The Pittsburgh Steelers finally got the blockbuster wide receiver trade they have been looking for. They acquired DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks before giving him $132 million in new money. There were questions about why he would want to go to Pittsburgh, as it is colder than other supposed landing spots come winter time, and the team still has not confirmed if its starting quarterback is even on the team or not. Either way, the deal is done, and Metcalf is locked in for the next five seasons.
ESPN's Brady Henderson was asked about the Metcalf situation, and he brought up the discontent surrounding the star receiver and the team.
"The trade request that led the Seahawks to send DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh last month wasn't the first time he asked out of Seattle," explained Henderson. "According to team sources, the star receiver had requested trades multiple times in recent offseasons. That revelation sheds light on Seattle's decision to deal Metcalf to the Steelers for the No. 52 selection and a swap of late-round picks. The Seahawks didn't plan on trading him at the start of the offseason, but they had to weigh Metcalf's prolonged unhappiness in addition to the inherent risk of signing a player to a massive third contract."
Metcalf had been a trade candidate for numerous teams for years, including the Steelers, and now it is revealed why. He gets a fresh start in a deep-ball friendly offense with a lot more money going into his pocket. It's a good thing the Steelers got the deal done when they did, or else Ja'Marr Chase's deal could have raised Metcalf's price tag.
Henderson continued on to talk about where Metcalf wanted to go, and Pittsburgh was not an option.
"Metcalf's preferred landing spots, according to multiple sources familiar with the trade talks, were the Texans and Chargers," explained Henderson. "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 reportedly wanted to go to a place with quality quarterback play and warm weather, although his agent denied the latter statement. The Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers both fit that description, and they were both in desperate need of a reliable wideout to complement the young offensive core.
Metcalf's desire for a new contract made life hard on the Seahawks, however. Seattle allegedly wanted a first-round pick, but no one would budge. The Texans traded for Christian Kirk, and his contract made it even harder for them to give a massive extension to another new receiver.
Steelers' Secrets May Have Lured Metcalf To Pittsburgh
The Steelers have been all in on trying to sign Aaron Rodgers, and some reports even say that they even have a deal in place, but it hasn't officially been signed for unknown reasons. If Metcalf knew that this was a likely possibility, maybe that influenced him to pick Pittsburgh.
Metcalf and Rodgers even worked out together recently. Who knows if that means anything at this point, but if the veteran quarterback is signing with Pittsburgh, then it makes perfect sense for the two to start developing some early chemistry together. Metcalf wants a quality passer, and he may have gotten one he wants, even if the deal has not been made official yet.
