What DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh Means for Fantasy Football

In a rare off-season Sunday news drop, the NFL Network reported that DK Metcalf was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 second round pick. The former Seahawk had one year and $18 million remaining on his previous contract and wanted out. It looks like Metcalf gets his wish and will be contributing to fantasy rosters for the next handful of years as a Steeler.

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DK Metcalf as a Seahawk

In six years with Seattle, Metcalf had three 1,000+ yard seasons, with the other three north of 900. He averaged 121 targets per season with 73 receptions, and found the end zone a total of 48 times.

Despite his lethal deep-threat prowess, Metcalf has only one fantasy WR1 campaign which was in 2020 (WR10), with two WR2 years, two outputs as a WR3, and one where the wideout ended as fantasy WR4.

The 27-year-old asked to be set free from the place he’s called home for six seasons, and that roster will look completely different in 2025 considering the Seahawks released Metcalf’s former WR partner Tyler Lockett, and traded QB Geno Smith last week.

Let’s explore what all of this means for fantasy football purposes this season as we head into free agency.

DK Metcalf’s Outlook in Pittsburgh

It’s tough to fully gauge the fantasy expectations of Metcalf as a member of the Steelers since their QB is still TBD. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are free agents, and the Pittsburgh front office could try to land someone else like Sam Darnold, or re-sign someone from their 2024 QB room.

A Wilson/Metcalf reunion isn’t exactly the sexiest for real life or fantasy purposes, but the WR did have his best statistical and fantasy season in 2020 with Wilson slinging the ball. Justin Fields could end up as the one under center, which isn’t too enticing for Metcalf managers from a fantasy perspective based on both of their games. There’s also the not-so-elephant in the room, in that the 27-year-old WR is very similar to George Pickens, both in their play-style and attitude, which may be popcorn worthy.

This trade may not be the best news for Pickens, who was the clear alpha last year in Pittsburgh, but will likely slide down to the WR2 spot with Metcalf on the field. Of course, things could shake out differently depending on training camp, so we have to monitor the WR room. If both remain in town, the Steelers will be deadly deep down the field, but could be underwhelming underneath.

Metcalf should be drafted in the low WR2/WR3 range unless something major happens in the QB department, with Pickens more of a WR3/4, in flex range. Right now on Underdog, Metcalf is the 24th WR off draft boards with an ADP of 44.4, while Pickens is the WR33 at spot 5.12.

What about the New-Look Seahawks?

It’s been a full-on everything-has-to-go sale in Seattle, with three of their top-7 fantasy producers from 2024 no longer on the roster. I guess the Jaxon-Smith Njigba solo tour begins this year, as he should see a high volume of targets. Who the sophomore will be catching passes from is not clear, but the winds have been whispering Sam Darnold’s name over the past few days. No matter who ends up as the Seattle single caller, JSN should be drafted as a low WR1/WR2. For now, his ADP is 25.2 as the WR14.

Bottom Line

• DK Metcalf requested out of Seattle and his wish was granted on Sunday, March 9th, as he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 second-round pick.
• Metcalf’s talent has never been in question, but he’s posted just one fantasy WR1 season out of six in the NFL, with two more WR2 outputs.
• With the QB position still vacant, it’s tough to fully judge Metcalf’s outlook in Pittsburgh, but a low-end WR2 campaign seems like the likely outcome, with George Pickens falling to more of WR3/flex territory.
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba should see monster volume and slides up to WR1/2 range, with more of a bump up to solid WR1 if the Seahawks land a quality QB.
• Underdog ADP’s for the WRs are: Metcalf (WR24), 44.4, George Pickens (WR33), 59.7, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR14), 25.3