Another offseason is underway filled with rumors and speculations for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Every time a player demands a trade, is released, or follows a current member of the team on some social media platform, fans never fail to get their hopes up. Just look at the Brandon Aiyuk saga from last season; many fans were convinced that Aiyuk would be running routes alongside George Pickens in 2024. Unfortunately for them, that dream didn't come true. Now in the 2025 offseason, it seems that there is another big name receiver wanting a fresh start somewhere else and Steelers fans are falling into the same trap once again.
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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (#14) catches a touchdown over former Pittsburgh Steelers safety Terrell Edmunds (#34) at Heinz Field back in 2019.
DK Metcalf recently informed the Seattle Seahawks that he would like to be traded this offseason. A rumored target of the Steelers last season, could Pittsburgh finally end the curse and bring in an actual elite receiver to pair with Pickens? For insider Mark Kaboly, there is a slim chance that happens.
In his recent Steelers Mailbag, Kaboly believes that the Steelers would have to give up too much for Metcalf. From draft picks, a lucrative contract, and the team being forced to make a decision on Pickens' future with the organization, Kaboly just can't see it happening.
"I don't see them being a real player in the Metcalf sweepstakes because it would be a multifaceted task to pull it off," said Kaboly. "Not only would the Steelers have to give up high picks to acquire him, but they would then have to sign him to something close to a $100 million deal over four years. If that didn't complicate things enough, they would have to decide to move on from George Pickens, in my opinion, for anything to happen. Now, I am not against making Metcalf the No. 1 and paying him such, but I am not doing two high picks and a huge contract. Because of that, I'd say it's a long shot."
General Manager Omar Khan has been trying to add quality talent to the receiver room since last offseason. He was close to reeling in Aiyuk in 2024, made a play for Davante Adams and Christian Kirk, but he could only pull off Mike Williams at the trade deadline. With Kaboly's concerns on how much the Steelers would have to give up to secure Metcalf, to Khan, desperation has made many people do crazy things.
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Omar Khan looking on during a Pittsburgh Steelers game.
Metcalf would be the addition that the Steelers had hoped for last season. Entering his seventh year in the NFL, the Seattle wide receiver has 6,324 career receiving yards and 48 touchdowns. If the Steelers were to bring him in, he would assume the role as their number one receiving option, which could likely mean the beginning of the end for Pickens' time in Pittsburgh as Kaboly suggested. The Steelers are not going to pay top end money for two receivers; they would rather add quality talent through the draft and stick with just one bigger contract.
The urgency to find quality receivers might cloud judgement from the front office, not wanting to repeat last year's poor receiving output. However, Khan is a smart general manager; he knows when to walk away and Kaboly thinks this is another situation that he does. With multiple different avenues that Khan could take to add actual quality receivers, there's a good amount that doesn't end with them losing their top draft picks.
AP
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf during a game in Pittsburgh.
Steelers Fans Shouldn't Hold Their Breath When It Comes To Metcalf
A big price tag comes bigger risk. The Steelers might step away from the negotiation table if the Seahawks refuse to lower their demands. Paying two high end picks, just to add a $100 million deal to the cap just isn't realistic in the eyes of Kaboly. With quality talent in the draft and solid options in free agency, the Steelers could take the safer route.
Khan doesn't want to repeat the same disaster as last year, relying on below average journeymen to fill into roles of great need. On the other hand, Khan isn't going to just give valuable assets that the team needs to rebuild the defensive line and secondary for a player that could just cause another roster spot to fill. Steeler Nation shouldn't get their hopes up once again, but it doesn't mean that Khan isn't going to learn from his mistakes from last season. He isn't likely going to overpay for it to happen either.
Should the Steelers still trade for Metcalf for his current price tag? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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