The Pittsburgh Steelers are finally in the thick of training camp, as they now have full pads on and the physicality is increasing. The real evaluation can begin for many players, both offensively and defensively. Two big-time players who have been receiving a lot of attention thus far are wide receiver DK Metcalf and cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. With Joey Porter Jr. not yet extended and currently on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, Samuel especially has been able to shine, finding his way into the starting lineup. Not only is Samuel turning heads, but his battle with Metcalf is only bettering the star wide receiver, who needs a serious bounce-back after his 2025 campaign.
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Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf participates in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in May of 2026.
Metcalf would often see bracket coverage and be completely taken out of the game last season. Still, when he did find himself open, he wasn't guaranteed to catch the ball, with five drops in 2025. Now, for the 2026 season, the former Seattle Seahawks standout will have real weapons beside him in the receiver room, and a new offensive scheme that is a night-and-day difference from what the previous staff ran.
Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers arguably suffered the most in 2025 from the lack of reliable star power and Metcalf's down season. Rodgers often had to resort to checkdowns, which caused the backup running back to lead the team in receptions. With the additions of Head Coach Mike McCarthy, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., running back Rico Dowdle, and rookie wideout Germie Bernard, Rodgers shouldn't have this issue anymore. He still needs his top wide receiver to step up in a big way, however.
Recently, Asante Samuel Jr.'s father, Asante Samuel Sr., appeared on an episode of his show, Say What Needs To Be Said. He is a 2x Super Bowl champion and former First Team All-Pro. He talked a great deal about his son, but he also mentioned that Rodgers will need Metcalf to step up in 2026. With his massive contract, he needs to help out his 42-year-old quarterback, who's not getting any younger.
"Aaron Rodgers, he really needs DK Metcalf to step up. He needs him to step up and take most of the pressure off of Aaron Rodgers," Samuel explained. "I would like to see the offense use DK Metcalf in the slot more often, let him work the middle of the field."
Metcalf has been primarily an outside receiver his entire career. His skill set is better suited as such, but when he lined up in the slot in 2025, good things happened. Since there weren't many viable options for Rodgers in 2025, former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith had to get creative with where he deployed Metcalf. Now Metcalf will be playing in a scheme that uses his strengths and allows him to excel.
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Steelers' DK Metcalf makes a tremendous catch during 2026 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Still, the player has to step up when needed, and that wasn't the case in 2025 in every game. He will need to have a huge bounce-back season for Rodgers and live up to the contract he was given. Rodgers carried the offense to wins in four of the last five contests, with two of those games being without his top wide receiver in Metcalf due to suspension.
Steelers Need Return On Their Investment
In 2025, the Steelers traded for Metcalf and inked him to a four-year, $132 million extension, making him among the NFL's highest-paid pass-catchers. That move clearly did not pan out the way General Manager Omar Khan had hoped in Year 1, but there is still time to right the ship. Metcalf is only in Year 2 of his deal, so there isn't reason to panic just yet. Being in much better circumstances this season, he should be able to explode in 2026 and have a typical Pro Bowl-caliber campaign.
If Metcalf isn't able to explode and help take the pressure off Rodgers, that will be a huge problem for the organization, which is tied to the wide receiver until the 2029 season. He needs to bring back the explosive touchdowns fans saw in Seattle and be more consistent with his hands. Otherwise, it could become just another bad contract for the Steelers.
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