The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed a major roster weakness by acquiring wide receiver DK Metcalf in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks. In exchange, the Steelers sent a second and seventh-round pick to Seattle for Metcalf and a sixth-round pick. Once the trade was finalized, Pittsburgh quickly signed Metcalf to a five-year, $150 million deal, hoping the veteran wideout could help revitalize their stagnant passing attack.
The move seems like a perfect fit. The Steelers needed a consistent playmaker, and Metcalf was looking for both a long-term deal and a fresh start. However, according to recent reports, the Steelers weren’t originally one of Metcalf’s preferred destinations.
NFL Teams DK Metcalf Preferred Prior to Pittsburgh Trade
According to an ESPN report, Metcalf had a short list of NFL teams he was considering following his request to be traded out of Seattle. However, the Seahawks either wanted more in return, or the trade partner wasn’t willing to commit to Metcalf long-term financially.
“Metcalf’s preferred landing spots, according to multiple sources familiar with the trade talks, were the [Houston] Texans and [Los Angeles] Chargers. But his contract situation complicated the matter, as it meant the Seahawks had to find a trade partner that would not only give them enough compensation in return but also be willing and able to sign Metcalf to a new deal. The Patriots were interested in trading for Metcalf, but he effectively nixed that possibility by making it known that he didn’t want to go to New England, according to a source familiar with the discussions.”
What DK Metcalf’s Arrival in Pittsburgh Means for GeorgePickens’ Future
Heading into next season, Metcalf is expected to lead the Steelers’ receiving corps. Metcalf has piled up 438 receptions, 6,324 yards, and 48 touchdowns in six seasons. He’s hit 1,000 receiving yards three times and logged two seasons with double-digit touchdowns.
With the Steelers trading for Metcalf and giving him a massive deal, many could believe the future of wide receiver George Pickens is in jeopardy with the franchise. Pittsburgh selected Pickens in the second round of the 2022 draft, and the wideout has posted three consecutive seasons with at least 50 receptions and 800 yards receiving.
However, according to the ESPN report, any rumors of Pickens’ future with the franchise being in doubt aren’t true. The Steelers’ plan was to load up on receiver talent.
“No, you need more than one receiver in this league,” general manager Omar Khan said. “And we’re fortunate we have George and [Calvin Austin] and excited about what [Roman Wilson] is going to be able to do for us.”
Since 2018, only two Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers have topped 1,000 yards in a season — Diontae Johnson in 2021 and Pickens in 2023. That inconsistent production became hard to ignore for a franchise once known for its dominant wideouts.
With Pickens and Metcalf on the outside, defenses will have to deal with more receiving talent when facing the Steelers’ offense next season.