If you’re still picturing DK Metcalf sprinting down the sidelines in neon green and navy, you're living in the past. Seriously. Things have changed. While he spent the first six years of his career becoming a legend in the Pacific Northwest, the 2025 season marked the end of an era.
The answer to what team does DK Metcalf play for is actually the Pittsburgh Steelers.
It feels weird to say, right? Seeing that massive 6-foot-4 frame in black and gold instead of a Seahawks jersey was one of the biggest shocks of the last couple of years. But it’s official. He's a Steeler. And the way he got there is just as wild as his 4.33-second dash.
The Trade That Shook the NFL
Nobody really saw it coming until it was already happening. In March 2025, the Seattle Seahawks decided to hit the reset button. They traded Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick and some late-round pick swapping.
It wasn't just a change of scenery. It was a massive financial commitment.
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Upon arriving in the Steel City, Metcalf signed a monster four-year, $132 million extension. We’re talking $60 million guaranteed. Pittsburgh didn't just want a deep threat; they wanted a centerpiece. For the 2026 season, he’s carrying a cap hit of **$31 million**. That is elite-level money for an elite-level athlete.
Life in Pittsburgh So Far
Metcalf's debut season in 2025 was... well, it was a rollercoaster. He finished the regular season with 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns. Decent? Yeah. But by DK standards, it felt a little quiet.
There's a reason for that.
Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation has been a bit of a mess. He spent 2025 catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, who, despite his legendary status, struggled to find a consistent rhythm with the young receivers. Then there was the drama. Metcalf missed the final two games of the 2025 regular season due to a suspension after an altercation with a fan during a Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions.
He came back for the Wild Card round, but the Steelers got dismantled by the Houston Texans, losing 30-6. DK had a team-high 42 yards in that game, but the offense just couldn't get off the ground.
By the Numbers: DK's 2025 Season
- Games Played: 15
- Receptions: 59
- Yards: 850
- Touchdowns: 6
- Average Per Catch: 14.4 yards
Why the Seahawks Moved On
Fans in Seattle are still split on this. Some think the team was crazy to let him go, while others see the logic.
Seattle was staring down a massive rebuild. Geno Smith was headed to the Raiders, Tyler Lockett was released, and the team needed draft capital. By trading DK, they cleared his $18 million salary for 2025 and got a high pick to help rebuild a roster that had grown stale. Honestly, it was a "business over feelings" move.
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What's Next for DK in 2026?
Going into the 2026 season, Metcalf remains the undisputed WR1 for the Steelers. However, the roster around him is shifting again. There are strong rumors—reported by outlets like Sporting News—that the Steelers are looking to bring in a veteran running mate, possibly someone like Deebo Samuel, to take the pressure off.
The biggest question mark is the quarterback. With the Rodgers experiment looking shaky, the Steelers might be hunting for a new arm in the 2026 draft or free agency.
Basically, Metcalf has the contract and the talent, but he needs a stable environment to get back to those 1,300-yard seasons we saw in Seattle.
If you are tracking his stats for fantasy or just as a fan, keep a close eye on the Steelers' offseason moves. His production in 2026 will depend almost entirely on who is throwing him the ball. Check the official Steelers roster updates as training camp approaches to see if they've finally found him a reliable "running mate" in the receiving corps.