The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to trade wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second-round pick in the 2025 draft, according to league sources.
Why they made the move
The Seahawks entered the offseason intent on keeping Metcalf on an extension that would have kept both sides happy, but Metcalf requested a trade last week.
The Seahawks want a physical, run-heavy identity on offense, so they must have drawn a line in the sand at the $30 million market rate for premium receivers. Metcalf had a year remaining on his contract, so this was likely when his trade value would be at its highest. The Seahawks will receive the No. 52 pick from Pittsburgh.
The Steelers, meanwhile, have had their issues at receiver in recent years. Productive performers such as Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool fizzled out before being shipped away, and veteran acquisitions such as Allen Robinson and Mike Williams never took off. They tried to acquire San Francisco 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk last offseason but couldn’t make it happen.
Metcalf has racked up at least 900 receiving yards in all six of his NFL seasons, including three topping 1,000 yards. He’s averaged eight touchdowns per year. Though not always a high-volume pass catcher — he topped out at 90 receptions in 2022 before grabbing 66 balls each of the past two seasons — Metcalf has the downfield, physical ability to mesh well with Pittsburgh’s offense, assuming the Steelers figure something out at quarterback.
Steelers trade grade: B+
The Steelers just proved they aren’t afraid to go after it, as this move certainly qualifies as that.
By locking Metcalf into a five-year, $150 million contract, the Steelers have made their biggest splash at wideout, where their track record of drafting and developing the position has hit a valley in recent years (except George Pickens). But the combination of Metcalf and Pickens will be a nightmare for opposing secondaries, so long as Pickens can jell with the more proven wideout.
More than just adding a dynamic receiving threat, the DK Metcalf trade should also give the Steelers plenty of leverage and flexibility when it comes to George Pickens, who is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) March 9, 2025
Both receivers play with their shoes on fire. They can be fearsome when the ball is in the air and devastating after the catch; and both stretch the field, which will help underneath options such as tight end Pat Freiermuth and receiver Calvin Austin.
The question, which figures to be answered very soon: What happens at quarterback?
The Steelers had mixed results with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields last offseason. Both are free agents along with a hit-or-miss group that includes Aaron Rodgers, Sam Darnold and Daniel Jones. The draft class is down this year, too. Sitting at No. 21 in the first round, the Steelers likely will have to wait to see what comes to them.
They got a marquee skill player. Now, they’ve got to find out who’s controlling the machine, though perhaps this move makes them a more attractive landing spot for available quarterbacks.
Seahawks trade grade: B
This quickly turned into a transitional type of offseason for the Seahawks, who agreed to trade quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders and released wideout Tyler Lockett. They also hired offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to replace Ryan Grubb.
The Seahawks will build around wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba and running backs Ken Walker and Zach Charbonnet, but they’ll need to shore up an offensive line that’s been talented but injury-plagued for a couple of years. And, of course, they also need a quarterback, though there’s plenty of buzz around Darnold heading to the Pacific Northwest. If that doesn’t happen — or they enter the draft without a proven veteran starter on the roster — the Seahawks’ plan will come into much greater scrutiny.
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General manager John Schneider and his staff have been on a heater in the draft as of late, so the extra capital is enticing. They’re picking at No. 18 in the first round and have Nos. 50 and 52 in the second along with a couple of third-rounders.
The Seahawks found themselves in a tough spot with Metcalf’s trade request. It’s understandable why they’re pivoting, but it’s now time to execute the vision.
(Photo: Jane Gershovich / Getty Images)
