NFL analysts show why the DK Metcalf trade and contract extension were both the Steelers' best and worst moves in NFL free agency
The Pittsburgh Steelers have not been very active in free agency. As they wait on the decision of Aaron Rodgers, the team has made a total of four expected signings. But before the action technically began, the Steelers started the fireworks with a trade for, and extension of one of the best WRs in the […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers have not been very active in free agency.
As they wait on the decision of Aaron Rodgers, the team has made a total of four expected signings.
But before the action technically began, the Steelers started the fireworks with a trade for, and extension of one of the best WRs in the league.
Only, according to a couple of analysts at A to Z Sports, that was a smart move and a bad decision when paired together…
Steelers' best move was trading for DK Metcalf, worst was extending him
In explicit terms of the trade and not including the extension – it was a great move by the Steelers. Metcalf is a Pro Bowl talent and one of the NFL's best receivers and will immediately provide a spark to the Steelers' passing game. Sure, there's a question of how two guys who thrive in vertical elements will mesh (yes, we're talking about George Pickens), but Arthur Smith should be able to figure out a way to make it work. A second-round pick for a proven receiver that's more than capable of logging 1,000 receiving yards and 7-8 receiving touchdowns per year is a steal. Now the Steelers just need to find him someone that can throw him the ball.
I love Metcalf's game and I think he's a top-12 or top-15 receiver without a doubt. But $33 million per year puts him in the top-3 range, where he simply doesn't belong. That, along with what is currently a huge question mark at quarterback, isn't conducive for success and can easily backfire.
Sam Phalen & Evan Winter, A to Z Sports NFL
There is certainly room for nunace with the Metcalf acquisition. If the Steelers didn't make a move at WR, and a big one, the noise would have been overwhelming. And part of trading for players is satisfying the demands of both the player and the other club,
Pittsburgh satisfied the second-round pick that the Seattle Seahawks wanted, and then met the demands of the contract that Metcalf wanted. Did the Steelers go a little far in giving him over $30m APY and tying themselves to a player built on explosion through his age 33 season?
The jury is still out.
