DK Metcalf Suspension Could Have Massive Financial Implications For Steelers Wideout

The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up their most important win of the season Sunday afternoon against a full-strength Detroit Lions roster.

Wide receiver DK Metcalf caught two passes in a 17-point fourth quarter, but it wasn’t his contributions on the field that got his name in the news.

It was an off-color interaction with a spectator in which the Steelers’ leading receiver could be seen swiping near the fan’s face.

He was not disciplined during the game, but a suspension was promptly issued that will land Metcalf on the bench for the remaining two games of the regular season.

The suspension itself will cost Metcalf more than half a million dollars in game checks, but it turns out that could be the least of the 28-year-old receiver’s financial worries.

After examining the fine print on Metcalf’s four-year, $132 million contract, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported that the suspension could be considered “conduct detrimental” to the league and therefore result in voiding at least $45 million of guarantees.

“If he ‘fails… to practice or play with the Club for any reason,’ which includes ‘Player’s suspension by the NFL or Club for Conduct Detrimental,’ his guarantees ‘will be NULL AND VOID,'” Jones said.

This does not mean that the receiver will outright lose this money. However, should the Steelers decide to move on from Metcalf at any point in the next two seasons, they will not be on the hook for his lofty guarantees.

If he plays every game next season, he will be eligible to receive his full $33 million salary.

But, with the guarantees now voided, his contract now has a potential out in the 2027 season that could get Metcalf off the books entirely should the four-year deal not work out.

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