While free agency was quiet for the Pittsburgh, the team did pull off a blockbuster trade just before it began. The Steelers sent their second-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft to the Seattle Seahawks for wide receiver DK Metcalf. This prompted the Steelers to give Metcalf the largest street free-agent contract in franchise history.
However, according to an ESPN report, Metcalf had two preferred teams he wanted to play for, and neither of them was the Steelers. According to ESPN, the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers were his top two choices but the Steelers were the team willing to pony up the biggest contract, so Metcalf settled for Pittsburgh to make more money.
"Metcalf's preferred landing spots, according to multiple sources familiar with the trade talks, were the Texans and Chargers. But his contract situation complicated the matter, as it meant the Seahawks had to find a trade partner that would not only give them enough compensation in return but also be willing and able to sign Metcalf to a new deal. The Patriots were interested in trading for Metcalf, but he effectively nixed that possibility by making it known that he didn't want to go to New England, according to a source familiar with the discussions."
Metcalf now joins a Steelers team with more questions than answers at quarterback. You cannot fault Metcalf for preferring to catch passes from Justin Herbert or C.J. Stroud over Mason Rudolph.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: DK Metcalf was traded to the Steelers ahead of free agency
