The Pittsburgh Steelers have reshaped their wide receiver group this offseason by acquiring Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf and trading George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys. This adjustment reflects the team’s strategy to strengthen their receiving corps amid ongoing roster changes and evolving offensive schemes.
George Pickens, who appeared to have fallen out of favor in Pittsburgh, became expendable once Metcalf was brought in. Metcalf’s impact in Seattle over six seasons was significant, accumulating 6,324 receiving yards on 443 catches with 48 touchdowns, securing his reputation as a top NFL pass catcher.
Despite Metcalf’s strong statistics, former Seahawks receiver Bryan Walters expressed a contrasting opinion regarding Metcalf’s ranking among elite receivers. Speaking on the Brock and Salk podcast, Walters described Metcalf as “slightly overrated,” while acknowledging that Metcalf will likely perform well in Pittsburgh.
I’ve been very vocal about kind of my thoughts on DK as a wide receiver… and you know, maybe I’ll be a little nice I guess, but slightly overrated,
Walters said.
I think he’s gonna do well in Pittsburgh, but at the same time I just think that they really revamped this wide receiver room to fit that [Klint] Kubiak scheme and a lot of guys that are better route runners and guys that just kinda complement each other. I think [Jaxon Smith-Njigba] and Cooper Kupp are gonna be so fun to watch together.
—Bryan Walters, Former Seahawks Wide Receiver
Walters’ remarks highlight the Steelers’ focus on a balanced and dynamic receiving unit under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, spotlighting other route runners like Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the veteran Cooper Kupp, who offer distinct strengths in route running and team synergy.
Though Walters and Metcalf never played together, making any personal conflict unlikely, Metcalf’s numbers cannot be overlooked. Since being drafted in the second round out of Ole Miss in 2019, Metcalf ranks sixth in the NFL in receiving yards, underscoring his consistent productivity.
The Steelers are banking on Metcalf’s proven track record to elevate their passing game, even as they continue searching for a stable quarterback to maximize his impact. These receiver room adjustments, paired with shifts in the running back group and ongoing linkages to high-profile tight ends, suggest a cautious but optimistic outlook for Pittsburgh’s offensive revival.