In March, the Seattle Seahawks traded star wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a move that stunned many fans given Metcalf’s status as one of the league’s elite offensive threats. Now, Seahawks general manager John Schneider has opened up about the reasons behind the trade, shedding light on the discussions that preceded the surprising decision and its connection to Metcalf’s new $132 million contract with Pittsburgh.
Inside the Talks Leading to DK Metcalf’s Trade Request
John Schneider recently explained on John Middlekauff’s “3&Out” podcast that negotiations with players can become very personal, especially when discussing their future and legacy. Schneider recalled extensive conversations with Metcalf last offseason, during which the wide receiver expressed a desire to remain in Seattle and showed enthusiasm about the new coaching staff.
“We’ve all been through negotiations,” Schneider said on John Middlekauff’s “3&Out” podcast on Wednesday (Timestamp: 37:56). “It gets really personal. And you could say it’s not, but it really is. And so, in regards to DK, we had a ton of conversations last offseason about his legacy and where he wanted to go. He stayed; he wanted to be here. Once he met the new coaching staff, he was excited.
“And then this year, it just happened again. You can’t change the way people think. As much as we love them and we want to have them here. When people want to leave, it’s difficult to try to convince them to stay. So, yeah, we just had very honest communication, like, for probably about a month and a half.”
After multiple candid talks, Metcalf formally requested a trade ahead of his seventh NFL season, leading Seattle to trade him to the Steelers. The Seahawks received Pittsburgh’s second-round draft pick for the 2024 NFL Draft in return.
DK Metcalf’s Career with Seattle and New Contract with Pittsburgh
Metcalf was drafted by the Seahawks in the second round in 2019 and quickly became a dominant wide receiver. Over his time in Seattle, he recorded 438 receptions for 6,324 yards and scored 48 touchdowns, earning two Pro Bowl selections. His performance made him one of the NFL’s top offensive talents.
Following the trade, Metcalf signed a lucrative four-year, $132 million contract with the Steelers. The deal reportedly includes a $30 million signing bonus and guarantees totaling $60 million. With one year remaining on his previous Seahawks contract, which was set to pay him $18 million, Metcalf’s overall compensation package now spans five years and totals roughly $150 million.
What Metcalf’s Move Means for the Steelers’ Offense
Pittsburgh’s acquisition of Metcalf adds a major weapon to their offense, particularly paired with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Observers will be watching closely next season to see how quickly Metcalf adapts and contributes as a key playmaker in the Steelers’ passing game.
This trade not only marks a significant chapter in Metcalf’s career but also highlights the challenges teams face in retaining their star players amid evolving ambitions and negotiations. Schneider’s openness about the process reflects the difficult balance between loyalty and accommodating players’ desires, especially for high-profile athletes like DK Metcalf.