Steelers Land DK Metcalf in Blockbuster Trade with Seahawks

Seattle had hoped to keep Metcalf long-term, but the 26-year-old wideout requested a trade last week. With one year left on his contract and the receiver market soaring toward $30 million annually, the Seahawks decided to capitalize on his trade value rather than risk losing him for less down the road.

Seattle is shifting toward a more physical, run-heavy offensive approach under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, which likely influenced their decision to part ways with DK Metcalf.

For Pittsburgh, the move signals a strong push to bolster its receiving corps, which has been a revolving door in recent years. The Steelers have struggled to develop long-term playmakers at the position, with Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool both failing to meet expectations before being traded. Meanwhile, veteran additions like Allen Robinson and Mike Williams didn’t pan out. After missing out on 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk last offseason, the Steelers weren’t going to let another elite receiver slip away.

Metcalf, a physical force with elite speed, has surpassed 900 receiving yards in all six of his NFL seasons, topping 1,000 yards three times. He’s averaged eight touchdowns per year and remains a dominant downfield threat, even if his reception totals (66 in each of the last two seasons) suggest he isn’t a high-volume target.

Steelers’ Grade

Pittsburgh’s decision to trade for Metcalf—and immediately lock him into a five-year, $150 million extension—shows they’re serious about upgrading their offense. Pairing him with George Pickens creates one of the most physically dominant receiver duos in the league. Both players thrive in contested catches and can stretch the field, opening up opportunities for tight end Pat Freiermuth and speedy slot receiver Calvin Austin III.

But this move raises a big question: Who will be throwing them the football?

The Steelers had mixed results with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields last year, and both are now free agents. Their current quarterback options include a lackluster free-agent class (which could feature Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold, and Daniel Jones) and a relatively weak draft class. Sitting at No. 21 in the first round, Pittsburgh may not have its pick of the top rookie quarterbacks.

That said, Metcalf’s presence could make Pittsburgh a more attractive destination for a veteran quarterback looking to compete.

Seahawks’ Grade

Seattle’s offseason is officially in transition mode. The team already dealt quarterback Geno Smith to the Raiders and released longtime wideout Tyler Lockett. Now, with Metcalf gone, they’ll shift their focus to building around second-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and running backs Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.

The Seahawks’ offensive line has been talented but injury-prone in recent years, and they still need a quarterback. There’s speculation that Sam Darnold could be headed to Seattle, but if that doesn’t materialize, their plan at QB will come under heavy scrutiny.

Seattle now holds the No. 18 pick in the first round and two second-rounders (Nos. 50 and 52), giving them plenty of draft capital to reshape their roster. General manager John Schneider has been on a roll in recent drafts, so the extra pick could prove valuable.

Ultimately, the Seahawks were in a tough position with Metcalf’s trade request, and while they got solid value in return, their next moves will determine whether this was the right call.

One thing is certain: the pressure is on in both Seattle and Pittsburgh to make this trade work.