Steelers fans, imagine DK in black and gold—so close yet so far!
In their pursuit of a top-tier receiver, the Pittsburgh Steelers made inquiries about Seattle Seahawks star wideout D.K. Metcalf before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline. “The Steelers cracked every window” in the hunt for a new weapon, reported ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Yet the Seahawks shut down the possibility quickly, considering a trade for Metcalf a “nonstarter.”
The latest rumor from Andrew Fillipponi of 93.7 The Fan suggests that, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Metcalf was indeed available—for a hefty price.
Rumor had it Seattle wouldn’t budge unless they received “at least a first-round pick.” For a receiver of Metcalf’s caliber—two-time Pro Bowler and current 1,000-yard season favorite—that steep price seemed justified.
Instead of securing D.K. Metcalf, the Steelers turned to veteran Mike Williams. They traded a fifth-round draft pick to the New York Jets, bringing in a reliable but injury-prone 30-year-old with two career 1,000-yard seasons.
Williams, who’s coming off a tough stint with the Jets, adds depth but doesn’t offer the game-changing potential Metcalf brings.
Metcalf, now 27, has been a consistent force since joining the NFL in 2019. This season, he’s already amassed 568 yards and three touchdowns in seven games and is on track for yet another 1,000-yard season—despite missing the past two games due to a knee injury.
His history of big plays, especially during his standout 2020 season with Russell Wilson at the helm, made him an ideal candidate for Pittsburgh’s playoff push.
A D.K. Metcalf trade would have had immediate implications for the Steelers. With Russell Wilson healthy and leading the offense, Pittsburgh has thrived, winning two straight games and averaging over 31 points per outing. A top-tier receiver duo of George Pickens and Metcalf would have turned an already explosive offense into a genuine Super Bowl threat.
“These are the needle-moving trades,” says a league insider. With a 6-2 record and a defense ranked top-ten, the Steelers could have positioned themselves among the AFC’s elite by adding Metcalf.
Williams has battled injuries throughout his career, with limited play over recent seasons. He was set to be a reliable No. 2 for the Jets, but he has only posted 12 receptions for 166 yards this season. In Pittsburgh, he’ll complement Pickens, who has 548 yards and one touchdown this year.
Meanwhile, D.K. Metcalf could be back on the field soon. After missing the past two games with a Grade 1 MCL sprain, he’s eyeing a return in Week 11 against the 49ers. His presence has been missed by Seattle, who sits just one game behind the Arizona Cardinals for the NFC West lead.
In the end, Pittsburgh’s reluctance to part with high-value draft capital meant a trade for Metcalf remained out of reach. While Mike Williams adds experience, the Steelers will have to hope he finds new life in Pittsburgh’s offense if they want to make a deep playoff run.
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