Pittsburgh Steelers legend Cam Heyward made headlines recently for his viral message about Aaron Rodgers. But the seven-time Pro Bowler also dropped some news about a player already on the Steelers’ roster.
Speaking on his podcast, “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward,” the veteran defensive lineman revealed that wide receiver DK Metcalf nearly signed with another AFC team before landing in Pittsburgh.
Cam Heyward Reveals Another Team Was Closing in on DK Metcalf
After discussing the buzz around Rodgers visiting the Steelers’ facility, Heyward was asked if he ever gets involved in recruiting players. He said that if he or teammates like T.J. Watt or Minkah Fitzpatrick have a relationship with someone, they’ll sometimes be asked to help.
“If I have a relationship with them, I think, sometimes. Or, you know, me, T.J., Mink, if we have a relationship, then they always tend to reach out.”
The conversation then turned to Metcalf. Heyward shared that the star receiver was close to signing with the Los Angeles Chargers before heading to Pittsburgh.
“I shouldn’t be breaking this,” Heyward said, “but I was in California at the time. And I heard DK was in town. And then someone was like, ‘Oh, he’s going to the Chargers.’”
Heyward continued, “And so I hit up one of my friends, Tracy Perlman, and she was like, ‘Yeah I hear he might be going.’ I’m like, ‘Text DK, tell him to come with us,’ and in the next week he was already with us. I don’t know how that happened, but DK was all about it.”
Heyward downplayed his influence in the trade, pointing out it may have just been a coincidence. Still, co-host Hayden Walsh couldn’t help but joke—asking if Heyward planned to text someone about Rodgers next.
What Does Metcalf Bring to the Steelers?
Beyond his elite physical traits, one of Metcalf’s most valuable assets is his availability. In six NFL seasons, he’s missed just three regular-season games—the same number George Pickens missed in 2024 alone. Pickens had never missed a game before that season, giving the Steelers two of the league’s most durable receivers.
Some have questioned whether Metcalf is too similar to Pickens, suggesting that a slot receiver might’ve filled a more pressing need. Statistically, there’s some truth to the overlap. Both receivers are more comfortable lining up outside, and their 2024 usage was nearly identical.
Metcalf made one more appearance than Pickens, finishing with seven more receptions on five more targets. Metcalf’s average depth of target was 13.1 yards, with 35 first downs and three broken tackles. Pickens’ average depth of target was 13.3 yards, with 37 first downs and four broken tackles. Each had two passes intended for them intercepted in the regular season.
Still, Metcalf’s production over his career speaks for itself. He’s averaged 1,108 receiving yards and eight touchdowns per 17 games across six seasons.
If having two alpha outside receivers is a problem, it’s the kind of problem any incoming quarterback would love to have.