The Pittsburgh Steelers impressed in their 2025 season debut, winning a 34-32 nail-biter against the New York Jets. A major contributor to the win was new wide receiver DK Metcalf, who posted four receptions for 83 yards in the victory, averaging roughly 20 yards per reception. Steelers fans waited all offseason to see Metcalf debut for the team, but it turns out that they weren't the only ones.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' DK Metcalf makes an incredible catch during a Week 1 win over the New York Jets in 2025.
In an interview with Steelers insider Gerry Dulac on 102.5 WDVE, fellow wide receiver Calvin Austin III raved about the team's major offseason addition.
"To see that in live action was definitely something that I thought was very cool," Austin said. "To see him get a [bubble screen], go inside, and then back outside to almost score. That's when it's hard to defend."
There's no doubt that Metcalf is physically very impressive at 6'4", 229 pounds. There aren't many receivers that large who can also run a 4.33 40-yard dash. His build played at least a part in the Steelers trading a second-round pick for him during the 2025 offseason and making him the fourth-highest paid receiver in the league at the time. If the team can get his Week 1 production out of him for the foreseeable future, his contract will absolutely be worth it.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf during the team's 2025 minicamp.
Austin wasn't the only one who had high praise for Metcalf. In a post-practice interview, quarterback Aaron Rodgers had some strong words towards his number one target.
"He’s about the right stuff. He cares about it enough to watch the film and put in the time and take notes and ask questions and come over and sit next to me during the week … that’s unfortunately not the standard around the league."
Praise from a four-time Most Valuable Player like Aaron Rodgers carries a heavy weight, and shows how Metcalf is valued around the league.
Steelers Continue To Look Around Wide Receiver Trade Market
While Metcalf is a major upgrade to Pittsburgh's wide receiver room, the team still isn't fully satisfied. Shortly after Week 1 ended, ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio reported that the Steelers were interested in trading for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill. While a trade for Hill would certainly be interesting, domestic violence allegations by Hill's estranged wife complicate things, with a potential suspension from the league on the horizon.
In addition, Hill is 31 years old and coming off of the worst year of his career. One reason that the team hasn't yet made another move at receiver is that there's at least some internal belief in Calvin Austin.
#Steelers WR Calvin Austin III had 70 yards and a TD in Week 1 — and there’s real excitement internally about his trajectory.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 9, 2025
There was a lot of offseason talk about who would line up opposite DK Metcalf, but the answer was already in the building: it’s Calvin Austin. pic.twitter.com/TGJaSFG8CI
Austin put up 70 yards and a touchdown in the Week 1 win, making him an excellent complement to the 83 yards Metcalf had. If the duo can continue that level of production, the Steelers' problem at wide receiver could be solved without needing to give up any more draft capital.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Calvin Austin (19) in a Week 1 game against the New York Jets
Whether it's Metcalf or Austin, the Steelers' passing game showed major promise in Week 1. Rodgers turned back the clock, throwing four touchdowns in a 34 point effort - more points than Rodgers scored in any single game with the Jets. If Metcalf continues to look like he did in the first week, the team's offense has more potential than it has had in years, and Pittsburgh's multi-season search for a viable first option at wide receiver will come to an end.
What did you think of Metcalf's Steelers debut in Week 1? Let us know in the comments below!
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