The Pittsburgh Steelers did a lot of retooling with the roster throughout the 2025 offseason. Both sides of the ball were affected, but the offense specifically looks drastically different from what it was heading into the 2024 season. A major change was the shakeup at wide receiver, as Pittsburgh acquired DK Metcalf via trade just prior to free agency. This led to the organization parting ways with George Pickens, as he was dealt to the Dallas Cowboys after the 2025 NFL Draft. A lot went into that decision, with the main factor being the lack of maturity the former Pittsburgh receiver displayed.
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Steelers' George Pickens makes a big time catch against the Baltimore Ravens during a home game.
Pittsburgh has an interesting history at wide receiver. The organization has done a great job drafting talent at the position, but there has consistently been character-issues with the players brought in. This includes Pickens, Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson, and even Antonio Brown later in his career.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph spoke to the media before practice on Tuesday. He was asked about Metcalf and what he brings to the room, and while praising his current receiver, he shared some thoughts about the guys that have been there in the past.
"He's been a joy to work with," Rudolph said about Metcalf. "Ultra-competitive and friendly. You never know, we've had some high, we've had some big personalities here at receiver before, and guys I like, but they're flashy. He's [Metcalf] really not. So I appreciate that about him."
The quarterback didn't mention any former wide receivers by name, but it is not all that difficult to deduce who he could be talking about. The obvious receivers he could be referring to are Brown, Pickens, Johnson, and Claypool, who were all on the team at some point with Rudolph. These were all guys who were traded away from the organization due to behavioral or character issues.
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Steelers' Calvin Austin III runs alongside DK Metcalf (far left) during Phase One of voluntary offseason workouts in 2025.
Metcalf has a bit of a track record of being a hot-head in game situations, but that should be expected from a competitor. He has received his fair share of penalties for extracurriculars after the whistle, and he has even had some outbursts on the sideline. This likely stems from his ultra competitiveness, which is a way that Rudolph described the newly acquired wideout.
The wide receiver has embraced the lifestyle of being a part of the organization in Pittsburgh. He has seemed selfless since arriving, and he did not have any issues throughout training camp in Latrobe. By all accounts, he has been a great teammate, and that was confirmed from Rudolph's comments. Metcalf is a true leader as the top wide receiver in Pittsburgh, which is something the organization has not really had over the last couple of seasons. Pickens and Johnson could not really be described as leaders while they were playing with the Steelers, so Metcalf provides an element to the offense that hasn't been there as of late.
Steelers' DK Metcalf Is In Line To Have The Best Receiving Season In Pittsburgh In Quite Some Time
In 2024, the Steelers did not have a receiver eclipse the 1,000-yard mark. Pickens likely would have gotten there had he not missed some time due to injury. He got there in 2023 with Pittsburgh, which was the best receiving season for the Steelers over the last three years when he recorded five touchdowns and 1,140 yards. Metcalf has met or surpassed that touchdown milestone in every season of his career, and he has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in three different seasons as well.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf smile as they talk during training camp in Latrobe, PA.
If his chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers continues to grow, there is no reason to think he could not have one of the better seasons that has been seen from a wideout in Pittsburgh. He will be the top dog in the passing game, and he should be able to find the end zone a good amount while picking up significant yardage.
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