Steelers' Trade For DK Metcalf Is Perfect For Either Of Their 2024 Quarterbacks If They Return

The Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off a huge trade to bring in receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a second-round pick. Pittsburgh then gave him a massive four-year extension worth $132 million. The one potentially troubling caveat to this is that he and George Pickens play the same style of wide receiver: using their freakish abilities to go up and get the ball and go routes. Neither of them can really run routes, so unless Pickens gets traded, the Steelers will need to make sure they have plenty of route-runners on the inside. 

Analyst Mina Kimes gave her initial thoughts about the trade and brought up the idea that keeping both players would be beneficial, especially if they re-sign one of their 2024 quarterbacks.

"Just looking at this from the Steelers' point of view, I really like it honestly..." said Kimes. "The pairing with him and George Pickens, I've always felt like DK is more of a 1A / 1B; that's an incredible pairing, and both receivers would be good with Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. Both quarterbacks like to throw deep outside the numbers, where those two receivers live."

The Steelers' quarterback situation is still as confusing as ever, but landing Metcalf could help bring in one of their top options, whether it's within the organization or not. With this move, Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields may have a little more motivation to come back and throw to either of these deep targets. 

Not only were Wilson and Metcalf former teammates with the Seahawks, but the receiver perfectly fits his style. There are plenty of questions on how the veteran quarterback can play nowadays, but his "moon ball" is still elite. Metcalf and Pickens can both run deep go routes on opposite sides of the field and let Wilson pick which side he wants.

Fields is still trying to develop and become a quality starting quarterback, so what better way to help him out than to go get a top-tier wideout that can reach over any cornerback. Even though he's reportedly testing the market, it would be hard to justify playing with a team like the New York Jets over Pittsburgh.

Steelers' Deal Will Be Overshadowed Quickly

Kimes continued on, saying that Metcalf's deal may look insane now, but it would be forgotten quickly due to a division rival.

"It seems like a huge contract now; it won't look crazy in a couple years, or after Ja'Marr Chase gets his deal," said Kimes.

Players at every position always want to be the highest paid at their position. The Cincinnati Bengals have previously stated that they hope to give receiver Ja'Marr Chase the largest non-quarterback contract in NFL history. Currently, the record holder is Myles Garrett, who signed a deal worth $40 million per year the same day as the Metcalf trade.

If Chase gets a contract anywhere near Garrett's, let alone more than that, nobody will complain about Metcalf's contract. The Steelers signed their new receiver to an extension that's worth $33 million per year. Chase getting $40 million per year would shatter the receiver record, and Metcalf would not even come close.

Not only that, but the Bengals are also looking to sign Tee Higgins to a long-term extension. One player's contract usually affects another, and Metcalf's new contract could raise Higgins' price tag. Cincinnati fans should prepare for a nightmare offseason, as who knows if the team will pay up for their elite receiving core.

While the Steelers' trade may not be the best one, no one will consider it to be bad if Metcalf plays well overall. Contracts will only get more and more insane. We may be closer to seeing a skill position player sign for $50 million per year than we think.

What do you think about Metcalf's fit in Pittsburgh, as well as potential contracts around the league? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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