Steelers Now
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider explains why they traded wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It’s not often a bonafide No. 1 wide receiver becomes available to acquire, but that’s exactly what happened with DK Metcalf and the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider explains why they were open to trading the star wide receiver.
“DK and I had very open conversations the last couple years about his future, and what that looked like and what he wanted. We always have to do what’s best for the organization, first and foremost,” Schneider said on “The Rich Eisen Show.” “It was apparent that he wanted to move on, and so, when we got back from the Combine, we had some real, clear, direct conversations. And at that point, we decided it was probably best for both of us to move forward.”
That timeline does line up with what was originally reported. Shortly after the NFL Scouting Combine, Metcalf formally requested a trade from the Seahawks on March 5. He was traded to the Steelers just four days later.
As part of the deal, Pittsburgh also gave Metcalf a massive five-year, $150 million contract. But Schneider revealed Metcalf’s trade request was never about money.
“No, it really wasn’t [salary-related]. It was interesting because it wasn’t like animosity, either. It was like, he really, really wanted a fresh start,” Schneider said. “And it’s not like we went into the offseason thinking this would be a possibility, but he was just pretty dug into it. So it ended up working out for both clubs, working out for us and working out for Pittsburgh. We wish him the best. He’s a great guy and obviously a high-end competitor.”
The Steelers were more than happy to be on the other side of the deal. They’re getting a 27-year-old wide receiver who has never had less than 900 yards and five touchdowns in each of his first six seasons.
The acquisition of Metcalf also allowed Pittsburgh to move on from wide receiver George Pickens, who brought his fair share of on- and off-the-field distractions over the past three years.
So while the Steelers wide receiver room may look about the same as last season, they are feeling much better about the make up of it heading into 2025.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Seahawks GM Explains Reason for Trading DK Metcalf to Steelers
