Seattle Seahawks fans may want to look away. This offseason, one of the biggest moves in the league was Seattle sending star wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a second round pick (which the Hawks used in a package to trade up to draft safety Nick Emmanwori). Now Metcalf is in the Steel City, and we are getting our first glimpses of him in a Steelers uniform.
Given the unfortunate and distasteful history between these two franchises, seeing a popular former Seahawk in the black and yellow could churn more than a few stomachs at lunchtime.
When Metcalf was traded to Pittsburgh, his classic No. 14 jersey number was already in use by fellow wide receiver George Pickens, causing Metcalf to go with No. 4 for the first time. Pickens has since been traded to the Dallas Cowboys, which means No. 14 is back up for grabs. However, it’s clear Metcalf is sticking with No. 4 for the time being.
For the first time in his career, it is possible Metcalf may have an offense designed around getting him the ball exclusively. He always had to share targets with the likes of Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, not to mention Seattle’s consistent run-first philosophy. Metcalf will be the clear No. 1 option in Pittsburgh for an aging Aaron Rodgers to target. While Rodgers is far from the quarterback he once was at his peak, he can still sling the ball well. It’s entirely possible Metcalf will have a strong year statistically.
Seattle travels to Pittsburgh for a Week 2 showdown against the Steelers.