Latest news with #DKMetcalf
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers' New-Look Receiver Group Disrespected in Latest Ranking
Steelers' New-Look Receiver Group Disrespected in Latest Ranking originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Pittsburgh Steelers traded away star wide receiver George Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys, but they also made a trade with the Seattle Seahawks to acquire their star wideout, D.K. Metcalf. Advertisement And some are not necessarily a fan of the move. In a recent article by PFF's Trevor Sikkema, he ranks every NFL team's wide receiver corps going into the 2025 season. But near the bottom of the list at No. 29, he has the Steelers' new group. "The Steelers traded for D.K. Metcalf in the offseason but then shipped off George Pickens. That profiles as only a slight upgrade for a team that finished 20th in PFF receiving grade in 2024," Sikkema wrote. "Pittsburgh should get more out of second-year receiver Roman Wilson, who was largely injured last season, and the backfield combination of Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell brings some third-down, pass-catching ability." A big factor in the team being able to prove this ranking wrong is Roman Wilson, who did not play in his rookie season due to injury. If he can step up in a big way, the team's wide receiver corps could improve tremendously. Advertisement As for Metcalf, he had also 100 more receiving yards than Pickens last season, as well as two more touchdowns. Pairing new quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a receiver with athleticism like Metcalf's just feels like a match made in heaven. The Steelers will go into the 2025 season looking to make the playoffs for the third straight season, as well as prove this ranking wrong. Related: Insider Says Rodgers Impacted Steelers' Pickens Trade Related: Steelers Praised For Most Controversial Offseason Move This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
DK Metcalf says Steelers defense was so loud, he couldn't hear Mason Rudolph's adjustments
Minkah Fitzpatrick's 'communicate or get benched' warning seems to be working — as DK Metcalf claimed the Steelers defense was so loud, he couldn't hear his QB's adjustments. At mandatory minicamp, Metcalf spoke highly of Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay Jr., and Fitzpatrick — before switching gears to detail how loud the Steelers' defensive communication was (courtesy of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette): Advertisement 'The defense is great, just going against them after yesterday — high energy group, very communicative,' Metcalf said. 'I was joking with Calvin [Austin III] that for the first play out there, I couldn't hear any of the checks that Mason [Rudolph] — or the snap count that Mason was saying, 'cause the defense was talking so much. It's just refreshing to see a defense that communicates, and we're just trying to model our game after them.' Fitzpatrick previously argued that the defensive struggles of 2024 fell squarely on the shoulders of poor communication — with Metcalf's recent comments serving as proof of a massive step in the right direction for the unit. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' DK Metcalf says defense was so loud he couldn't hear Rudolph
Yahoo
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Super Bowl champion predicts drama for Steelers' Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf
Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf could have trouble in paradise before the end of the 2025 season — at least that's what former NFL defensive end Chris Long believes. Long, a two-time Super Bowl champion, recently appeared on The Rich Eisen Show and brought up Rodgers' infamous red line drama when discussing his pairing with Metcalf: Advertisement 'When he was in New York — and I'm not taking a shot, but I don't love seeing stuff that should be worked out in the locker room, worked out on podcast,' Long said. 'Metcalf has not always been the most surgical route runner. You talk about if we end up in a situation where somebody's not on the right side of the 'red line', famously, infamously, I could see some stuff like that happening — and the growing pains being tough.' The situation that has Long worried stems back in Week 6 of the 2024 season, when then-Jets QB Rodgers criticized WR Mike Williams for running the wrong route — as he should've ran the 'red line.' Rodgers and Metcalf have been bonding heavily throughout the offseason so far — hopefully enough to prevent Long's worrisome prediction from coming to fruition. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf may face drama, says Chris Long
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers rookie QB Will Howard blown away by DK Metcalf's work ethic and leadership
It's hard not to be impressed with DK Metcalf — just ask Steelers rookie Will Howard. After Thursday's practice at mandatory minicamp, Howard couldn't stop praising the 6'4' Steelers receiver (courtesy of Steelers Live): Advertisement 'I mean, just look at the guy. He's a specimen. He's something else. Just the way he covers ground in his strides — and the way that he works,' Howard said. 'You see a lot of guys like that — it's rare to see somebody that's willing to catch for a rookie quarterback on any route he needs. You know, 'Hey DK, can you go spot up a corner for me?' 'No problem.' He's super hardworking — just respectful, goes about his business, and a great dude too. If I make a good play, he's coming over to me and dapping me up. He's been awesome, man, and I'm excited to get to work with him.' Here's to hoping the young signal caller develops into the Steelers' long-term starting QB — and that the Howard-to-Metcalf connection is one fans can look forward to for years to come. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers rookie Will Howard praises DK Metcalf: 'He's a specimen'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Insider Says Rodgers Impacted Steelers' Pickens Trade
Insider Says Rodgers Impacted Steelers' Pickens Trade originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Pittsburgh Steelers reshaped their passing offense in the offseason, rearranging deck chairs on a boat destined to go a game over .500. Trading for Seattle Seahawks dynamo DK Metcalf gave the offense two above-average receivers. Advertisement By the end of May, that was no longer the case. George Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 Day 3 pick swap. To an extent, that set them back to Square One, entering 2025 with a hole at Z receiver. However, Pittsburgh upgraded at receiver, effectively replacing Pickens with Metcalf. It also upgraded under center after signing Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal. Those moves may have been related. Insider Jeremy Fowler revealed how Rodgers impacted the Steelers' Pickens trade, despite not yet being in the building. 'The Steelers moved on from Pickens for a few reasons. His maturity issues were well-known within Pittsburgh's locker room and front office,' Fowler wrote. 'So, the Steelers made the evaluation that Pickens and Rodgers probably would not hit it off.' Advertisement Pickens' immaturity was well documented in Pittsburgh. Between his tardiness, lazy routes, and frequent penalties, he wore out his welcome. With the detail-oriented Rodgers potentially in the fold, trading Pickens became an act of foresight. Having one less quality receiver is going to hinder the offense. But with Smith tailoring his offense to Rodgers, his strengths should be optimized. 'While the skepticism is understandable, I've talked to several coaches who watched Rodgers closely last year, including members of the New York Jets staff. They believe Pittsburgh just got a steal. ''He's still throwing the [expletive] out of the ball, honestly,' a veteran NFL offensive coach said. 'He's the best quarterback they've had since [Ben Roethlisberger]. We will see how the body holds up, but I think he's going to help them immensely.'' Advertisement The Steelers are more formidable than they were a season ago. It's easy to see Rodgers and Metcalf developing a rapport, the offense line should be healthier, and the veteran is less volatile than his predecessor. This is the best quarterback of the post-Ben Roethlisberger era, and he offers Pittsburgh a slightly better chance at success come January. "Look, the mobility is an issue, there's no doubt," an AFC executive told Fowler. "But where he helps them is with the plus arm strength and the field vision from the pocket. They haven't had that. I'm not sure that will be enough, but the offense will be at least respectable." Related: One Position Defines Steelers Trading Pickens Related: Soul-Bound: Rodgers Looked Inward for Steelers Signing This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 18, 2025, where it first appeared.
