Report: Steelers’ DK Metcalf Preferred Other AFC Teams
If it was fully up to DK Metcalf, the former Seattle Seahawks receiver would’ve landed with a team other than the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had his sights set on two other AFC franchises, both of which possess much clearer quarterback situations than the one in the Steel City.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported Tuesday that Metcalf wanted to pair up with CJ Stroud or Justin Herbert.
“Metcalf’s preferred landing spots, according to multiple sources familiar with the trade talks, were the Texans and Chargers,” Henderson wrote. “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 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.”
Despite no signal-caller being set in stone, the Steelers had the money to give him a five-year, $150 million deal. During his introductory Steelers press conference last month, Metcalf refuted rumors that he said he wanted to land in a warm-weather destination.
“Yeah, man, we never said none of that,” Metcalf said during his introductory Steelers press conference. “Me and my team never said, ‘Warm city, a contender.’ None of that, man. We just took the trade request and moved forward with the teams that really showed interest. They showed interest from Day 1 and we just built on the relationship that we had from the first conversation.”
Metcalf was spotted working out with the Steelers’ free agency passing target, Aaron Rodgers, over the weekend. That session could be the first of many throws and catches between the battery. That is, if Rodgers ever chooses to sign with the team.