The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an action-packed 2025 offseason, filled with major moves that have kept them at the forefront of the media. Among these moves was the acquisition of veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf. Metcalf joined the Steelers through a trade with the Seattle Seahawks, a move that has been highly discussed. The Steelers confirmed their confidence in Metcalf by giving him a five-year, $150 million contract.
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DK Metcalf celebrates a member of the Seattle Seahawks.
Recently, Seahawks General Manager John Schneider made a guest appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, where he dove into the details surrounding the surprising trade that sent Metcalf to the Steelers. During the interview, Schneider opened up about the behind the scenes discussions and circumstances that ultimately led to the decision.
"You know, DK and I had very open conversations the last couple years about his future, and what that looked like and what he wanted... And it was apparent that he wanted to move on," Schneider said.
Metcalf was selected by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In his rookie season, he made an immediate impact, recording 58 receptions for 900 yards and seven touchdowns, while also setting a franchise rookie record with 160 receiving yards in a playoff game.
Over six seasons with the Seahawks, Metcalf recorded 438 receptions for 6,324 yards and 48 touchdowns, averaging 14.4 yards per catch. He achieved three 1,000-yard receiving seasons and was known for his big-play ability.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf makes a one handed grab during his time with the Seattle Seahawks.
Metcalf is widely regarded as a dominant force on the field, with an unmatched combination of size, speed, and physicality. Recognizing his immense value, the Steelers made a major investment in Metcalf.
This significant financial commitment highlights just how much the Steelers believe in Metcalf's ability to be a long-term member of their offense. However, despite the massive contract, Schneider clarified to Rich Eisen that Metcalf's departure from the team was not motivated by financial constraints.
"It really wasn't [salary related]. And it wasn't, it was interesting because it wasn't like animosity either. It was like, he really, really wanted a fresh start," Schneider added.
Following the recent trade of former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, Metcalf has now solidified his role as the clear-cut wide receiver one in Pittsburgh. While it's uncertain whether the Steelers had always planned to move on from Pickens, acquiring Metcalf appears to be an even more impactful and strategic move for the Steelers, as it fills the void left by Pickens.
The trade also seems to have worked out well for the Seahawks, with both teams appearing satisfied with the outcome and no signs of tension or bad blood between the organizations.
"So it ended up working out for both clubs, working out for us, and working out for Pittsburgh and, and we wish him the best," Schneider explained.
The primary objective of most trades in the NFL is to create a mutually beneficial outcome for both teams involved, where each organization feels they’ve gained value. In the case of the Metcalf trade, it’s encouraging to see that both the Steelers and the Seahawks appear to have come away with what they needed. The Steelers secured a dominant, veteran wide receiver to lead their receiving corps, while the Seahawks received assets that support their long-term plans.
The Seahawks received the Steelers' second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft in exchange for Metcalf. This move allowed the Seahawks to bring in a younger player, without the financial commitment like Metcalf's contract.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf looking to extend a play
Steelers Still Need Someone To Throw The Ball To Metcalf
It’s widely acknowledged that the Steelers currently lack a definitive starting quarterback to lead the offense and connect with Metcalf. Earlier this offseason, Metcalf was spotted catching the football with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is widely speculated to be Pittsburgh’s top target for the void in their roster.
While no official commitment has been made by Rodgers, the uncertainty continues to loom. Establishing a clear quarterback is essential, not just for the structure of the offense, but to begin building vital chemistry and camaraderie with key playmakers like Metcalf.
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