Pittsburgh Steelers Linked to Blockbuster Trade for $72 Million WR with 43 TDs

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1), right, meets with Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) at midfield after their game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

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The Pittsburgh Steelers overhauled the quarterback room this offseason, trading for Justin Fields after signing Russell Wilson, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated position battles across the league this spring and summer.

However, as prolific as George Pickens has been on the perimeter, Pittsburgh could look to trade for a veteran receiver to help Wilson and Fields elevate the offense this upcoming season.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin (Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports)
Even after dropping Roman Wilson into the passing game during the draft, the Steelers and general manager Omar Khan likely have more work to do at receiver.

According to NFL Insider Benjamin Allbright, the Steelers have even made overtures to acquire Seattle Seahawks All-Pro D.K. Metcalf this offseason.
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Metcalf is one of the NFL’s most prolific receivers, and his sizable frame makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defensive backs across the league.
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Last season, the 26-year-old caught 66 passes for a career-high 1,114 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging an explosive 16.9 yards per reception.

After signing a long-term extension that pays him $72 million, there’s a chance that Metcalf could be dealt for the right price. Perhaps financial decisions could drive any Seahawks decision to trade Metcalf. Moving on from Metcalf post-June 1 would free up $9.5 million in cap space over the next two seasons while triggering a $22.5 dead-money charge over that span.

Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport suggests the following potential blockbuster Seahawks-Steelers trade:

Seattle Gets: 2025 Round 1 Pick, 2025 Round 5 Pick, 2026 Round 2 Pick

Steelers Get: WR DK Metcalf, 2025 Round 6 Pick

For the Steelers, trading three draft picks, including a first-round selection could seem like a steep price to pay, it’s worth remembering Metcalf has caught 372 career passes for 5,332 yards with 43 career touchdowns.

Pittsburgh could use an elite talent such as Metcalf to help close the gap on the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals at the top of the division.

Likewise, a receiver trio of Metcalf, Pickens, and Wilson could prove to be the foundation of new coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense in 2024 and beyond.