The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of one of the busiest and most aggressive offseasons in franchise history. Omar Khan made multiple big-time moves, one of which included signing four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, as well as veteran defensive back Darius Slay. Pittsburgh also took part in a blockbuster trade for defensive back Jalen Ramsey and tight end Jonnu Smith. Arguably the biggest move Khan made in 2025 was trading for star wide receiver DK Metcalf. The Steelers sent 2025 second- and seventh-round picks in exchange for Metcalf and a sixth-rounder.
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DK Metcalf celebrates a member of the Seattle Seahawks.
Once the trade was complete, the Steelers gave Metcalf a 5-year $150 million extension that will keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2029 season. Metcalf comes to Pittsburgh after six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, where he was named to a pair of Pro Bowls in 2020 and 2023, as well as being named to the AP All-Pro Second Team in 2020.
Pittsburgh's trade for Metcalf might've come as a shock to many, as some expected the Steelers to reset and rebuild after their 28-14 Wild Card Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens in January. Many fans were calling for the Steelers to "tank" and aim their sights on the 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class, but that ship has certainly changed directions since the trade for Metcalf back in March.
The trade for Metcalf is one of many examples of the Steelers entering "win-now" mode. Along with the previously mentioned acquisitions of Rodgers, Slay, Ramsey, and Smith, the Steelers have compiled one of their strongest rosters since winning their last Super Bowl championship at the end of the 2008 season.
Despite what was originally thought of this team, Metcalf wants the Steelers and Super Bowl to be in the same sentence once again, according to his recent conversation with Ian Rapoport.
"I just want to win a Super Bowl. That's it," Metcalf said.
Winning a Super Bowl is something Metcalf hasn't accomplished yet as he enters his seventh season out of Ole Miss, and frankly he hasn't experienced much playoff success. The Seahawks went 1-3 in the postseason during Metcalf's tenure, with their only playoff victory coming in his rookie season when they went on the road and defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 17-9.
Metcalf and the Steelers is almost a match made in heaven in terms of missing out on playoff success in the past decade. The Steelers are currently riding a seven-game losing streak in the playoffs, something that has Pittsburgh fans impatient and desperate for change heading into 2025. Pittsburgh's last playoff win came during the 2016 season.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf during the team's 2025 minicamp.
The goal is mutual for both parties, Metcalf wants to solidify himself as one of the best receivers in the game by winning a championship and the Steelers want to finally get over the hump of playoff failures.
"I think all the personal accolades and everything else will take care of itself," Metcalf said. "If I just come out here and work hard, and just take care of my brothers that's on the field to my right and my left, everything else is going to take care of itself."
Metcalf will undoubtedly get plenty of opportunities for personal accolades during his time in Pittsburgh, especially while because he is expected to be the go-to option in 2025 for Rodgers. Metcalf is used to a heavy workload from his days in Seattle, being targeted by Russell Wilson and Geno Smith over 100 times in every season he wore the navy and green.
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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' DK Metcalf Looking Forward to Fresh Start In Pittsburgh
After six seasons in Seattle, Metcalf is getting a feel for Pittsburgh as the 2025 regular season inches near. Metcalf has expressed his excitement and gratitude for Mike Tomlin and the Steelers' organization.
"Coach T is great," Metcalf said. "Aaron [Rodgers], Mason [Rudolph], all the quarterbacks and receivers and everybody I've met has been loving me with open arms and happy for me to be here, and I'm happy to be here as well," Metcalf said.
Metcalf and the Steelers will begin the 2025 season on September 7th on the road against the New York Jets, and look to make a statement immediately with the NFL world watching.
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