Steelers insider weighs chances team pursues DK Metcalf trade

There are several interesting wide receivers who could be on the move this offseason. One of the biggest of those names is DK Metcalf, who recently requested a trade to leave the Seattle Seahawks.

One team that could be an interesting fit for Metcalf is the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers have a need for wide receiver help and money to work with. The question is whether or not they’d be willing to make a trade. That’s a question that insider Mark Kaboly shared some thoughts about on The Pat McAfee Show.

“How many times have you ever heard of them having $63-65 million worth of cap space with the potential of that going up to $80-85 million if they restructure a couple easily restructurable guys, here,” Mark Kaboly said. “So, they can pretty much go out there and dictate whoever they want. The problem is you don’t want to give up a high draft choice.”

The problem that Metcalf to Pittsburgh could run into is that it’s not just the cost of his contract that the team would take on. They’d also have to make a trade, likely involving picks, which goes against what Pittsburgh typically likes to do. That’s especially true when the asking price from Seattle is reportedly looking for a first and a third-round pick for him.

“Just say DK Metcalf, for example,” Kaboly said. “You don’t want to give up a second and or third-round pick, then have to pay him $120 million. That seems like a little steep.”

To go along with the picks that an NFL team would have to send, Metcalf does want a new contract. That means that it might be unlikely that the Steelers are a serious suitor for his services in 2025. Still, multiple teams have been in contact with the Seahawks and if nobody is willing to offer what Seattle is requesting, it could become a more reasonable price.

Now 27 years old, DK Metcalf is a two-time Pro Bowl selection. He’s coming off a season where in 15 games he had 66 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers were good but down from his best seasons between 2020 and 2023. He will have a $31.875 million cap hit in 2025.

At times, in 2024, DK Metcalf dealt with injuries. During that time, wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged, giving Seattle another top-tier option on the outside. Still, there are plenty of teams who would love to have that same problem and could be willing to make a deal with the Seahawks.