D.K. Metcalf Omar Khan
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ESPN's Dan Graziano included Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver D.K. Metcalf on a list of potential offseason trade candidates.
There have been quite a few rumors surrounding the futures of veterans Jalen Ramsey and Jonnu Smith, who the Pittsburgh Steelers just acquired last offseason. But for the first time Wednesday, there’s also some noise about the future of wide receiver D.K. Metcalf.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Ben Solak included Metcalf, who the Steelers acquired in a trade last offseason, on his list of top trade candidates for this offseason.
“When he signed his deal last spring, Metcalf’s $25 million in 2026 salary was fully guaranteed,” Graziano wrote. “But his two-game suspension at the end of the season for an in-game altercation with a fan voided that guarantee and could in turn make Metcalf easier to trade, if the Steelers are so inclined.
“They’ll be installing a new offense under new coach Mike McCarthy, and while dealing Metcalf would weaken them at a spot where they’re already thin, the wideout could end up on the market if he’s not a fit for the scheme.”
This take from Graziano is likely to puzzle most members of Steelers Nation. It certainly left Steelers Depot’s Josh Carney flabbergasted.
Carney ripped Graziano for calling Metcalf an offseason trade candidate.
“[Metcalf] has to learn a new scheme and a new coaching staff. But he’s not on the hot seat as far as a trade candidate,” wrote Carney.
“According to Steelers Depot’s Dave Bryan, the Steelers would save just $7 million in 2026 cap space if Metcalf were to be traded prior to June 1.
“That’s just ridiculous, but it’s par for the course with Graziano when it comes to talking about the Steelers.”
Is D.K. Metcalf a NFL Trade Candidate This Offseason?
The simple answer to this question is no. Graziano is the first, and likely the last, insider to suggest Metcalf on the move this offseason being a possibility.
But let’s entertain the reasons why the Steelers could shop him for just a minute.
Metcalf posted a career-low 59 catches last season. His 850 receiving yards was also his fewest since his 2019 rookie campaign.
The veteran receiver was on track for more production, but he missed the final two games of the regular season because of a suspension. Metcalf received a 2-game ban because of an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan during Week 16.
Metcalf returned for the postseason but had a couple key drops early in a wild card loss.
With those things in mind and given the Steelers are changing offenses and coaching staffs, Graziano didn’t see it as a stretch to suggest the team could move on from Metcalf this offseason.
Why the Steelers Won’t Trade Metcalf
However, there are significantly more and stronger reasons why the veteran wideout isn’t and won’t be on the trade block.
First, as Steelers Depot explained, the team earns very little salary cap space trading Metcalf.
The Steelers could trade the receiver just for a fresh start. However, there’s little to suggest the organization wants that on offense despite beginning the Mike McCarthy era.
General manager Omar Khan indicated at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Steelers want back Aaron Rodgers. It makes no sense to bring back Rodgers and then trade his No. 1 receiver from last year.
The Steelers also stood behind Metcalf after his two-game suspension. In fact, Graziano was incorrect to write the receiver’s suspension makes him a better trade candidate because the 2-game ban voided his guaranteed money.
FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer reported in December that despite having the option to void Metcalf’s contract guarantees, the Steelers chose not to do that.
Lastly, if the Steelers make any trades this offseason, it might be for a receiver. The team needs more offensive weapons; not fewer.
Trading Metcalf would leave Pittsburgh without any outside playmakers.
It’s no wonder Carney called Graziano including Metcalf on his trade candidates list “ridiculous.” In the ESPN insider’s defense, he only predicted a 25% chance the Steelers trade the wideout.
But even that is too high. It’s likely much closer to a zero percent chance of happening.