DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers
Getty
(Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)
Ever since NFL free agency began, one name that has continued to surface as a potential trade candidate for the Pittsburgh Steelers is wide receiver DK Metcalf.
That trend continues with Fox Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano’s latest trade prediction, which has the Washington Commanders sending picks in exchange for Metcalf.
Proposed Trade Would Give Steelers Massive Draft Capital Boost
In this proposed deal, the Steelers would send Metcalf to Washington in exchange for the Commanders’ 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick.
That move would give Pittsburgh a whopping 13 total picks, including an unprecedented four in the third round.
Vacchiano’s prediction stems from the idea that the Commanders need more playmakers for quarterback Jayden Daniels.
“The idea of the Steelers trading him all depends on what happens with Aaron Rodgers, and whether Pittsburgh goes for it all in 2026 or goes into a rebuilding mode. They did just trade for Michael Pittman, so their cupboard wouldn’t be bare without Metcalf. And Metcalf was a bit of a disappointment last season with just 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns as Rodgers struggled to find him downfield,” Vacchiano wrote.
“He’d have better luck with the younger, stronger Jayden Daniels throwing him the ball. And the Commanders are desperate for a WR opposite Terry McLaurin. Metcalf cost the Steelers a second-round pick. But after a down year, and with three years and more than $100 million left on his contract, something less would do.”
Despite finishing with a career-low 850 receiving yards and matching six touchdowns, Metcalf still led the Steelers in both categories last season. He remained Aaron Rodgers’ go-to option, and his absence was clearly felt in Pittsburgh’s final two regular-season games while he served a suspension.
Why Would the Steelers Want to Trade DK Metcalf?
There’s still the question of why the Steelers would even consider trading Metcalf.
After all, whether it’s Rodgers, Will Howard, or Mason Rudolph at quarterback, the offense will need multiple playmakers. Michael Pittman Jr. alone wouldn’t be enough, and that would risk putting Pittsburgh back in a similar situation to last season.
Really, when it comes to Metcalf being labeled a trade candidate, it circles back to his contract.
After being acquired from the Seattle Seahawks, Metcalf signed a four-year, $132 million deal with the Steelers. The issue is that none of the original $60 million guaranteed — outside of what he earned last season — remains intact.
Metcalf voided $45 million in guaranteed salary after being suspended for two games last season following an altercation with a fan in the stands.
“The two-game suspension for what the NFL terms ‘conduct detrimental’ to the league now voids at least $45 million in future guaranteed money for the Pittsburgh Steelers receiver. Metcalf would still be able to earn that money over the next two years,” CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported.
The belief now is that Metcalf will look to restructure his deal in order to regain some guaranteed money. If that becomes a sticking point between the 28-year-old and the Steelers, it would make it much easier for Pittsburgh to seriously consider moving him.