DK Metcalf.
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WR DK Metcalf.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off what they feel like is a positive start to free agency after signing eight players.
One area that looked to get a boost was the offense, which added former Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle while also trading with the Indianapolis Colts for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
The next obvious move will be figuring out who is lining up behind center in 2026, as Aaron Rodgers has still yet to inform the team of his plans. That decision would have the offense all but set, minus some potential draft additions.
However, Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton floated one wild trade scenario that would shake up not only the Steelers offense, but NFL free agency altogether.
Steelers Have Good Reasons To Look Into Trading DK Metcalf
Moton says that Pittsburgh could surprise everyone by trading away wide receiver DK Metcalf, despite acquiring him just last season in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks.
Metcalf is coming off a season in which he posted a career-worst 850 receiving yards while also matching a career low in touchdowns with six. Not only that, but attitude and immaturity issues became a glaring problem that eventually led to a suspension after a physical engagement with a fan in Detroit.
Moton also points to a potential contract dispute that could be brewing between Metcalf and the Steelers, given the receiver doesn’t have any guaranteed money left on his remaining deal after the 2026 season. If that situation becomes an issue, one particular team could make sense as a trade partner.
“If the Steelers are hesitant to rework Metcalf’s contract, they could trade him, and the Kansas City Chiefs would be a logical suitor,” Moton wrote.
Chiefs Could Make Sense If Steelers Explored Move
Kansas City has struggled with its wide receiver production over the last couple of seasons, leaving veteran tight end Travis Kelce as the most reliable option for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. While Kelce is returning at the age of 36, the Chiefs will still need more help in the passing game, especially with uncertainty around Mahomes early in the season.
“The Chiefs need a pass-catcher in his prime. Xavier Worthy is still developing, going into his third season. Travis Kelce’s scoring production has been on the decline over the previous three years,” Moton wrote.
“Metcalf would add much-needed explosiveness and provide more down-to-down consistency than Worthy in the passing game. Even in an inefficient 2025 year, he would’ve led the Chiefs in catches and been their most dynamic offensive playmaker.”
Even though Metcalf is coming off a down season, he still led the Steelers in receiving by a wide margin. In fact, it became obvious how much the offense struggled when he wasn’t available, whether during his suspension or stretches when he wasn’t getting the ball.
That’s why it would be difficult to believe the Steelers would seriously explore trading Metcalf, especially if Rodgers ultimately returns. Moving their top pass catcher would strip the offense of its biggest weapon, even with Pittman now in the mix.
Pittsburgh already proved last season how difficult it is to operate offensively with a thin receiving corps. Trading Metcalf now would risk putting the Steelers right back in that same position.