Steelers Not Worried About DK Metcalf, George Pickens Coexisting

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold move this offseason in acquiring wideout DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks.

It was understood that roster improvements needed to be made, and with an opportunity to land one of the league’s star wide receivers, Pittsburgh didn’t hesitate. The Steelers were already the center of attention for multiple reasons, including the possibility that they’d trade homegrown wideout George Pickens before the 24-year-old officially becomes a free agent next offseason. But that wasn’t a motivating factor that played into the organization’s pursuit of Metcalf.

Steelers general manager Omar Khan offered a straightforward reason that also dismisses the notion that Metcalf and Pickens can’t coexist as teammates in Pittsburgh.

“You need more than one receiver in this league,” Khan said Wednesday, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. “And we’re fortunate we have George and Calvin (Austin III) and excited about what Roman (Wilson) is going to be able to do for us.”

Pittsburgh took its commitment to Metcalf a step further and signed the two-time Pro Bowler to a five-year, $150 million extension upon his arrival from Seattle. Metcalf sporting a Steelers uniform doesn’t abolish the speculation surrounding Pickens; it amplifies the skepticism that loomed from the get-go. Since Pittsburgh has Metcalf, an elite, game-changing weapon, the uncertainty of whether or not Pickens will remain a Steeler moving forward grows larger.

The fan base and the franchise are thrilled to welcome Metcalf with open arms.

“There’s very little on the football field from a wide receiver perspective that he can’t do,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said, per Pryor. “He’s got short game, he’s got long game. He’s a combat-catch guy. He’s got run after. He’s a devastating run blocker. We’re really excited about the addition of DK Metcalf, and we’re going to use all those talents.”

Metcalf averaged 1,054 receiving yards and eight touchdowns per season along with 14.4 yards per reception since the Seahawks took a flier on the Ole Miss product with their final selection in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He netted loads of outside attention and interest from organizations across the league hoping to swing a trade for him. The Steelers made it out of the sweepstakes run victorious, giving Tomlin two capable receivers.

Metcalf and Pickens should make life easier for whoever Pittsburgh names its starting quarterback once the time comes, whether that’s Mason Rudolph, Aaron Rodgers or someone else.

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