PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers have acquired a prominent asset to enhance their offense with the arrival of star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. Metcalf, a two-time Pro Bowler, joins the Steelers in a deal that will send at least a second-round draft pick to Seattle, according to sources familiar with the matter. While official confirmation is pending, this move signifies a significant step for Pittsburgh. The 27-year-old wide receiver sought a trade last week, setting the stage for his departure from Seattle amidst a period of significant changes for the franchise.
Metcalf’s addition to the Steelers comes at a time when Seattle has been making notable roster changes, including the release of Tyler Lockett, the team’s long-standing second-highest all-time receiver, as well as sending quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. This latest acquisition provides Pittsburgh with a high-caliber playmaker at the wide receiver position, filling a void left since Antonio Brown was traded in 2019. Metcalf will be entering a new five-year contract valued at $150 million, underlining the team’s commitment to strengthening their offense with an explosive pass-catching threat.
Having consistently logged at least 900 receiving yards in each of his six professional seasons, Metcalf brings a formidable combination of size and speed that poses a significant challenge to defenders. While he recorded a career-low of five touchdown receptions in the 2024 season, his physical prowess at 6-foot-4 makes him an intimidating presence on the field. The next decision for the Steelers is determining who will be throwing to Metcalf. General Manager Omar Khan has indicated that the team is considering all possibilities at quarterback.
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields appear to be the frontrunners, as they were key contributors to Pittsburgh’s 10-7 season record. Both Team President Art Rooney II and Coach Mike Tomlin have acknowledged either player as a potential choice for 2025. Fields, offering youth and mobility at potentially a lower cost, could align well with Pittsburgh’s future plans. Despite having more than six weeks to renew contracts with either quarterback, as the new league year approaches, the Steelers have yet to finalize any deals. Metcalf’s arrival could make Pittsburgh an appealing destination for quarterbacks entering the free-agent market.
Metcalf’s integration into the team might also influence the development of George Pickens, a talented yet unpredictable wide receiver. Pickens, approaching the final year of his rookie contract, has shown potential but also inconsistency. The Steelers have expressed confidence in Pickens despite these issues, although his reaction to Metcalf taking on the leading role remains to be seen. Regardless, acquiring Metcalf represents General Manager Omar Khan’s ambitious strategy, especially after unsuccessful attempts to sign Brandon Aiyuk last year. Pittsburgh struggled to stabilize its offense in the absence of a seasoned receiver opposite Pickens, culminating in a downturn at the end of the season, including a playoff defeat to Baltimore.
