standing at 6’4” and weighing 223 pounds.
Last season teams could and did double-cover D.K. Metcalf with impunity. Now the Steelers have taken that away. Pittman is also known as a strong locker-room leader.
For the record, Pittman has also played well against the Steelers logging 100-yard games in the Colts win over the Steelers in 2024 and catching 9 balls for 115 yards in the Steelers win over Indianapolis in 2025.
As part of the deal, Pittman agreed to a 3-year contract with the Steelers for 59 million dollars, although word has not leaked about how much is guaranteed.
The cost of bringing Pittman to Pittsburgh was low. The Steelers reportedly sent one of their 6th round picks from the 2026 NFL Draft and got one of the Colts 7ths from the same draft.
In Jamel Dean the Steelers bring a 7-year veteran to Pittsburgh who has made 77 starts. Dean is credited with allowing the fewest yard-per target in 2025 and was considered one of the top free agent corners available.
Reports indicate that Jamel Dean and the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a three-year, $36.75 million contract including $12 million in guarantees.
If Pittman’s arrival fills a glaring need at wide receiver, Dean’s addition at cornerback has the potential to be transformational for the Steelers secondary. Joey Porter Jr. is there yet, but he is showing he has the potential to be a shutdown corner. They now have Dean to play alongside him, and Brandin Echols and Asante Samuel as slot and/or backup options.
That gives new Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham to keep Jalen Ramsey at safety, or otherwise move him around as a chess piece throughout the Steelers secondary.
