Steelers Lock in DK Metcalf, But There’s a Catch in His Contract
The Pittsburgh Steelers went into the offseason determined to add some firepower to their offense. Mission accomplished—they pulled off a trade for DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks, finally giving George Pickens a true WR1 partner. To seal the deal, Pittsburgh handed Metcalf a five-year, $150 million extension.
But as always in the NFL, contracts aren’t always as straightforward as they look. Once the guaranteed money runs out, teams can cut ties without much trouble.
The Big Money Year That Might Not Happen
Metcalf’s deal comes with a hefty final year. In 2029, he’s set to make a $30.5 million base salary plus a $5 million offseason roster bonus, according to Mike Florio of *ProFootballTalk*. That’s a whopping $35.5 million for his age-31 season. If the Steelers decide that price tag is too steep, his contract essentially becomes a four-year, $114.5 million deal instead.
The Guaranteed Cash: All in the First Two Years
For now, Metcalf is guaranteed $60 million, all of which comes in the first two years. That includes:
– A $30 million signing bonus
– A $5 million base salary in 2025
– A $25 million salary in 2026
That means, at minimum, Metcalf has a two-year, $60 million contract. Beyond that? It’s all up in the air.
Steelers Keep Their Options Open
Metcalf pushed for a trade this offseason, making it clear he wanted a deal that paid him like a top-tier wide receiver. On paper, he got his wish—his contract averages $33 million per year, ranking fourth among NFL receivers. But with the way the deal is structured, Pittsburgh has plenty of flexibility if they decide to move on before that expensive final year kicks in.
For now, though, Metcalf is locked in as a Steeler, and the team has its offensive playmaker. Whether he’s still around in 2029? That’s another story.
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