Seahawks GM Detailed How Steelers' Omar Khan Pulled Off The DK Metcalf Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked many when they were able to pull off a massive trade to bring in Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf. The Steelers had been searching for a star wide receiver to complement George Pickens, and they finally found one. However, just a few weeks later, the team made another surprising move by trading Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. Now, Metcalf arrives in Pittsburgh as the certified star wideout, expected to play a huge role in the Steelers’ passing attack in 2025.

Seahawks General Manager John Schneider appeared on the 3 & Out Podcast with John Middlekauff Thursday to discuss the trade. Schneider gave an insider’s perspective on how the Steelers’ GM Omar Khan managed to convince Seattle to part ways with Metcalf.

This deal marks a bold new chapter for the Steelers’ offense, centered around Metcalf’s elite talent. With Pickens now gone, the spotlight will fully be on Metcalf to deliver explosive plays and leadership as the team looks to make a strong push in the 2025 season. The trade also highlights Khan’s savvy maneuvering in building a competitive roster.

"In regards to DK, we had a ton of conversations last offseason about his legacy, where he wanted to go," Schneider said. "Once he met the new coaching staff, he was excited. And then this year, it just happened and again, you can't change the way people think as much as we love him and want to have him here."

It quickly became clear that the Seahawks and Metcalf couldn’t build a future together, as Schneider explained. Once a player decides they no longer want to be part of an organization, it’s incredibly difficult to find the right words to change their mind. Beyond that, Schneider and the Seahawks were committed to respecting Metcalf’s wishes.

In the end, it was Khan and the Steelers who emerged as the most aggressive and determined team pursuing Metcalf. Their persistence and clear vision for how Metcalf would fit in Pittsburgh made all the difference. This combination of honoring the player’s desires and seizing the opportunity allowed the Steelers to land a true star, setting the stage for a new era in their offense.

"When people want to leave, it's difficult to try to convince them to stay," Schneider said. "Once we got back from the [NFL] Combine, we had another real open talk and then we told him we would concede to his wishes. No promises, but we'll see where it goes. Pittsburgh, Omar, those guys were really aggressive."

The Seahawks traded the two-time Pro Bowl receiver, Metcalf, to the Steelers. In exchange, Seattle received the Steelers’ 2025 second-round pick, No. 52 overall. 

As part of the deal, the Seahawks also sent a sixth-round pick (No. 185) to Pittsburgh and getting back a seventh-round pick (No. 223). This trade highlights the Steelers’ aggressive approach to upgrading their receiving corps for the future and the 2025 season.

Steelers Are Super Excited For Their New Duo

There’s a lot of excitement brewing in the Steel City now that the Steelers have clarity at the most important position in sports. Aaron Rodgers has confirmed he plans to play for Pittsburgh in the 2025 season, bringing his experience as a four-time MVP—even at 41 years old—to the quarterback spot. With Rodgers throwing the ball to Metcalf, the Steelers finally have a dynamic duo to energize their offense.

With Pickens no longer on the roster, Metcalf will be tasked with carrying the bulk of the passing attack. The Steelers are confident he has the talent, leadership, and toughness to step up and become the clear go-to weapon the offense has been searching for. This combination of a legendary quarterback and a dominant wide receiver gives Pittsburgh real hope and excitement heading into the next chapter of their offseason. Fans are eager to see what Metcalf can do as the centerpiece of the Steelers’ aerial assault.

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