The Pittsburgh Steelers have made major roster changes by trading for star wide receiver DK Metcalf and signing veteran cornerback Darius Slay in free agency.

After an up-and-down 2024-2025 season that ended in disappointment, the Steelers’ front office acted quickly. The trade for Metcalf cost Pittsburgh some valuable draft capital, but the team believes his game-breaking ability is worth the price. Meanwhile, Slay was a surprise free-agent pickup, bringing veteran leadership to a secondary that needed a boost.

The trade for DK Metcalf caught many off guard, but it makes sense. The Seahawks, in the middle of a rebuild, decided to move on from their star wideout instead of handing him another massive contract extension. Pittsburgh saw an opportunity and took it, adding a 6’4” physical receiver with speed who can stretch the field. He’s a difficult matchup for any defense and will now line up alongside George Pickens to form one of the most dangerous receiving duos in the league. With a new quarterback leading the Steelers, all eyes are on how Metcalf will fit into the offense.

After the team moved on from Kenny Pickett, their new signal-caller will need to quickly develop chemistry with the star wideout. The Steelers have been exploring different options at quarterback, and whether it’s a veteran presence or a young draft pick stepping in, Metcalf’s ability to create separation and win contested catches will be a major asset. The offensive scheme may need to be adjusted to maximize his strengths, but his combination of size and speed makes him a threat in any system.