Would the Pittsburgh Steelers really trade WR D.K. Metcalf after just one season?
One NFL analyst wouldn't be surprised if the Pittsburgh Steelers trade or cut WR D.K. Metcalf one year after acquiring him from the Seattle Seahawks.
NFL analyst Moe Moton of Bleacher Report wrote the following: "There's almost no chance that Metcalf plays another down on his current contract. The Steelers will need to rework his deal. Perhaps those negotiations have already begun. If not, Pittsburgh may prefer a wide receiver on a rookie contract over a seven-year veteran who needs a new one coming off an inconsistent season and a recent suspension. The Steelers have a strong track record of drafting wide receivers. They're more likely to trade Metcalf rather than go through a lengthy post-draft negotiation process with his camp."
Metcalf had 59 receptions last season for 850 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. The 850 receiving yards were a career low for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Pittsburgh signed Metcalf to a four-year, $132 million extension after acquiring the WR from Seattle. However, Metcalf has no guaranteed money remaining on his contract.
The Steelers acquired Michael Pittman from the Indianapolis Colts this offseason and gave him an extension. That trade could make Metcalf expendable now.
Metcalf enters next season with 497 receptions, 7,174 receiving yards and 54 receiving touchdowns with the Seahawks and Steelers. The 28-year-old is one of the most talented wideouts in the NFL, but he drops many key passes and gets into fights all the time.
Metcalf's immaturity could cost him his spot in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers lost to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round of the 2026 playoffs. Mike Tomlin stepped down as head coach and was replaced by former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, who won a Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers during the 2010 campaign in Green Bay against Pittsburgh.
Rodgers will either retire from the NFL or return to the Steelers this offseason.
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