Steelers Now
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider provided in-depth details in a recent interview on why the Pittsburgh Steelers were the trade partner for All-Pro wide receiver DK Metcalf. It came down to the Steelers being super aggressive. The Steelers brass really wanted Metcalf in the Black and Gold.
“Pittsburgh, Omar (Khan), those guys were really aggressive,” Schneider said on the 3 & Out Podcast. “In regards to DK, we had a ton of conversations last offseason about his legacy and where he wanted to go. Once he met the new coaching staff, he was excited. And then this year, it just happened, and again, you can’t change the way people think. As much as we love him and want to have him here when people want to leave, it’s difficult to try to convince them to stay. Once we got back from the Combine, we had another real open talk. Then we told him we would concede to his wishes. No promises, but we’ll see where it goes.”
"Pittsburgh was really aggressive."@Seahawks GM John Schnieder details the D.K. Metcalf trade this offseason to the @Steelers. pic.twitter.com/JHHekME9Hl
— 3&OUT with John Middlekauff (@3andout_pod) June 19, 2025
As part of the deal, Pittsburgh also gave Metcalf a massive five-year, $150 million contract. Schneider revealed in an interview with Rich Eisen in May that 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.
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...
