Steelers Now
CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr ranked Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf as the No. 1 player who was traded this offseason. He also gave Metcalf a ringing endorsement by comparing him to Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl champion wide receiver A.J. Brown.
“Metcalf has been one of the most productive wide receivers since he’s entered the NFL, a consistent deep-ball threat with the ability to change a game,” Kerr wrote. “He’ll be the No. 1 wide receiver with Pittsburgh and an easy target to thrive with Aaron Rodgers.
‘Metcalf’s numbers should improve in Pittsburgh as he’s the focal point of a good passing game. Would it be surprising if Metcalf has the same impact in Pittsburgh as A.J. Brown has had in Philadelphia?”
DK Metcalf was teammates with Brown at the University of Mississippi. Both are big-bodied receivers who present immense challenges for cornerbacks. Brown’s career has taken off in Philadelphia, being named second-team All-Pro in each of the last three years. Brown played a key role in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run last year, and is arguably the best WR in the NFL right now.
Last season, Metcalf racked up 66 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. It marked the sixth straight season in which he’s had at least 900 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Metcalf’s receiving yards in 2024 ranked 25th in the NFL behind several notable AFC wide receivers, including Cincinnati Bengals Ja’Marr Chase (1,708), Jacksonville Jaguars Brian Thomas Jr. (1,282), Cleveland Browns Jerry Jeudy (1,229), Los Angeles Chargers Ladd McConkey (1,149), New York Jets Garrett Wilson (1,104), Denver Broncos Courtland Sutton (1,081), Baltimore Ravens Zay Flowers (1,059) and Houston Texans Nico Collins (1,006).
Metcalf’s 6-foot-4, 235-pound frame was the biggest attraction to the Steelers.
“Size. He [DK Metcalf] did a press conference, right? Yeah. I mean, you saw him. He’s a playmaker. I’m really enjoying getting to know him,” Steelers general manager Omar Khan said at the NFL owners meetings in March. “I think you guys will too. He has a desire to win and be great, and I love that about him, and I am just excited about what he’s going to bring to the club.”
Khan said Metcalf was aware of the Steelers’ plans at quarterback and was on board before signing his five-year, $150 million deal with the team.
“We had a lot of conversations,” Khan said. “He had conversations with the coaches and myself about the roster and the team, and we had some candid conversations, and he knew what our plans were. It’s still all coming together.”
Of course, after nearly a three months wait, Aaron Rodgers signed with the Steelers in early June.
The All-Pro wide receiver is chomping at the bit to learn from the four-time NFL MVP quarterback.
“Just how cerebral he is and how he views the game,” Metcalf said. “I like the way he views the game from a receiver’s standpoint, but also from a quarterback’s standpoint. I think I can gain a...
