Steelers' Zach Azzanni Could Now Have His Hands Full With 2 "Fiery Personalities"

The Pittsburgh Steelers solved one of their biggest free agency needs on the eve of the legal tampering period when they made a trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf. After a frustrating 2024 season where they had George Pickens and then questionable depth on the roster, it shouldn’t surprise anyone. While they still had one of Head Coach Mike Tomlin’s famous winning seasons, it was clear opposing defenses could limit Pickens' effectiveness and shut down their offense. 

The team reportedly sought out several big names in the 2024 offseason. That included players like Brandon Aiyuk. When they couldn’t secure any top candidates, they traded for Mike Williams just before the 2024 trade deadline. However, this left the team without that strong number two wideout. 

Now Metcalf, a former second-round pick, will join Pickens to help form a wide receiver room that could be exceptional if everything goes right. However, the drama and chaos that seems to surround Pickens has some wondering if Steelers Wide Receiver Coach Zach Azzanni will have his hands full. At least that’s what Peter Schrager said on NFL Network's Good Morning Football when discussing the recent news. 

"Is George Pickens in that wide receiver room as well," asked Schrager. "Those are two fiery personalities, and right now, they are, and Arthur Smith and Zach Azzanni, who’s the wide receivers coach, might have to massage some egos and make sure that these guys both get the ball. The Steelers have been trying to get a wide receiver one (WR1) for many years. They went after Brandon Aiyuk and couldn’t get him. They went after others in the last couple of years they couldn’t get them. They finally get DK Metcalf."

The Steelers traded the Seattle Seahawks a 2025 second-round pick for Metcalf and gave the star receiver a whopping five-year, $150 million contract. Schrager said he isn't even thinking about the money right now. The salary cap went up some in 2025, so the price of all the players was expected to go up as well. There have already been several huge contract accounts this offseason, including Josh Allen, Myles Garrett, and Maxx Crosby. He said that when the new contracts for receivers like Tee Higgins or Ja'Marr Chase are announced, this won't seem so shocking.

However, he brings up a valid point about Pickens and Metcalf together. Pickens has shown a lot of immaturity during his first three seasons in the NFL. That includes fighting with opponents, taunting fans, quitting on plays, and failing to block. However Metcalf, despite being three years older than Pickens, comes with his own concerns. The fans in Seattle complain about his route running, dropped balls, and penalties. They call him a selfish diva and are frustrated with his unwillingness to grow. 

While Tomlin is frequently applauded for his ability to work with players and find ways to motivate them, that hasn't worked with Pickens. The question will be, will the Steelers try to field these two insanely talented receivers on the same squad, or will they trade Pickens away and put themselves back in the market for a strong wide receiver two (WR2)? 

Steelers' 2025 Free Agency Period Off To A Strong Start

The trade for Metcalf signals a strong start to the Steelers' free agency period. After years of being in quarterback purgatory and failing to win in the postseason, the team might be getting the message that they have to be more aggressive.

The Rooneys are often referred to as cheap, and fans seem to feel that they do not make those big trades or signings, but things seem to be shifting under General Manager Omar Khan. They are spending the money necessary to rebuild a successful team.  

How do you think the coaches will handle Metcalf and Pickens? Tell us what you think below!

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