Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf has officially transitioned to the AFC North, as the Pittsburgh Steelers have successfully acquired the talented wide receiver in a significant trade. This move, confirmed by a league source on Sunday, includes a lucrative five-year, $150 million contract extension for Metcalf. In return, the Seahawks will receive a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. This trade marks Seattle's second major transaction over the weekend, following the trade of quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick in 2025.
Rumors of Metcalf's trade request surfaced on Wednesday, with reports indicating that the Pro Bowl receiver was seeking a new contract worth approximately $30 million per year. The 27-year-old concluded the 2024 season — his sixth with the Seahawks — with 992 yards on 66 receptions and five touchdown catches, a career low for him. Since being drafted in the second round in 2019 out of Ole Miss, Metcalf has consistently showcased his skills, achieving at least 900 receiving yards in every season with the Seahawks. In total, he has amassed 438 receptions for 6,324 yards and 48 receiving touchdowns in regular-season play. Additionally, Metcalf has contributed 451 yards and five touchdowns over four postseason games. Unfortunately, the Seahawks have not made the playoffs in the last two seasons and have not advanced past the wild-card round since Metcalf's rookie year.
With Metcalf's departure, Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerges as the clear WR1 in Seattle's revamped offense under Klint Kubiak. Selected as the 20th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Smith-Njigba had a breakout Year 2, earning a Pro Bowl nod as an injury replacement. Before suffering a knee injury in Week 7 that sidelined Metcalf for two games, he was among the league's top receivers. During Metcalf's absence, Smith-Njigba became the main target in the passing game, highlighted by a stunning 180-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 9. Even after Metcalf returned, Smith-Njigba led Seattle in receptions, yards, and touchdowns through the end of the season.
Seattle now faces the challenge of finding another speedy receiver who can replicate Metcalf’s ability to stretch the field and create opportunities for teammates. The only other receiver currently under contract who caught a pass last season is Jake Bobo, who managed four receptions for 26 yards. The Seahawks are expected to explore options in the veteran receiver market and actively target multiple pass catchers during the upcoming draft. Seattle currently holds several draft picks, including Nos. 18, 50, 52, 82, and 92 in the 2025 NFL Draft.
From a financial perspective, trading Metcalf allows the Seahawks to save approximately $10.9 million in cap space, as reported by Over the Cap. Prior to this trade, Seattle had around $62 million in cap space, which was further impacted by recent re-signings of defensive tackle Jarran Reed and Ernest Jones IV. Even with these signings, the Seahawks are expected to have sufficient salary cap space to pursue a veteran quarterback and potentially acquire at least one more receiver. Although the trades of Metcalf and Smith in the same offseason may suggest a full rebuild, the Seahawks maintain that they aim to reallocate resources to remain competitive for the 2025 season. General manager John Schneider has indicated that they will be aggressive in free agency, particularly in addressing their offensive line, which he identifies as a key weakness.
The acquisition of DK Metcalf is a significant boon for the Pittsburgh Steelers. General manager Omar Khan has long sought a game-breaking receiver, and landing Metcalf fulfills that need. The Steelers previously attempted to acquire Brandon Aiyuk during training camp, only to be thwarted by the player's decision to remain with the San Francisco 49ers. At the deadline, the Steelers settled for Mike Williams, who ultimately did not meet expectations. Khan has publicly acknowledged the inadequacy of the receiver room, stating, “It’s obviously a priority” during the NFL combine.
By securing Metcalf, the Steelers have made a bold statement. This trade stands as the most impactful transaction since they acquired Minkah Fitzpatrick for a first-round pick in 2019. Given Metcalf's youth at 27, he is poised to be a transformative player within the Steelers’ offense, immediately stepping into the No. 1 WR role, irrespective of the existing roster dynamics. His five-year, $150 million deal positions him as a central figure in Pittsburgh's offensive strategy for the foreseeable future.
The implications of this trade extend into two critical areas: the uncertain quarterback situation and the future of George Pickens. The Steelers are currently evaluating their quarterback options, and Metcalf’s presence enhances the appeal of the team to potential signal-callers. Khan previously emphasized the need to address the QB position first, which could influence their strategy for acquiring receivers in free agency. With Metcalf in the lineup, the Steelers now possess a more attractive destination for quarterbacks seeking a competitive team.
Moreover, the trade of Metcalf provides the Steelers with greater flexibility regarding Pickens, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal. With a star receiver now on the roster, the Steelers can explore various options for Pickens, whether it involves allowing him to fulfill his rookie contract or considering a trade while his value remains high.
In summary, the recent trades involving DK Metcalf and Geno Smith signal a pivotal moment for both the Seattle Seahawks and the Pittsburgh Steelers as they navigate their future strategies in the NFL.
