The Pittsburgh Steelers made a couple big decisions in the 2025 offseason when it comes to their wide receiver room. It started with the crazy deal to trade for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf. After the Steelers acquired Metcalf, they gave him a $30 million a year deal, immediately locking him in as their new top receiver. The move was a bold statement by Pittsburgh’s front office, signaling its commitment to revamping the offense and giving the quarterbacks a true game-breaking target on the outside.
AP
Former Seahawks WR DK Metcalf runs with the football in a game against the Steelers.
The second major decision was to trade George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. It was a surprising move to many fans, especially after Pickens showed flashes of brilliance in his first three seasons. However, the Steelers believed that it was time to move on from the sometimes troubled star wide receiver. Now the Steelers are looking for ways to complement Metcalf in their passing attack.
On Monday, Steelers insider Gerry Dulac joined the 102.5 WDVE Morning Show and revealed the team was not caught off guard by Metcalf's decision to skip the start of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). According to Dulac, there’s no internal panic, but the absence has sparked conversations about leadership and chemistry from a small portion of the fan base.
"I fully believe the Steelers really don't care that he's not here for OTAs," Dulac said. "I don't think that's a big deal to them at all."
The Steelers fan base is already on edge as they await the Aaron Rodgers decision. Rodgers worked out with Metcalf during the offseason, and all signs point to him being the Steelers’ quarterback in 2025.
AP
Former Green Bay Packers and New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers waves his arm to fans during a round of golf with a cigar in his mouth.
However, Rodgers hasn’t made that decision official yet, and it’s caused the fan base to panic a little. As the 2025 season draws closer and the Steelers' quarterback situation remains unresolved, fans are starting to grow restless. Dulac shared when the Steelers would worry if Metcalf wasn't in the building.
"I think by the time minicamp comes, they would like it if he was here," Dulac said.
The Steelers’ choice to trade for Metcalf and then move on from Pickens is very telling. Many fans were excited about the idea of Pickens and Metcalf forming a lethal wide receiver duo, but that never came to pass. Instead, the Steelers made a bold move that signaled a change in direction. Letting go of a young, talented receiver like Pickens wasn’t done without serious consideration.
While Pickens flashed superstar potential, his time in Pittsburgh was also marked by frustration and inconsistency. The team had clearly grown tired of the internal issues that followed him, and they weren’t willing to risk chemistry problems on offense. Trading Pickens at just 24 years old was a tough call, but one the Steelers believed was necessary for long-term success.
Rodgers and Metcalf working out together in the offseason has sparked plenty of debate. The possibility of Rodgers joining the Steelers brings excitement, but it also raises questions. Some fans are confident that even at 41, Rodgers can still play at a high level. Others are unsure if he’s still capable of carrying a team deep into the postseason.
Steelers Believe Metcalf And Rodgers Would Be Lethal Duo
Regardless of what happens at quarterback, Steelers fans are eager to see Metcalf take the field. His absence from OTAs created some buzz, but there is no real concern inside the building. The team expects him to be a major contributor and a tone-setter for the offense moving forward.
Associated Press
Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf speaks while getting introduced to the Pittsburgh media.
With training camp approaching and Rodgers’ decision still pending, the Steelers are entering one of the most intriguing seasons in recent memory. The front office has made its statement by bringing in a top-tier receiver and reshaping the offense. Now, it’s a matter of whether the final piece at quarterback falls into place.
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