The Steelers’ quarterback situation is still far from settled, but whoever starts under center for Pittsburgh in 2025 has a shiny new weapon in the fold.
The Steelers acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seahawks in a blockbuster trade on Sunday, sending a second-round pick to Seattle and giving the 27-year-old a new five-year, $150 million extension.
The move comes after a tumultuous season for George Pickens, who struggled to prove himself as a legitimate No. 1 receiver and, at times, created distractions for the team. Pickens remains on the roster, however, so his journey in Pittsburgh doesn’t appear to be done.
Here’s a look at the Steelers’ updated wide receiver depth chart featuring Metcalf, Pickens and more.
MORE: Live NFL free agency tracker
Steelers WR depth chart
| WR | Player |
| 1 | DK Metcalf |
| 2 | George Pickens |
| 3 | Calvin Austin III |
| 4 | Roman Wilson |
1. DK Metcalf
Metcalf isn’t coming off his most productive season with 992 yards over 15 games, but he’s being paid like a No. 1 receiver and will take on that role for the Steelers.
Still just 27, Metcalf has three 1,000-yard seasons under his belt and has never missed more than two games in a season. The Steelers will hope for a rejuvenated version of Metcalf in 2025, though they have to figure out who will be throwing to him first.
2. George Pickens
Rumored as a potential trade candidate even before the Metcalf trade, Pickens appears to be staying put in Pittsburgh, at least for now.
The former second-round pick has ruffled some feathers with his antics and struggled badly at times down the stretch in 2024, but he’s averaging just over 1,000 yards across the last two seasons and remains on a cheap deal in 2025.
With no longer any pressure on Pickens to be a No. 1 receiver, the Steelers will hope Pickens can find a groove alongside Metcalf.
3. Calvin Austin III
Like Pickens, Austin is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. The Memphis product broke through in 2024 with 548 yards and four touchdowns on 38 catches, carving out a role for himself with targets up for grabs in the Steelers’ offense.
4. Roman Wilson
Mike Williams and Van Jefferson are both free agents, so Roman Wilson could be in line for some targets in 2025. A 2024 third-round pick out of Michigan, Wilson played a grand total of five snaps as a rookie.
MORE: Why did the Seahawks trade DK Metcalf?
Who will be the Steelers’ quarterback in 2025?
Even more interesting than the Steelers’ wide receiver depth chart is the team’s quarterback depth chart, which features only Skylar Thompson (reserve/future contract) on the eve of free agency.
Pittsburgh’s top three quarterbacks from 2024, Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen, are all set to become unrestricted free agents. The Steelers would like to bring one, but likely not both, back to the organization, with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reporting that Pittsburgh is “leaning” toward Fields.
Fields, however, is expected to test the free agent market, with the Jets reported as a potential suitor.
Wilson might not be preferred given his age and ceiling, but with the Raiders acquiring Geno Smith, he might struggle to find a market if he wants a guaranteed starting job.
Meanwhile, the Steelers are preparing to offer a contract to outgoing Vikings QB Sam Darnold when free agency starts, The Athletic Dianna Russini reports. While the Seahawks are the reported favorite for Darnold, the Steelers’ interest is a sign Pittsburgh isn’t necessarily guaranteed to retain one of Fields and Wilson.
