pittsburgh steelers
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Some NFL executives aren't surprised by George Pickens' issues with the Pittsburgh Steelers
The NFL Draft, which will be hosted by the city of Pittsburgh from April 23rd to 25th, is just under three weeks away. After winning the division title for the first time in five seasons, yet switching head coaches, the Pittsburgh Steelers could very well create some fireworks.
Those fireworks could be created either when the team is officially on the clock or while it is possibly working behind the scenes. One of those potential moves that the Steelers may make behind the scenes could involve one of their biggest names on offense. Bleacher Report’s Moe Moton believes the chances of the Steelers trading veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf are increasingly likely.
The Pittsburgh Steelers May See DK Metcalf as a Trade Candidate
DK Metcalf.
GettyDK Metcalf led the Steelers in receiving yards last season (850).
Here is what Moton wrote about the likelihood of the Steelers possibly looking to trade Metcalf:
“The 28-year-old is coming off his least productive pro campaign. The Steelers have a strong track record of drafting receivers, and they have three third-round picks this year. Don’t be surprised if Pittsburgh trades Metcalf and drafts a replacement on Day 2.”
Moton mentioning that the Steelers could make the move to trade away their leading wide receiver is somewhat surprising. This is especially the case with the likelihood of a potential return for future first-ballot Hall of Fame Aaron Rodgers increasing. Also, why would the Steelers trade away their best wide receiver from a season ago after making a win-now type of trade for two-time 1,000-yard receiver Michael Pittman Jr.?
Trading away Metcalf would be a sign that the team might be more interested in rebuilding than contending. Rodgers, in the twilight of his career, and newly signed head coach Mike McCarthy likely wouldn’t consider the possibility of reuniting in the Steel City if they didn’t have the best possible roster in place.
DK Metcalf Had One Down Year
DK Metcalf Aaron Rodgers Marvin Mims
GettyAaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf connected for six touchdowns in 2025.
Even though Metcalf was the team’s leading receiver in 2025, it was still a down year for him. His 99 targets and 850 receiving yards were both career lows. But to be fair to him, sometimes the first season with a new team on a new contract could make a player take a step back. After being traded from the Seattle Seahawks and signing a five-year extension worth $150 million, the two-time Pro-Bowler was seemingly not his usual self.
However, that can be common for star players. Furthermore, Metcalf is still in his prime at 28 years of age. The three-time 1,000-yard pass-catcher is still a matchup nightmare for most cornerbacks and could be a great asset for Rodgers should he return in 2026.
To top it off, he and Pittman Jr. could make for one of the league’s top receiving duos. After a struggling season for Pittsburgh’s passing attack and total offense, trading away Metcalf for a late-round pick doesn’t make much sense. But time will tell as the draft approaches and the rumors start to heat up.