In a somewhat surprising move, the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks for a 2025 second-round pick. After cutting longtime wide receiver Tyler Lockett on March 5th, the Seahawks continue to dismantle their WR room while accumulating draft capital in the process.
After failing to acquire Brandon Aiyuk throughout the 2024 offseason, the Steelers have found a long-term solution for their WR room. Shortly after the trade was announced, it was also reported that Metcalf was set to sign a five-year, $150 million contract extension. The contract ties him to Pittsburgh through the 2029 season.
Seattle made it no secret they were tearing down the current version of their team by moving on from Geno Smith, Lockett, and now, Metcalf, but the football world was likely caught off guard by Pittsburgh’s eagerness to pay up for a WR given that they are still searching for a long-term solution at the quarterback position.
This trade is a major shakeup for both teams, but not everyone benefits equally. Let’s dive into the biggest winners and losers from the deal.
Winners of the DK Metcalf Trade
Jaxon Smith-Njigba: WR – Seattle Seahawks
JSN’s dynasty stock had been rising even before all the roster changes in Seattle after he finished as WR9 in PPR formats in 2024. The former first-round pick has emerged as the WR1 in Seattle with no immediate replacement for the 182 targets vacated between Metcalf and Lockett. While Seattle may look to draft a receiver with the second-round pick they acquired, it’s unlikely anyone they select would threaten Smith-Njigba’s role as the alpha of this offense.
Jaylen Warren: RB – Pittsburgh Steelers
The tea leaves suggest that Najee Harris will not be returning to the Steelers in 2025, and the lack of a second-round pick could limit the Steelers’ ability to draft Najee’s immediate replacement. With no competition challenging him, a healthier offensive line in 2025, and DK Metcalf as an added receiving threat, Jaylen Warren looks ready to outperform his RB27 ranking in Underdog best ball drafts.
QTBNL (Quarterback to be named later): QB – Pittsburgh Steelers
As it stands today, Skylar Thompson is the QB1 for the Pittsburgh Steelers. I can confidently say he won’t be the starter come training camp. The incoming quarterback will have a significant advantage with the deep ball. According to Fantasy Points Data (@FantasyPtsData), the Steelers now have two of the top four WRs in receiving yards per game on deep targets (20+ yards downfield) from 2024. George Pickens led the league with 36.8 yards per game while Metcalf was fourth with 31.1 yards per game. Did somebody say, “Moonball”?
Losers of the DK Metcalf Trade
George Pickens: WR – Pittsburgh Steelers
George Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract and was in line for a major extension as the Steelers’ de facto WR1. With DK Metcalf receiving a five-year, $150 million contract. The Steelers are sending a message that George may not be a part of their long-term plans.
Pickens has been a polarizing figure in Pittsburgh. On one hand, he’s an absolute freak on the field and seems to be a premier talent in the league. On the other hand, he has soured with some of the Pittsburgh fanbase due to his questionable antics when things have not gone his way. The nickname “Alien” could not be more fitting.
I expect him to fall from his WR33 ranking in Underdog best ball drafts. Metcalf appears to be the WR1 in Pittsburgh going forward.
Ken Walker: RB – Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is making one thing clear: they don’t believe they’re ready to compete right now. They’re tearing things down to rebuild. This is unwelcome news for running back Ken Walker. The former second-round pick will face an uphill battle in returning to his rookie-year form. His yards per carry have decreased each year that he has been in the league. With no quarterback and only one true pass-catching threat, it may be difficult to take the right step forward in 2025.
Can we trust a running back on a team in full rebuild mode to deliver for fantasy? At RB19 in Underdog’s best ball drafts, Walker’s price is too rich for my blood.
Sam Darnold: QB – Free Agent
After the Las Vegas Raiders traded for Geno Smith, one of the worst-kept secrets was Seattle shifting its focus to the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year nominee. But if you’re Sam Darnold, you now have to consider what you’re walking into.
Seattle’s roster overhaul means Darnold would be joining a team that just lost two of its top three target-getters from 2024. They also rank third in sacks allowed.
Cash rules everything around me, but would Darnold reconsider his fit in Seattle given all these changes?
Let us know who YOU think is the biggest winner and loser over at The Fantasy Advice Network.
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