DK Metcalf’s Contract with Steelers: Buyer’s Remorse?
Jason Shetler
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan shocked the football world, on March 9th, 2025, when he traded for Seattle Seahawks standout wide receiver, DK Metcalf.
Soon after the trade, Metcalf agreed to sign a five-year extension for $150 million with the Steelers; the largest deal in franchise history.
Metcalf’s first season in Pittsburgh consisted of some ups and downs. While he did average 14.4 yards per catch last year, his 59 receptions were the second lowest total of his NFL career.
The turning point for Metcalf came in Week 16 in Detroit against the Lions, when Metcalf ran over by the stands and got into an altercation with a Lions fans.
The altercation resulted in Metcalf receiving a two-game suspension. Metcalf appealed his punishment, but the league denied the appeal. The suspension also voided him $45 million in future guaranteed money. Despite Metcalf getting suspended, the Steelers were still able to capture the AFC North crown.
While sitting out the entire preseason, with an undisclosed injury that he sustained in camp, Metcalf made waves online in negative fashion, when he posted a photo on his Instagram page over the appearance of a Giant Eagle employee.
The Steelers picked up a 20-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. However, Metcalf had perhaps his worst performance as a member of the Black & Gold. He recorded only 40 yards on four catches, and was guilty of two offensive pass interference calls.
Although it’s still the early stages of Metcalf’s tenure in Pittsburgh, it needs to be objectively better moving forward. In terms of average annual value, Metcalf is right around $33 million, which is seventh highest among NFL wideouts. In addition, his suspension last year nearly cost the Steelers making the playoffs - giving off bad optics - and quite frankly - selfish behavior.
Metcalf is still in the prime of his career at 28, so there’s no reason why he can’t perform near or at the level he did in Seattle. Obviously, Steelers’ management recognizes the talent Metcalf possesses, with Omar Khan paying him Top 10 receiver money, and Mike McCarthy having coached against him during his time in Dallas.
For the Steelers’ sake, let’s hope it doesn’t go from the biggest deal in team history to the most regrettable.