Seahawks trading star WR DK Metcalf to Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a major splash in free agency Sunday night, acquiring star wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Steelers also secured Metcalf with a five-year, $150 million contract extension, averaging $30 million per year.

As part of the deal, the Steelers and Seahawks will also swap 2025 sixth- and seventh-round picks, per sources.

Metcalf’s Move to Pittsburgh

Metcalf, 27, had one year remaining on his previous three-year, $72 million extension signed in 2022. However, he requested a trade last Wednesday, prompting the Seahawks to make a deal. The Steelers wasted no time in locking down their new No. 1 wide receiver with a lucrative long-term contract.

His new deal places him among the highest-paid wide receivers in the league—one of only seven earning at least $30 million annually. Before this, the Steelers' most expensive outside free agent signing was linebacker Patrick Queen, who inked a three-year, $41 million contract last offseason.

Seahawks’ Shake-Up Continues

Metcalf’s departure follows Seattle’s recent trade of quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, signaling a shift for the franchise. The Seahawks now hold five picks in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft as they retool their roster.

Steelers Bolster Receiving Corps

For Pittsburgh, the move fills a major need at wide receiver. The team had been searching for a dynamic playmaker to complement George Pickens, their 2022 second-round pick.

In 2024, Metcalf recorded 66 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 15.0 yards per reception. His production was strong early in the season—he averaged nine targets per game—but after suffering an MCL injury in Week 7, his workload and output dipped.

Since being drafted out of Ole Miss in 2019, Metcalf has been a consistent deep threat, averaging 1,054 receiving yards, eight touchdowns, and 14.4 yards per catch per season. Meanwhile, Pickens, Pittsburgh’s top returning receiver, averaged 64.3 yards per game and 15.3 yards per catch in 2024 but was limited to three touchdowns due to injuries.

With Metcalf in the fold, the Steelers now boast a much-improved receiving corps as they prepare for the 2025 season.