As the available free agent receivers decrease, it becomes more probable that the Pittsburgh Steelers will make a significant trade for a receiver. According to Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport on May 3rd, Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf are the most interesting potential trade partner.
Davenport suggested that the Steelers trade their 2025 first-round pick, a fifth-rounder next year, and a 2026 second-round pick to the Seahawks in exchange for Metcalf and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
There has been talk for some time about the potential availability of Metcalf, but so far it has been just speculation, according to Davenport.as stated by Mookie Alexander in Field Gulls, there’s a chance that the Seahawks, now in the post-Pete Carroll era, might be looking for the right time to make a move.
Metcalf has never had fewer than 900 receiving yards in any of his five NFL seasons. He has a strong connection with Russell Wilson from their time together in Seattle. His addition would greatly enhance the Pittsburgh offense.
Metcalf had just 66 catches last season, the lowest since his rookie year in 2019. However, with a career-best average of 16.9 yards per catch, he totaled 1,114 receiving yards, and 8 touchdowns.
In 82 NFL games throughout his five-year career, he has achieved 372 receptions, 5,332 receiving yards, and 43 touchdowns.
In July 2022, Metcalf signed a 3-year, $72 million extension with the Seahawks. His contract runs through the 2025 season.
How Feasible is a Steelers-DK Metcalf Trade?
Metcalf has become one of the top NFL receivers. With quarterback Geno Smith and fellow receiver Tyler Lockett getting older, Metcalf is also the most crucial piece of the Seahawks offense.
However, he comes with a high price tag. If the Seahawks trade Metcalf after June 1st, they would save $17 million in cap space. A trade is very likely to happen next month. If Metcalf is traded before June 1st, the Seahawks would save only $9.5 million.
Additionally, Seattle would have a dead cap hit of $22.5 million over the last two years of Metcalf’s deal if he's traded before June 1st. After June 1st, his dead cap hit in Seattle would be $15 million.
These savings could be appealing if the Seahawks don’t see themselves as strong contenders in 2024.
The question is whether the Steelers are interested in acquiring a receiver with such a large contract. Mark Kaboly of The Athletic noted on May 3rd that Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan is taking a patient approach to finding a WR2 this offseason.
The Steelers have about $18.2 million in cap space, according to Spotrac, but Metcalf is expected to have a $24.5 million cap hit in 2024, which will increase to $29.5 million for 2025.
To make a trade happen, the Steelers and Seahawks would need to figure out the financial details. The Steelers may have to offer even more in the trade to convince Seattle to cover some of Metcalf’s salary.
Other Possible Wide Receiver Trade Options for Steelers
It’s undisputed, however, that Metcalf would significantly improve the Steelers' offense. He would address Pittsburgh's final offensive need. Additionally, his three years of playing with Russell Wilson should enhance the effectiveness of the Steelers quarterback.
A lineup with Metcalf and George Pickens looks very intimidating on paper. Both receivers are over 6-foot-3 and below 27 years old. They also each achieved more than 16.5 yards per catch last season.
However, if the Steelers are unwilling to give up the necessary draft picks for Metcalf, they may have other options for receiver trades. Davenport included Brandon Aiyuk, Courtland Sutton, Tee Higgins, Brandin Cooks, and Deebo Samuel as other potential targets.
Similar to Metcalf, Aiyuk and Samuel are likely to require significant trade compensation. It also seems very unlikely for the Steelers to acquire Higgins due to the Cincinnati Bengals probably not wanting him to join a division rival.
Therefore, while Metcalf is the most appealing target, Sutton and Cooks are more probable choices. Davenport suggested that the Steelers could consider trading a 2025 third-round pick for Cooks.
