It took longer than expected, but the Steelers landed the star wide receiver they needed to round out their offense with the trade with Seattle for DK Metcalf.
In the 6-foot-4, 229-pound Metcalf, the Steelers didn't just add a wide receiver, they added a fear factor for opposing defenses. And it really doesn't matter who the team's quarterback might wind up being.
With Metcalf and his sub-4-4-second speed on one side of the field and nearly as large George Pickens on the other side, the Steelers can challenge a defense like few other teams in the league.
There shouldn't be a safety within 15 yards of the line of scrimmage with those two players on the field together all season. And if they are, look out.
The Steelers want to run the ball at a high percentage, more than most teams. That doesn't mean they can't or won't throw the ball, but they'll certainly see a lot less loaded boxes in 2025 than they did in 2024.
And then, there's the impact Metcalf can have on Pickens.
"Just to know George from the little conversations that we had in passing, great player, watching from afar," Metcalf said. "The receiver coaching (Zach Azzanni) calls him 'freak show,' and I think that's a fitting name for him with the circus catches that he makes.
"But I'm just here to try to instill any wisdom or any knowledge that he allows me to, and vice versa. I feel like there's some things that I can learn from him that he does, and like you said, I've played with great receivers like Tyler Lockett, Freddie Swain, Josh Gordon was on the team my rookie year. So I've been around some very talented receivers to where I knew how to take a backseat and learn from guys like that. I'm willing to do the same if the case may be that here."
So, the addition of Metcalf could help the Steelers on the field and off the field if he helps unlock the next level of play from Pickens, who has certainly been good but could even be better.
That's the other thing Metcalf will bring to the table. As the clear-cut No. 1 receiver for the Steelers last season, Pickens could be doubled on every play.
Now? Not so much – unless opponents are willing to watch Metcalf running through or behind their defenses.
That will make life easier for everyone else on the offense to operate.
Including whomever the Steelers have at quarterback.