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NFL: DK Metcalf Traded to Steelers: Winners and Losers

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5 days ago

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 31: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

DK Metcalf has been traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 second-round pick and is expected to sign a five-year, $150 million contract. This landing spot comes as a surprise after a series of tweets released stating his desire for stability and warm weather. Neither of those things describes Pittsburgh, but it’s an intriguing fit. We’ll break down every facet of the trade with

Loser: DK Metcalf

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 04: DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks breaks a tackle from Nik Needham #40 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Yes, Metcalf is a loser in this scenario. Who knows the truth about his demands, but it seems like a lateral move rather than an upgrade. We don’t know what quarterback looks like, and the options available in the free agent pool are the exact options they already had, like Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, or uninspiring crash outs like Aaron Rodgers and Gardner Minshew. Who knows if they have the leverage to make the moves in the draft when the current class is as uninspiring as free agency?

Winner: The Steelers 2025 QB

We mentioned that we don’t know who will be behind center, but we can count on them having a solid stable of options that would make Drake Maye and Patriots fans jealous. Metcalf and George Pickens make a giant-sized and explosive 1-2 punch for easy targets, while many underrate the abilities of Pat Freiermuth as a reliable tight end and third option.

Loser: George Pickens

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – AUGUST 24: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers leaps for a reception over Natrone Brooks #35 of the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 24, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

It’s hard to say that George Pickens is the bonafide WR1 with any negotiating power as a top player at his position when his team traded another second-round pick for a more decorated player with a similar profile. Moreover, he’ll no longer be able to complain about target share if he’s next to a more explosive receiver with a long-term commitment. Fun fact: Both players even share the same number.

Winner: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 22: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks scores a touchdown in the first quarter of the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on October 22, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

Jaxon Smith-Njigba may not have a quarterback, but he also has zero target competition on an offense that will be relying on him to be “The Guy.” 2024 was a massive step forward in production and could lead to an even bigger season, given they provide adequate quarterback help and receiving talent to pull overage away from Smith-Njigba.

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