NFL Rumors: Where DK Metcalf Considered Going Before Steelers Trade

Two-time Pro Bowl wideout DK Metcalf joined the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, but he considered plenty of other landing spots before the Seattle Seahawks finalized his departure.

Metcalf spent his first six seasons with Seattle, earning a reputation as one of the league’s most elite wide receivers. But throughout the past few offseasons as a member of the Seahawks, the 27-year-old began expressing a desire to move on. Metcalf’s trade from Seattle to Pittsburgh became inevitable, and the five-year, $150 million contract signed with the Steelers — in hindsight — became an even bigger win for the organization, considering the amount of interest Metcalf netted.

“The trade request that led the Seahawks to send DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh last month wasn’t the first time he asked out of Seattle. According to team sources, the star receiver had requested trades multiple times in recent offseasons,” ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported Tuesday.

Henderson continued: “Metcalf’s preferred landing spots, according to multiple sources familiar with the trade talks, were the (Houston) Texans and (Los Angeles) Chargers. But his contract situation complicated the matter, as it meant the Seahawks had to find a trade partner that would not only give them enough compensation in return but also be willing and able to sign Metcalf to a new deal.”

Metcalf’s arrival to the Steelers has been one of the biggest splashes this offseason. It’s bolstered the optimism in Pittsburgh as the franchise has struggled immensely for the past nine seasons to snag a playoff victory. It’s also helped Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and owner Art Rooney II build a stronger case for free agency meetings with candidates such as quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who underwent a six-hour meeting with the team last month.

In 15 appearances with the Seahawks last season, Metcalf tallied 992 receiving yards off 66 receptions with five touchdowns. He suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain during Seattle’s Week 7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, which sidelined him for two games. Metcalf is now slated to fill an equally large role in Pittsburgh’s offense — which was a premier point of emphasis before getting traded — this time alongside Steelers teammate George Pickens.

While it seems as though Pittsburgh has cornered itself in the quarterback market as Rodgers continues to be his authentic self, Tomlin has clarified that Mason Rudolph is viewed as a capable candidate for the starting role. Metcalf and Pickens playing side by side will only make it easier for the Steelers’ QB1, whether that’s Rodgers, Rudolph or someone else, to guide the team toward greener pastures next season.

More Steelers: Why Mike Tomlin Is ‘Excited’ For Steelers To Take Trip To Ireland