Steelers WR DK Metcalf recently had a week that could define his career.
The two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is fully aware of this milestone.
On Sunday, Metcalf finalized a trade from Seattle to Pittsburgh, accompanied by a lucrative five-year contract valued at $150 million.
Just a few days later, he took a significant personal step by proposing to his longtime girlfriend, pop/R&B artist Normani, in a heartfelt gathering with family and friends in Houston.
“They were playing cupid, but it worked,” Normani remarked to People Magazine. “If you could trust a couple [to set you up], that would be the couple.”
The conversation Metcalf had with Pittsburgh president Art Rooney II, coach Mike Tomlin, and general manager Omar Khan left him feeling reassured about his new team.
“They made me feel like they had the right decision with who was going to be throwing me the football,” Metcalf shared on Thursday, shortly after his trade was confirmed. “I’m not making the decision in the quarterback room. So I’m just going to try to do my best to help whoever [they land on].”
As the Steelers prepare to bring back Mason Rudolph on a two-year deal, he is likely to resume the role he held during his previous five seasons with the team, where he was a reliable backup.
The bold acquisition of Metcalf, along with the largest contract the franchise has offered to a player outside of Ben Roethlisberger, suggests that the Steelers may have more surprises in store.
However, the future remains uncertain.
The possibility of Aaron Rodgers joining the team is still alive, although the four-time NFL MVP seems to be taking his time deciding where he wants to play in 2025, or if he wants to continue playing at all. Geno Smith, who finished last season as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback, met with the Cleveland Browns on Thursday and is also expected to speak with the New York Giants.
Amidst this uncertainty, Metcalf is focused on the long term, which is why he remains calm.
Metcalf did connect with Wilson this week, but it was primarily for Wilson to congratulate him on his engagement. When asked if Wilson shared any insights about his upcoming season in Pittsburgh, Metcalf noted that Wilson simply expressed he would “love it” if he ever joined the Steelers.
“I’m a physical receiver, you know, big shout out to my pops who was a lineman in this league for a little bit,” Metcalf said, referring to his father, Terrence, who played guard and tackle for the Chicago Bears in the mid-2000s. “So he instilled that in me. I just try to play the game a different way.”
Over the past six seasons, Metcalf has established himself as one of the most dynamic and dependable receivers in the NFL. He has never recorded fewer than 900 receiving yards in a season, and his 48 touchdowns in Seattle rank third in the franchise’s history.
At 27 years old, he refrained from discussing the specifics behind his desire for a new environment, instead expressing gratitude to the Seahawks for providing him “a chance to become who I am in this league.”
With his impressive background and substantial contract, Metcalf recognizes the expectation to step into a leadership role. He intends to embrace this responsibility without forcing it.
“The leadership skills will come as they need to be,” he stated. “But we’re here to win games. We’re here to win as many games as we can.”
Metcalf is not the only seasoned player joining the Steelers. Pittsburgh also signed six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay Jr. on Thursday, just two months after Slay celebrated a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 34-year-old Slay believes he still has plenty left to contribute and is looking forward to what he anticipates will be intense practices against Metcalf and George Pickens.
Who will be throwing the passes remains uncertain, but Rudolph brings a combination of familiarity and consistency. He finished his initial stint with the Steelers with an 8-4-1 record in 13 starts, including a 3-0 finish that helped propel Pittsburgh into the playoffs.
However, Pittsburgh has decided to revamp its quarterback lineup. The team might be on the verge of making another significant change, with Rodgers being the top candidate available after his release from the New York Jets.
If Rodgers joins the Steelers, he would find a familiar face in the locker room with cornerback Brandin Echols, who was signed to a two-year contract on Thursday.
When asked if he would help recruit the future Hall of Famer to Pittsburgh, Echols smiled and replied, “Hell yeah, tell his ass to come on.”
