It’s a full rebuild in the Pacific Northwest … days after cutting wideout Tyler Lockett and trading quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf was shipped to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a second-round pick in 2025’s draft. Following the agreement, he was given a massive contract extension.
Per me and @TomPelissero: DK Metcalf gets a 5-year, $150M contract along with it. https://t.co/n18g7aF6ck
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2025
The acquisition gives Pittsburgh a pair of big-play weapons on the outside with George Pickens and Metcalf, as well as a safety blanket in tight end Pat Freiermuth, so pieces are in place for success in the aerial game. Two major issues need to be resolved: Primarily, who will be the quarterback of this offense? The second is whether offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is even capable of opening up the passing game to take advantage of this talent. He’s known for a bland design that leans too heavily on the ground attack.
Fantasy football outlook
In 2024, Metcalf averaged the lowest fantasy output since his rookie season, partly due to being hobbled by injury, and there’s no guarantee he’ll rebound given the circumstances facing him in the Steel City. For now, without knowing the starting quarterback, on raw talent alone Metcalf is a top-end WR2 or low-tier No. 1. Achieving that finish is improbable with the offensive system in place, late-season weather concerns, and presumably weak option at quarterback. He’s fairly viewed as a great No. 3 consideration for the time being.
Whether it be Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, Sam Darnold, or maybe even Aaron Rodgers starting in 2025, expect a rookie selection at some point, so that’s even another concern to navigate. At least a reunion with RW3 would bring familiarity.
More to come…
