Former Steelers DB Takes Direct Shot At DK Metcalf

With the new 2026 NFL league year approaching, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to target help at the wide receiver position. Improving the passing attack is a major priority, whether that comes through free agency or a trade. One name that has recently surfaced as a potential option is Michael Pittman Jr. of the Indianapolis Colts, who could give the offense a consistent and dependable target. However, a former Steeler recently noted that even if Pittsburgh were to add Pittman, the team would still be missing a true number one receiver.

The Steelers made a blockbuster move to address the position during the 2025 offseason when they traded a second-round pick to acquire wide receiver DK Metcalf. At the time, the move was viewed as a major addition for Pittsburgh’s offense. Metcalf arrived with an impressive résumé that included two Pro Bowl appearances and a Second-Team All Pro nod with the Seattle Seahawks. 

His rare combination of size, speed, and physicality made him one of the most intriguing wide receivers in the league, and many believed he would immediately become the top target in Pittsburgh’s passing attack.

However, the results during the 2025 season did not fully match those expectations. While Metcalf still flashed the play-making ability that made him a star in Seattle, the Steelers' passing game struggled to consistently generate explosive plays. There were moments where Metcalf looked dominant, but there were also stretches where the offense failed to establish a reliable rhythm through the air.

Because of that inconsistency, questions have started to surface about whether or not Metcalf can truly serve as Pittsburgh’s long-term number one receiver. Those concerns have fueled speculation that the Steelers could look to add another established pass-catcher to strengthen the receiving group and create more balance within the offense.

Still, not everyone believes that adding a guy like Pittman would completely solve Pittsburgh’s issues at the position. Former Steelers cornerback Joe Haden recently weighed in on the topic during an episode of his podcast with former teammate James Harrison, Deebo & Joe. During the discussion, the two former Steelers were evaluating potential trade targets at wide receiver when Pittman’s name came up.

Haden made it clear that while he respects Pittman’s ability as a receiver, he does not necessarily view him as the type of player who can carry an offense as a true number one option.

"[Pittman] is not a real number one to me. Really really good receiver, I love him as a number two, but I think that's two number twos that we got," Haden said. "I feel like DK is a number two. A strong number two."

Haden’s comments opened the door to a broader discussion about the makeup of Pittsburgh’s receiving corps and what the team might still be lacking. Both Metcalf and Pittman have produced strong seasons during their careers, but Haden suggested that their skill sets may be better suited to complementary roles rather than serving as the clear focal point of an offense.

Pittman’s game is built around physicality and reliability, often functioning as a possession receiver who can extend drives and win contested catches. Metcalf, meanwhile, is known for his size and deep-threat ability that allows him to stretch defenses vertically. While the two could potentially form a productive tandem, Haden believes Pittsburgh may still lack the type of dominant receiver who can consistently get open.

"[Metcalf] has been a number one in his career before. I just didn't see it last year — and with him dropping those balls. I think he has it in his bag," Haden said. "If we get Pittman here, it will help him out and get some pressure off of him, but I think neither one of them dudes are legitimate ones."

Haden’s perspective reflects a concern that has lingered around the Steelers’ offense for several seasons. While Pittsburgh has had talented receivers on the roster, the team has struggled to find someone who can consistently dominate defenses and serve as the unquestioned top target week after week.

Steelers Still Haven't Recovered After Trading Antonio Brown

Many Steelers fans would argue that the franchise has not had a true number one receiver since the departure of Antonio Brown. During his time in Pittsburgh, Brown developed into one of the most dominant wide receivers in the NFL. 

His ability to create separation, make contested catches, and deliver explosive plays made him nearly impossible for opposing defenses to contain. Since Brown’s exit, Pittsburgh has cycled through several talented receivers, including JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, George Pickens, and now Metcalf. Each has had productive stretches, but none have consistently commanded the same level of defensive attention that Brown once demanded. 

Whether the Steelers choose to pursue Pittman or another receiver this offseason, the search for a true number one target remains one of the most important questions surrounding the offense.

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