NFL trade rumors: Steelers reportedly tried to reunite DK Metcalf, Russell Wilson

The Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the most widely praised drafts last week, but they’re still looking to build for their first real playoff push since 2016.

NFL insider Benjamin Allbright claims that the Steelers called around for established top wide receivers, including the San Francisco 49ers’ Brandon Aiyuk, the Denver Broncos’ Courtland Sutton, and... the Seattle Seahawks’ DK Metcalf. So far, no dice.

Of course, new Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson had great chemistry with Sutton in Denver and Metcalf in Seattle. The Steelers did draft Michigan’s Roman Wilson in the second round, but they also traded away Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. It’s not a shock that they’re looking to boost their receiver group outside of George Pickens.

While a Metcalf trade at this point would be a stunner, the post-June 1 date Allbright referenced is important to note. Dealing Metcalf after June 1 would save the Seahawks $17 million in cap space, with DK’s contract set to expire at the end of 2025. If a trade happens before June 1 then they save $9.5 million but incur $22.5 million in dead money over the final two seasons.

There have been some murmurs and rumblings about Metcalf possibly being available for trade, especially at a time when it seems like receivers are getting dealt on a regular basis. Last I checked, he’s still a Seahawk. It’d be pretty silly not to draft a receiver this year if you’re planning to send DK elsewhere, right?

Meanwhile, local Steelers reporter Andrew Fillipponi has a counter.

Whatever the case, I do expect Pittsburgh to swing for the fences and try to get another receiver to improve that Steelers offense. I’d sooner believe the No. 14 in Denver is going to Pittsburgh than the No. 14 in Seattle.