After acquiring the former Seattle Seahawk via a trade, the Pittsburgh Steelers might be preparing to move on without star WR DK Metcalf this offseason. Despite signing a long-term deal with the team, the Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. to overhaul their passing game for whichever quarterback is the starter. It won’t be the first time that Pittsburgh has moved on without a wide receiver; the two most notable have been George Pickens and Diontae Johnson in other offseasons. Metcalf could be the latest victim of a trade, especially coming off an inconsistent 2025 season.
To somewhat of a surprise, Metcalf has a trade rating meter of seven, which means it’s likely the Steelers are looking to move him. It feels shocking since he had just arrived in this offense, but it was under former head coach Mike Tomlin. While Metcalf is under contract until 2029, he doesn’t have any guaranteed money on his current deal, which makes him an easy target on the trade block.
Former Seahawks Two-Time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf Receives Surprise Trade Meter Rating
The arrival of Mike McCarthy means the Steelers are heading towards a rebuild. However, if the team retains Aaron Rodgers before summer workouts, it’s likely that Metcalf will return. The two-time Pro Bowler is still one of the most reliable receivers in the league. Despite being 28 years old, Metcalf has a lot longer left in the tank for the next seven years.
He’s still arguably young, but time isn’t on his side in this situation. If the Steelers want to win a Super Bowl, then the team should keep him. However, if the Steelers miss out on the Super Bowl yet again this upcoming season, expect Metcalf to move on.
Potential Next Teams
Los Angeles Chargers
After a disappointing free agency, the Los Angeles Chargers have yet to find a capable receiver to help Ladd McConkey in the aerial attack. The team viewed Metcalf last offseason, but the asking price was out of range when he was in Seattle. However, the Chargers could try again during this upcoming draft to acquire the receiver. Justin Herbert has one of the better arms in the league, but he needs a versatile set of weapons to thrive.
The Chargers can’t afford to lean the responsibility on guys like KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris. Herbert is too talented, and despite having a strong run game led by Omarion Hampton, the pass-attack needs to replicate the same energy. Metcalf is easily WR1 if the Chargers target him on the second night of this draft.
Philadelphia Eagles
Meanwhile, the Eagles are likely losing AJ Brown to the New England Patriots in June. This means the chances of the team targeting a receiver are high. With Brown likely gone, the Eagles could trade for Metcalf as a reliable replacement. Even though the team signed Marquise Brown, he’s more of a versatile WR3 slot receiver who could haul in the quick passes from Jalen Hurt. The team needs size, and Metcalf is the perfect fit to pair with DeVonta Smith.
Chicago Bears
However, the Bears are a potential suitor for Metcalf. Chicago moved on without DJ Moore, and even though this means more targets for other younger receivers, the team has aspirations to return to the postseason. This offense was too hot last season, and someone like Metcalf joining Chicago in the likes of catching passes from Caleb Williams, it could be something to watch. Luther Burden doesn’t have enough experience to handle responsibility, and the same can be said about Rome Odunze, which makes Metcalf an option to make up for the loss of Moore.