DK Metcalf traded to Pittsburgh: The Dynasty Fantasy Football Impact
Now former Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf officially requested a trade last week, something that was a surprise to many when it happened. In the end, he got his wish as he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers today in exchange for a second round draft pick. It’s a stunning turn of events as the elite-level receiver suddenly has a new home and a massive new contract. This is also a significant trade in dynasty circles as it’s going to have a ripple effect from Washington to Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the changing values of the players involved.
DK Metcalf, WR PIT
After dropping into the second round in 2019, Seattle jumped at the chance to grab Metcalf, thinking they may have had a serious playmaker who fell too far in the NFL Draft. In the end, they were right as Metcalf has been an absolute star in the Emerald City, posting 438 catches for 6,324 yards and 48 touchdowns in 97 career games over his six years in the NFL. Metcalf is a holy terror in the open field and also has a career yards per catch average of over 14 yards. However, he also had a knack for disappearing for stretches during a season and his production was also very up and down on a weekly basis. He also didn’t post a single 100-yard game last year after week four, likely leading to much of his unhappiness.
In Pittsburgh, Metcalf is going to slide in as the WR1 in the offense. If you question that, consider the fact the Steelers gave him a contract extension worth $150 million with an average annual salary that trails only the likes of Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb. In short, Metcalf just got his bag.
The biggest question as of the moment revolves around who is going to actually throw him the ball. The Steelers are not going to re-sign both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields and it seems they’re leaning on bringing back Fields. However, that’s far from a done deal as Fields is reportedly garnering a lot of interest from the Jets. They also protected him last season and ran a run-first offense. With Metcalf and George Pickens on the roster, that just can’t be the case next season, either. Could they be in line for someone like Sam Darnold as well? We will soon find out.
As for Metcalf’s dynasty value, some of it really is going to depend on who throws him the ball. However, his past production and the fact the Steelers have invested this much in him indicate he very well could be headed right back to the WR1 line as soon as next season. His ADP is going to rebound very quickly.
Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, QBs FA
Again, we just don’t know what the plan is going to be here. Wilson would likely be a better fit for this offense as he can still throw the deep ball and the Steelers have some serious speed with Metcalf, Pickens, and Calvin Austin on the roster. We’ll know soon enough, but whoever signs in Pittsburgh is going to be set up for early success as they’ll be spoiled with pass catchers who are simply dynamic.
George Pickens, WR PIT
There were times where the Steelers were simply fed up with Pickens last season. His numbers were fine as he posted a 59/900/3 season, but those numbers were all down from the previous season, despite him being the de facto WR1 on the team. It seems the Steelers are simply more comfortable with Pickens being a sidekick in the offense instead of the primary option. Again, his ultimate dynasty value is going to depend on what Pittsburgh does at the quarterback position, but this really isn’t going to be a situation where Pickens’ value is increased with the acquisition of Metcalf. In short, this isn’t the end of the world, but also isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement for Pickens, who may find it hard to post 1,000 yards next season unless he really matures on and off the field. His ADP is unlikely to rise anytime soon.
Calvin Austin III, WR PIT
If there’s a clear loser in this deal, it’s likely Austin. With 36 catches for 548 yards and four scores last year, he looked like a player on the rise. However, this deal pushes him back down to the third wide receiver option at best and while he will still likely provide a few big games, it’s going to be tough to ever predict when that may happen. Austin looks like a boom or bust receiver who may need a change of scenery when his rookie contract expires to really flourish. At this point, he’s roster worthy but not by much.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR SEA
Well, the release of Tyler Lockett and the trade of Metcalf does nothing but open up a massive opportunity for JSN, who is now the unquestioned top target for the Seahawks after his breakout season. The chance to buy low on him has come and gone and he’s in line to be an elite-level receiver as long as Seattle can find him a quarterback.
Sam Darnold, QB FA
Speaking of options, it certainly does seem like Seattle is simply clearing room to sign Darnold. However (and ironically), Pittsburgh is also said to have interest in the former Viking signal caller and the thought of joining a team with a history of winning, one of the league’s best Head Coaches, and the likes of Metcalf and Pickens to throw to isn’t exactly something to overlook. Stay tuned.
Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK
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