Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers' acquisition of wide receiver DK Metcalf is set to bring significant changes to their offensive lineup, regardless of who is playing quarterback. Metcalf, a proven talent from the Seattle Seahawks, joined the team after being traded for a second-round pick and a swap of late-round selections. Head coach Mike Tomlin spoke highly of Metcalf, saying, "From a competitive standpoint, as someone that's coached against the teams that he was on over the years, there's very little on the football field, from a wide receiver perspective, that he can't do."

Steelers General Manager Omar Khan emphasized the importance of having multiple receivers, stating, "You need more than one receiver in this league." Metcalf's addition to the receiving corps, along with George Pickens, is expected to create challenges for opposing defenses. Tomlin explained, "I don't necessarily view them as similar, to be quite honest with you. They're both downfield capable, but they're different people. I mean, DK is a big man, 'GP' is tall. There's a difference."

The anticipated benefits extend beyond the passing game. The presence of Metcalf and Pickens on the field is expected to impact how defenses allocate safeties, a strategy that could open up opportunities for the Steelers' running game. This aligns with the team's desire to remain strong in rushing, a priority that has seen the Steelers run the ball more than most teams, save for the Ravens and Eagles in the past season.

In addition to Metcalf, the Steelers are optimistic about Roman Wilson, their 2024 third-round draft pick, who is set to make a return after a challenging rookie season plagued by injuries. Tomlin expressed confidence in Wilson's potential, stating, " But we're expecting really good things for him in his second year. I think that's a reasonable expectation."

Meanwhile, the Steelers have been wary about the stability of their offensive line despite recent investments. Tomlin said, "I feel like we have some guys that are certainly capable of the role...But to say that (the line is set) as I sit here, would be untrue." General Manager Khan also commented on the importance of the trenches, saying, "The trenches are important. I've always talked about those big guys on both sides of the ball, so we understand where we're at."

The topic of contract extensions arises for outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who is nearing the end of his contract. Khan and Tomlin both expressed hope that Watt will remain with the Steelers. Khan noted, "I'll just say that I'm very hopeful that T.J. will finish his career as a Steeler." Tomlin added, "I'm not worried about T.J.'s production," emphasizing Watt's value to the team both in terms of pass rushing and run defense.

The Steelers are preparing for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, which brings not only excitement for the new season but also the anticipation of hosting the 2026 NFL Draft, a significant event for the organization.