By Dianna Russini, Michael-Shawn Dugar, and Mike DeFabo
DK Metcalf has a new home. The Pittsburgh Steelers traded for the standout wide receiver and will sign him to a hefty five-year, $150 million extension. In return, the Seattle Seahawks will receive a second-round pick in 2025.
This trade marks Seattle’s second big move this weekend, following their decision to send quarterback Geno Smith to the Raiders for a 2025 third-round pick.
Metcalf, who requested a trade earlier, was looking for a new contract around $30 million a year. The 27-year-old had a solid season in 2024, finishing with 992 receiving yards and five touchdowns, which is his lowest career total for touchdowns.
Since the Seahawks drafted him in 2019, Metcalf has consistently performed well, gaining at least 900 yards each season. He has totaled 438 receptions, 6,324 yards, and 48 touchdowns in the regular season. In postseason games, he has added 451 yards and five touchdowns. Unfortunately, the Seahawks have struggled, missing the playoffs for two straight years.
With Metcalf gone, Jaxon Smith-Njigba steps into the spotlight as Seattle’s top receiver. A first-round pick in 2023, Smith-Njigba had an impressive second season, highlighted by a Pro Bowl appearance and a standout game with 180 yards and two touchdowns when Metcalf was injured. He outperformed Metcalf in receptions and yards even when Metcalf returned to the field.
Now, Seattle needs to fill Metcalf’s role as a deep threat. The only other receiver on the roster who caught passes last year is Jake Bobo, who had limited production with just four catches for 26 yards. Seattle will likely look for speedy veteran receivers and additional talent in the upcoming draft, where they have picks at Nos. 18, 50, 52, 82, and 92.
On the financial side, trading Metcalf opens up $10.9 million in salary cap space for Seattle. Before this trade, they had $62 million available, even after signing defensive tackle Jarran Reed and Ernest Jones IV. This financial flexibility could help the Seahawks bring in a veteran quarterback and more receiving options. Despite the recent trades, Seattle insists they are not in full rebuild mode. They aim to strategically use their resources to remain competitive come 2025 and beyond.
The impact of Metcalf’s move to the Steelers is substantial. General manager Omar Khan has been seeking a dynamic receiver for a while. Previously, the team tried to acquire Brandon Aiyuk without success and settled for Mike Williams at the trade deadline, who didn’t meet expectations.
Khan openly admitted the need for improvement at the receiver position. With Metcalf now in the fold, he brings physicality, skill, and game-changing ability to the Steelers’ offense, making him an essential player moving forward.
This trade also reshapes the Steelers’ quarterback situation. With Metcalf added to the roster, it could attract better quarterback prospects. Additionally, it offers flexibility regarding George Pickens, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. The Steelers now have various options with him, whether that involves keeping him or exploring trade opportunities.
Stay tuned, as the effects of this trade unfold in the coming months.
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Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks, NFL
