The Pittsburgh Steelers signed wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (traded from Indianapolis Colts) and cornerback Jamel Dean (from Tampa Bay Buccaneers) on March 13, 2026, assigning Pittman his familiar No. 11 and Dean No. 35. Both held introductory press conferences, expressing excitement about their roles in Pittsburgh.
Michael Pittman Jr. and Jamel Dean officially signed their contracts with the Pittsburgh Steelers on March 13, 2026, with the team announcing their jersey numbers via Twitter/X. Pittman, positioned as the No. 2 wide receiver behind DK Metcalf, will wear No. 11, the same he donned for six seasons with the Colts (previously No. 6 at USC and No. 1 in high school). Past Steelers No. 11 wearers include Chase Claypool, Allen Robinson II, and Van Jefferson. Dean retains No. 35 from his seven-year Buccaneers tenure; previous Pittsburgh wearers include Arthur Maulet and Ross Ventrone.
In his press conference, streamed on the Steelers' YouTube channel, Pittman voiced enthusiasm for a more diverse role under new head coach Mike McCarthy, contrasting his limited usage in Indianapolis. "We all had very specific roles... Just getting back to diversifying, just showing everything that I can do," he said. After a 2023 career-high of 1,152 yards and four touchdowns on 156 targets, his targets dropped to 111 in 2024 and 2025, with 2025 yielding under 10 yards per catch on 80 receptions and 1.44 yards per route run. He aims for a fuller route tree and emphasized blocking: "Showing my teammates that I’m not here to just catch the ball, and that I’m willing to do all of that dirty work too."
On quarterbacks, Pittman hopes for Aaron Rodgers (known from offseason workouts) but trusts Mason Rudolph and Will Howard if not: "Whenever you have a chance to play with a Hall of Fame quarterback, you always take that."
Dean, entering his seventh NFL season, anticipates partnering with Joey Porter Jr., who in 2025 allowed a 48.5% completion rate, 57.2 passer rating, and no touchdowns. Dean posted 49.2% completion allowed and 63.1 rating in Tampa Bay, with two TDs conceded. Both excel at jamming receivers and run support. Steelers CB depth includes Jalen Ramsey, Brandin Echols (nickel), Asante Samuel Jr., Donte Kent, and Cory Trice Jr. "Knowing that you got that comfortability, that he’s gonna hold it down on his side, and I’m gonna hold it down on mines," Dean said in a March 14 YouTube interview.
Separately, running back Rico Dowdle switched to No. 13 from Carolina. Safety deals for Jaquan Brisker and Darnell Savage are expected soon.
