Steelers Trade for Pittman: Cap-Friendly Move

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The Pittsburgh Steelers made their boldest free agency move by trading late-round draft

picks with the Indianapolis Colts for wide receiver Michael.

Pittman, Jr.

The 20-year-old pass catcher then signed a three-year contract extension giving the team two top

targets for their quarterback.

This deal stands out for its salary cap smarts from General Manager Omar Khan.

In the upcoming season, Pittman's cap hit drops to just $8.87 million, ranking as

the team's eighth highest for any player.

That includes a base salary of 1.3 million plus, pro-rated signing bonus money.

Khan stayed patient amid a hot market for receivers, avoiding overpaying in draft picks or cash.

He swapped picks, 16 spots back in the late rounds for a proven thousand-yard guy, multiple

times, without budging on his terms.

Fans and analysts praised the move for balancing short-term savings with solid future pay,

around 26 million in year, 2 and 24 million.

In year three, it keeps Pittman as the number two paid receiver behind teammate DK Metcalf

right in line with league norms.

Now the Steelers' offense lets reload it inflexible under the cap, setting up a strong push no matter

who lines up a quarterback.

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