Steelers Make a Splash with DK Metcalf Acquisition
Hey there, football fans! If you thought the Pittsburgh Steelers were going to sit quietly during this free agency period, think again. The Steelers have made a bold move, diving headfirst into the free agency pool by acquiring the dynamic wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. This blockbuster trade, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, involves the Steelers sending a 2025 second-round pick to Seattle and agreeing to a five-year, $150 million extension with Metcalf.
But wait, there’s more! The Steelers and Seahawks are also swapping 2025 picks in the sixth and seventh rounds. It’s a strategic move that shows Pittsburgh’s commitment to bolstering their roster and making a serious run in the upcoming season.
Now, let’s talk about DK Metcalf. This 27-year-old wideout, originally a 2019 second-round pick, requested a trade on March 5 as he was entering the final year of a three-year, $72 million extension signed in 2022. With one year left on his contract worth $18 million, the Steelers wasted no time in securing their new star with a deal worth $30 million annually. This figure places Metcalf among the elite wide receivers in the league, as only six other wideouts have contracts valued at $30 million or more annually.
Before Metcalf’s extension, the Steelers’ biggest free-agent spending was on linebacker Patrick Queen, who signed a three-year, $41 million contract last free agency. Clearly, Pittsburgh is not afraid to open their wallet for top-tier talent.
Metcalf’s trade comes hot on the heels of another significant move by the Seahawks, who recently sent quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. With these trades, the Seahawks now hold five picks in the first three rounds of the 2025 draft: Nos. 18, 50, 52 (via Pittsburgh), 82, and 92 (via Las Vegas).
For the Steelers, landing Metcalf is a dream come true. They’ve been on the hunt for a big-play receiver to complement their existing talent, particularly 2022 second-round pick George Pickens. In 2024, Metcalf averaged 15.0 yards per reception and 66.1 yards per game, with 66 receptions, 992 receiving yards, and a career-low five touchdowns. Despite an MCL injury in Week 7 that caused him to miss two games, Metcalf remained a formidable presence on the field.
Since being drafted by the Seahawks, Metcalf has consistently delivered, averaging 1,054 receiving yards and eight touchdowns per season, along with 14.4 yards per reception. Meanwhile, Pickens, the Steelers’ top receiver, averaged 64.3 yards per game and 15.3 yards per catch in 2024, despite an injury-shortened season.
Pickens is eligible for an extension this offseason, and Steelers general manager Omar Khan has expressed a strong desire to keep him in Pittsburgh. “I can tell you that he has a desire to be great,” Khan said of Pickens. “He has a desire to be great here. We have a desire for him to be great and to be great here with respect to the contract.”
In 2024, the next-most productive wideout on the Steelers’ roster was Calvin Austin III, who averaged 15.2 yards per reception and finished the season with 548 receiving yards and four touchdowns.
The Steelers’ pursuit of a top-tier wide receiver has been ongoing. Last offseason, they were in the mix for the 49ers‘ Brandon Aiyuk, who ultimately stayed in San Francisco with a four-year, $120 million deal. The Steelers also acquired wide receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets at the trade deadline, but Williams wasn’t a major contributor after a game-winning catch against the Washington Commanders.
Despite the significant upgrade with Metcalf, the Steelers still face a major question mark at the quarterback position for the 2025 season. Both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson are set to become free agents, and sources indicate that Fields is keen to explore his options. The Jets have also shown interest in Fields, adding another layer of intrigue to the Steelers’ offseason plans.
General manager Omar Khan has made it clear that resolving the quarterback situation is a top priority. However, Metcalf’s trade request accelerated the Steelers’ roster-building efforts, and they now have a formidable wide receiver duo to support whoever ends up under center.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson contributed to this report.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
