Steelers' DK Metcalf Is Already Making A Massive Impact On Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a very similar situation compared to where the team was entering the 2024 season. The wide receiver position is full of question marks, which the fan base wants to see the organization address by making another significant addition to the roster. Two major moves were already made at receiver during the 2025 offseason as the franchise acquired DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, while also trading away George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Additional moves such as signing Robert Woods have been made, but in the eyes of many, that doesn't really move the needle much in 2025.

Outside of Metcalf, there are some concerns at wide receiver for Pittsburgh. Roman Wilson will be relied upon heavily in his second season after essentially red-shirting his rookie year, and there are still doubts about how effective a player like Calvin Austin III can really be. Woods is in the latter stages of his career, so it is difficult to speculate who will step up outside of Metcalf overall. 

Despite other concerns, the veteran receiver in Metcalf has already made an impact in Pittsburgh. Rookie quarterback Will Howard spoke to the media on Thursday, where he had nothing but good things to say about the former Seahawk.

"I mean, you just look at the guy, he's a specimen," Howard said. "He's something else. The way that he covers ground with his strides, and the way he works. You see a lot of guys like that, it's rare to see somebody like that that is willing to catch for a rookie quarterback on any route that he needs. He is super hardworking. Just respectful, goes about his business. A great dude. If I make a good play, he's coming over to me dapping me up. He's been awesome."

Metcalf's production on the field is known, but it sounds like he has also been really valuable to Pittsburgh as a leader. In a way, he is very different from Pickens, who was less of a leader and caused many distractions throughout his three seasons with the team.

Metcalf is a good veteran presence to have for the younger wide receivers on the roster, but also for Howard. There is a slim chance that Howard will be Metcalf's quarterback in a season or two, and they both seem to already be building a great relationship with one another. Aaron Rodgers will be Metcalf's starting quarterback for the 2025 season, but beyond that, it might be Howard.

The receiver situation is arguably better than it was in 2024 because Metcalf has been in the NFL for longer than Pickens has, and he's been more consistent when it comes to on-field production. There is also the chance that the Steelers can still add to the room, either by making another trade, or by signing a veteran that is still available in free agency.

Steelers Have Options At Wide Receiver

If Pittsburgh decides it needs to add another weapon, there are two intriguing veteran options available in Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper. Both are stil fairly productive, and neither should be too expensive. In the trade market, Pittsburgh should look to either the Green Bay Packers or the New England Patriots. Both teams could be in the business of trading away a receiver, and it would be an upgrade for Pittsburgh. A disgruntled receiver like Terry McLaurin could also become available, but that is a longshot.

There is also the chance that the organization stays put. If Austin and Wilson look good throughout the 2025 offseason, the franchise might just trust what they have within the building. Woods is another player that the Steelers will need to be able to trust, and if that happens, it is very likely that the Steelers don't make any jaw-dropping moves at wide receiver.

What do you want the Steelers to do at wide receiver? Let us know in the comments below!

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