The Pittsburgh Steelers made a lot of moves throughout the 2025 offseason, especially on offense. The biggest shock was when it was announced that the Steelers were sending a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for star wide receiver DK Metcalf. This happened right before the start of free agency, and it ultimately played a role in the franchise deciding to trade George Pickens away to the Dallas Cowboys. Pickens had been a distraction at times, and the organization decided to send him elsewhere, while bringing in Metcalf.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf during the team's 2025 minicamp.
Metcalf is more accomplished in the NFL than Pickens is, and he will be relied upon heavily within the offense during the 2025 season. The wide receiver room behind him is full of some question marks as Calvin Austin III continues to ascend, Roman Wilson looks to get on the field during his second season, and Robert Woods enters his 13th season.
After acquiring Metcalf, Pittsburgh signed the wide out to a four-year extension, which puts him under contract for five seasons with the Steelers. However, the guaranteed money is done after the first two years of the contract. ESPN insider Dan Graziano recently wrote about the deal, and discussed how it is team-friendly.
"The Steelers will pay the 27-year-old Metcalf $35 million this year -- a $30 million signing bonus and a $5 million salary -- and $25 million in 2026," Graziano wrote. "After that, it's completely up to them. His 2027 salary of $20 million never becomes guaranteed, against injury or otherwise."
Pittsburgh pays Metcalf guaranteed money in 2025 and in 2026, and after that, there is no more guaranteed money on the deal. This essentially means that every season after the 2026 season is a team-option. There are roster bonuses that take place once the new league year begins in 2027, 2028, and 2029, but the Steelers can easily move on from Metcalf after the 2026 season if the organization wants to.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' Aaron Rodgers making a throw during 2025 mandatory minicamp with DK Metcalf in the background.
The fact that the contract is easy to get out of after two seasons makes this deal team-friendly. Metcalf also benefits by getting guaranteed money quickly over the next two seasons, it is truly a win-win, and Graziano explained that the two sides are clear on the framework of the deal.
"It appears Metcalf is aware of that being a potential tipping point," Graziano wrote. "Looking at a copy of his contract, he signed the page about the 2027 roster bonus with a smiley face next to his name. He didn't do that on any other page of the contract. So this is really a two-year commitment, and both sides seem to know it. Given what top wideouts are making these days, how badly the Steelers needed one and Metcalf's relatively young age, it's a nice deal for Pittsburgh."
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf runs on the field at the UPMC Sports Complex as the team practices during 2025 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Have Several Options With DK Metcalf Down The Line
There is a chance that everything works out in Pittsburgh for Metcalf. He can have some of the best seasons of his career, sign a new deal, even spend the rest of his career with the Steelers. However, the more likely outcome is that he plays in Pittsburgh for the next two seasons, and then the team moves him. He will be able to be released pretty easily, but a trade might be more beneficial for the Steelers down the line.
What do you think about Metcalf knowing he might only be in Pittsburgh for two seasons? Let us know in the comments below!
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