The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their tradition, discipline, and calculated moves as a franchise. Well, scrap that. Someone just lit the whole rulebook on fire and threw it out of the window. They made a jaw-dropping move by securing one of the NFL’s most explosive receivers – DK Metcalf. But that’s not all. The head coach, Mike Tomlin, is plotting quietly his next big move – securing their franchise’s future QB. And let’s just say things are about to get a lot more interesting in the Steel City.
For context, let’s take a look at their history. The Steelers treat big-money contracts like they are made of molten lava. The last time they splurged money like this was back in 2017. They signed a WR, Antonio Brown, for $68 million. And then in 2018, when Le’Veon Bell wanted a massive payday of $17 million per year – they let him walk away instead. Another classic move? When T.J. Watt was due for an extension, the Steelers held their ground on a no-guaranteed money policy only to break it at the last second – realizing they had no other choice.
And yet, with DK Metcalf? They were like, what are rules and traditions? According to Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac, the deal includes $60 million in guaranteed money, with a cash-heavy payout structure designed to keep the Steelers flexible. In 2025, Metcalf will carry just an $11 million cap hit before it jumps to $31 million in 2026, escalating to a jaw-dropping $41.5 million in 2029. Translation? They are all in on DK Metcalf as the guy who will take their offense to the next level.
DK Metcalf’s #Steelers Extension
5 yrs, $150M total value
$60M fully guaranteed
$35M 2025 cash
2 yrs, $60M practical
Cap Hits
2025: $11M ($7M saved)
2026: $31M
2027: $32.5M
2028: $34M
2029: $41.5M
Breakdown: https://t.co/zSFul9E3KO
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 21, 2025
On top of that, they also did something that completely blew everyone’s mind – broke their sacred jersey number tradition. The single-digit numbers in the Pittsburgh Steelers have always been reserved for the QBs, punters, and kickers. Even legends like Hines Ward and Antonio Brown had to wear double-digit numbers despite their star power. But Metcalf? He is here to break traditions. He gets No. 4. That’s Pittsburgh’s way of screaming – Yeah, he’s different.
And honestly, the Steelers needed this move. With George Pickens holding onto No.14, Metcalf has joined in as the WR1 – the team has been missing since Antonio Brown. Together, they make a lethal duo for passing attacks. The move signals one thing: the Steelers are done playing it safe. But there’s just one small, little issue – who’s throwing the ball?
Mike Tomlin’s QB wishlist in the 2025 NFL Draft
For all the excitement about Metcalf, is he going to throw deep passes to himself? Because the Steelers have a QB-sized hole in their roster. Justin Fields? Already settling in with the Jets. Russell Wilson? Still a question mark. And while the Steelers have been linked to Aaron Rodgers – nothing is set in stone.
So, what’s next? Mike Tomlin is keeping a close eye on the 2025 NFL Draft – like a kid in a candy store. And Jalen Milroe is looking like a golden ticket for the Steelers. A dual-threat QB with game-changing athleticism. Milroe clocked a blistering 4.37 40-yard dash at his Pro Day and racked up 45 passing touchdowns with 33 rushing scores in college. Think Lamar Jackson, but younger – that’s Milroe. Tomlin reportedly flew to Tuscaloosa to meet Milroe. And If the Steelers pull the trigger on him, it could be the start of a new era.
But wait – the QB dilemma doesn’t end there. Milroe isn’t their only option. Texas star Quinn Ewers is also in the mix – strong arms and pocket presence make him an intriguing prospect. Tomlin even tested him on his college GPA during the NFL Scouting Combine – classic Steelers move to check a player’s mental toughness. Then there’s Jaxson Dart and Will Howard, two more names getting linked to the Steelers.
With the Steelers having the No. 21 pick in the Draft, the Steelers have to choose between – betting big on a rookie QB or waiting for Aaron Rodgers. But time is of the essence here, Steelers. So, decide fast. But the DK Metcalf move has proved one thing that the Steelers are bending rules this season – playing bold. And fortune favors the bold.
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