Total Pro Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers star wideout DK Metcalf could end up losing tens of millions of dollars following his suspension for punching a Detroit Lions fan.
During Sunday’s road game against Detroit, cameras showed DK Metcalf punching a Lions fan after they exchanged words. The NFL referees didn’t witness the incident it as it happened, so Metcalf avoided an ejection.
Though he was able to finish the game, Metcalf was hit with a two-game suspnsion by the NFL. Unless his appeal is successful, Metcalf will miss the Steelers’ last two regular-season games. The Steelers visit the Cleveland Browns on Sunday and will wrap up the regular season at home against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18.
Aside from forfeiting his game checks for Weeks 17 and 18, a new report claims that Metcalf could actually lose a significant portion of the $132 million extension he signed with Pittsburgh.
According to CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones, the language in Metcalf’s deal with Pittsburgh means the suspension could actually cost him up to $45 million in guaranteed money:
“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.
His four-year, $132 million contract from March, reviewed by CBS Sports, notes that if he “fails…to practice or play with the Club for any reason,” which includes “Player’s suspension by the NFL or Club for Conduct Detrimental,” his guarantees “will be NULL AND VOID.”
In other words, DK Metcalf better play at a high level to earn that $45 million.
Jonathan Jones provided a couple of more important notes on DK Metcalf’s contract. His $25 million salary for 2026 is no longer fully guaranteed if he ends up having to serve a suspension.
However, as Jones points out, the Steelers are unlikely to cut or trade Metcalf. He’s their only productive wide receiver this year. He figures to slot in as their top wide receiver for 2026, too.
Of course, this is all a moot point if DK Metcalf stays healthy and produces at the All-Pro level the Steelers expect of him.
