Seahawks and Steelers Finalize D.K. Metcalf Trade: What This Means for Both Teams!

D.K. Metcalf’s trade has finally been settled just ahead of the new NFL year. The Pro Bowl wide receiver is making the jump from the Seattle Seahawks to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network was the first to break this news.

Details of the trade show that Seattle will receive a second-round pick from Pittsburgh. Metcalf is also set to sign a lucrative four-year contract worth $132 million, keeping him with the Steelers through 2029. Additionally, a couple of late-round picks will change teams as part of the deal.

Metcalf had one year left on his deal, and it was clear he was poised for a big pay raise. The 27-year-old wideout was linked to a potential asking price of around $30 million, which he has surpassed with this new agreement, giving him an average annual value of $33 million. The Steelers’ investment here indicates they expect a lot from him.

Initially, Seattle was looking for a first-round pick or more. However, they adjusted their expectations and accepted a second-round selection, making this deal happen before the draft.

With this move, Metcalf joins an elite group of receivers who earn over $30 million annually. He has consistently performed, accumulating at least 900 receiving yards in each of his six seasons. The Steelers will look to him for major contributions, especially after their unsuccessful pursuit of other high-profile receivers in recent offseasons.

The Steelers also have promising talents like George Pickens, who has shown potential but faces internal challenges regarding his effort. With Pickens a free agent in 2026, Metcalf could become the primary target in Pittsburgh’s offense. Alongside Calvin Austin and Roman Wilson, they will provide valuable options for whoever is under center.

This trade raises questions about Seattle’s receiving corps. They recently released longtime receiver Tyler Lockett, leaving Metcalf and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba as their top options for 2025. With Metcalf gone, Seattle has Jake Bobo and Dareke Young as their current receivers, signaling a restructured lineup ahead.

Interestingly, Metcalf had originally shown interest in teams in warmer climates with stable quarterbacks. However, Pittsburgh may not fit that preference. While he might have liked playing with C.J. Stroud in Texas or Justin Herbert in Los Angeles, he’ll now be part of a rebuilding phase in Pennsylvania.

This trade also gives Seattle some financial flexibility, freeing up almost $11 million in cap space while incurring about $21 million in dead money. Metcalf will become one of Pittsburgh’s key financial commitments on offense. Meanwhile, Seattle’s future is uncertain, especially after they also traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Raiders. The Steelers gained a valuable asset in Metcalf, but the Seahawks will need to rethink their strategy moving forward.