The newest Steeler.
It is official. DK Metcalf is the new number one receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The former Seattle Seahawk made it known his desire for a trade and a new contract along with it, despite a wave of initial interest the Seahawks were forced to lower their asking price after no offers were made.
It seemed likely that Metcalf was due to go to the Chargers or another team in a warm climate, but the Steelers stepped in at the 11th hour to seal the deal in exchange for a 2025 second round pick.
Much needed offensive face lift
The Gargantuan wide receiver also signed a five-year contract worth up to $150 million and suddenly he has given the Pittsburgh Steeler offense a whole new outlook.
Metcalf is coming off a middling year in which he caught 66 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns. Despite this, he would have still been the leader in receptions and yards for the Steelers.
Pittsburgh – with the 27th ranked passing attack – badly needed new weapons coming into the new season. After George Pickens there was a considerable drop off to the next biggest threat.
Metcalf will act as a force multiplier in this respect. With defenses focused on him, it means Pickens will be freed up and suddenly becomes one of the best number two receivers in the league.
This will also free up space for the likes of Pat Friermuth and Calvin Austin III, the potential for improvement is endless for the Steelers offense.
Reason for hope
General Maanger Omar Khan has certainly come up trumps for Mike Tomlin and the rest of the Steelers organisation.
Although the quarterback situation is still up in the air, it is fair to say that the offense will look markedly different from last year.
With an ageing defence which almost seemed like it was flattering to deceive – particularly as the season wore on – this is a much needed influx of offensive talent which should mean there will not be as much pressure on the defense week in week out.
Pittsburgh fans are growing tired of the lack of postseason success. Judging from the comments from ownership this offseason the feeling is shared throughout the organisation.
With Metcalf as the newest playmaker in Pittsburgh, he will be trying to propel the team towards success.
Thanks to his new contract he suddenly has 150 million reasons to do this.
