Turf Show Times
If DK Metcalf becomes a surprise free agent in 2026, the Los Angeles Rams might want to kick the tires on him as an heir apparent to Davante Adams and somebody who might thrive, as other receivers have, with Matthew Stafford. How could this even be possible just a year after the Pittsburgh Steelers traded a second round pick for Metcalf and paid him a new four-year, $132 million contract extension?
Because Metcalf’s biggest mental mistake yet is one that could cost him over $25 million if the Steelers decide that he isn’t worth the trouble.
By now you’ve already heard that Metcalf had a physical altercation with a Detroit Lions fan on Sunday and was subsequently suspended by the NFL for two games. Unless Metcalf has the suspension entirely overturned, which nobody thinks is possible, the Steelers can void all of his guarantees moving forward. That makes Metcalf a potential one-and-done in Pittsburgh despite having $60 million fully-guaranteed on his contract this year, but as Mike Florio pointed out, “the only guaranteed money is the kind you put in your pocket…and sometimes not even that.”
The Steelers will have every right to void Metcalf’s contract after 2025 with no more financial obligations, including the $25 million base salary in 2026 that is supposed to be guaranteed, because that’s their right if Metcalf is suspended for conduct detrimental to the league. That’s what this suspension falls under, so Metcalf has potentially cost himself over $27 million.
Few people would think right now that the Steelers would release Metcalf after the season, especially given how bad the receivers room is going to look this week without him, but Pittsburgh could have a ton of buyer’s remorse right now. Not only because Metcalf isn’t a statistical beast (and never has been) but just merely from the fact that once again the receiver is in trouble for his attitude and behavior.
Does this guy have an ounce of self control?
Metcalf has caught 59 passes for 850 yards with six touchdowns during his first season with the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers. Pittsburgh’s next-leading wide receiver is Calvin Austin, who has 317 yards. Kenneth Gainwell is second on the team in receiving yards with 410. The Steelers don’t have any other weapons, but some of that production could be blamed on Rodgers and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
With or without Metcalf, the Steelers need to get more receiver help in 2026. They might be able to do more adding to the roster if they had an extra $25 million to spend.
On the off chance that the Steelers do part with DK Metcalf then one team that might show up on his wish list, and vice versa, is the Los Angeles Rams.
Davante Adams will be 34 next year and his current hamstring issues fall under the same “causes for concern” that ultimately got Cooper Kupp released in 2025. Can the Rams honestly depend on Adams to return...
