After the huge news for Pittsburgh Steelers fans that wide receiver DK Metcalf has newly signed for the franchise on a whopping five-year deal that includes a contract thought to be worth about $150 million, the player has had some other business he has been attending to throughout this trading period.
Gene J. Puskar / AP photo
Steelers' DK Metcalf.
The 27-year-old who broke the Seattle Seahawks record in Week 3 of the 2024 season after smashing the tally for the most touchdown receptions over 50 yards by any Seahawks player, will bring a lot to the Steelers roster and will likely be sorely missed by the Seattle franchise. His combination with other existing Steelers talent such as George Pickens will not only have Steelers fans excited, but will likely have neutral fans and those tapping in to win some bets interested in the Steelers as well - David Myers has created a list of some of the best online sportsbooks for the latter amongst you (source: https://www.basketballinsiders.org/sportsbooks/).
However, it is not just the Steelers who Metcalf shared good news with this week.
The Mississippian star announced to the media days after his big trade that he had proposed to his long-term girlfriend and famous R&B singer Normani. He added he had popped the big question on Wednesday in Houston surrounded by their nearest and dearest.
Telling fiancée, Normani, to “Hold up that rock, Baby” while talking to reporters just days after his big move to Pittsburgh. Metcalf mentioned that he has wanted to propose to Normani for some time, advising that he was keen to get down on one knee last year, but their schedules didn’t seem to match up and the R&B singer was very busy with work. The couple seem very happy and Steelers fans will be hoping that this happy home life for Metcalf can be used to propel his form on the field and help the Steelers gain some traction as one of the great teams again.
Getty Images
Steelers' DK Metcalf running a route on a Hail Mary play during the 2020 season with the Seattle Seahawks.
Metcalf has finally had his chance to secure the ring on Normani’s finger, making it a mega week for the new addition to the Steelers. Having been traded to the Steelers on what was a blockbuster trade Sunday, in exchange for the second-round draft pick who will head off to the Seahawks. He has already shared insights with the offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, advising that he believes the team can go on to big things and he is going to contribute to their success.
It’s not just DK Metcalf that the Pittsburgh franchise has managed to acquire during this big trading period. The re-signings of Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller give them even more depth in this position to bolster their attacking prowess with their eyes set on success. The defensive lines have also had some key additions in a bid to shore up the defense, with running back Kenneth Gainwell signing on a one-year deal to add depth to the position and cornerback Darius Slay signing a $10 million guaranteed one-year deal. Slay brings extensive Pro Bowl experience to the Pittsburgh secondary.
However, all of these deals may be in vain if the team cannot figure out who their starting quarterback will be. Aaron Rodgers seemed to be swaying towards making a move to the Pittsburgh franchise, but recent developments and the involvement of the Minnesota Vikings in the chase for the coveted quarterback have thrown a spanner in the mix. Without a solid quarterback option, the abilities of the likes of DK Metcalf may be nullified. Having such a gifted wide receiver is nearly pointless when he's only able to make two catches a game due to not having the delivery from the all-important quarterback position. Rodgers is set to make his mind up on who he is likely to join in the coming days.
Adam Hunger / AP Photo
Former New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers speaking to members of the media.
Despite the quarterback crisis, the Steelers remain fairly optimistic about the upcoming season and are looking to return to winning ways. Pressure mounted on Mike Tomlin following a dismal end to last year's campaign that saw the Steelers conclude the season with five consecutive defeats. When talking on ESPN, Ryan Clark was less than impressed with Tomlin's current tenure, and despite his 2008 Super Bowl win and consistent .500 or better record since 2007, feels it may be his time to leave the team. Tomlin had signed a three-year contract in 2023 and the Rooney family, who own the club, look set to stick with the head coach. With the arrival of DK Metcalf and others, perhaps the tides will turn in the upcoming season for the Steelers.
