The Pittsburgh Steelers were busy on Monday during the first day of NFL free agency, reportedly trading for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and signing defensive back Jamel Dean.

The legal tampering period for free agent negotiations opened on Monday at noon ET. Here’s everything the Steelers did ahead of the new league year, which begins at 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

Michael Pittman traded to Steelers

The Colts traded Pittman to the Steelers, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Pelissero also reported that Pittman will sign a new three-year, $59 million contract extension.

The trade comes after the Colts had reportedly agreed to terms with receiver Alec Pierce on a record four-year, $116 million contract extension.

Last season, Pittman, 28, played in all 17 games, catching 80 passes for 784 yards and seven touchdowns. He had his best year in 2023 when he caught 109 passes for 1,152 yards with four touchdowns.

The former USC Trojan was drafted by the Colts with the 34th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Jamel Dean signs with Steelers

The Steelers reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with Dean on Monday. ESPN’s Peter Schrager reported that the deal is worth $36.75 million.

Dean spent the first seven years of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and joins the Steelers after tallying nine pass defenses, three interceptions and two forced fumbles in 2025. 

The third-round pick out of Auburn in the 2019 NFL Draft has dealt with injury issues throughout his career, but the 29-year-old will add depth to a Steelers secondary that needed a strong cornerback No. 2 next to Joey Porter Jr. 

Asante Samuel Jr. returns to Pittsburgh

Asante Samuel Jr. has reportedly re-signed with the Steelers. ESPN reported that the one-year deal is worth $4 million.

Samuel joined the Steelers in November 2025, but started three games and grabbed one interception. 

The 26-year-old is the son of defensive back Asante Samuel. 

Steelers lose Kenny Gainwell and Isaac Seumalo

Pittsburgh reportedly lost two key pieces from its offense last season: Kenny Gainwell and Isaac Seumalo.

Gainwell has joined the Bucaneers on a two-year deal, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported. Gainwell was voted the Steelers’ most valuable player of the year after a breakout 2025 season. The running back tallied 537 yards rushing and five scores and caught 73 passes for 486 yards and three scores. 

Seumalo is headed to the Arizona Cardinals, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported. The 32-year-old has spent the last three seasons with Pittsburgh after coming from the Philadelphia Eagles. The guard started 34 games as a Steeler and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2024.

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