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After spending six seasons in Seattle, wide receiver DK Metcalf has landed in Pittsburgh as the new stud WR1. Metcalf was a solid fantasy player during his time with the Seahawks. He finished as the WR21 or higher in four of his six seasons. He enjoyed a peak of WR7 in 2020.
Metcalf is a physical force of a player. He was lauded after his NFL Combine performance in 2019 when he ran a 4.33 40-yard dash and displayed unbelievable strength and athleticism. The knock on Metcalf was his injury history but he has been largely very durable as a pro.
With Metcalf now in Pittsburgh, his dynasty outlook will shift given the Steelers' lack of a long-term option at quarterback and lack of a path to one. Metcalf's fantasy outlook may ultimately end up being the same as it was in Seattle but let's dive in and see what the possibilities are in the Steel City.
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DK Metcalf Background
Metcalf was selected with the 64th pick of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Seahawks loved Metcalf so much that they traded back into the second round to select him. As a Seahawks fan, I was elated when they made the move. The Seahawks had been lacking a high-end wide receiver option since Steve Largent was with the team. Metcalf was finally the stud they needed.
He developed a quick rapport with former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, as he racked up 29 receiving touchdowns over his first three seasons. Metcalf and Wilson connected on deep balls consistently. What he lacked in target volume Metcalf made up for in efficiency, particularly in finding the end zone.
Metcalf did not skip a beat when Geno Smith took over in 2022 following the Wilson trade to Denver. A knee injury hampered Metcalf for much of the 2024 season but he was still dominant before the injury. This is a player who has never recorded less than 900 receiving yards in a season.
Additionally, new evidence suggests that Metcalf was disillusioned toward the end of the 2024 season, which could indicate a resurgence is on its way.
DK Metcalf on the @GetGotPod talked about yelling at Ryan Grubb during 49ers game as an example feeling like an outsider amid all the change in Seattle. Also talked about it being hard watching Tyler’s role being diminished. pic.twitter.com/tYwG1MA5C7
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) March 20, 2025
Despite playing very well throughout his career, Metcalf has never cracked into elite status in the NFL. Part of that could be the Seahawks' more conservative offensive approach but it is also possible Metcalf simply is not in the upper echelon at his position. Still, Metcalf makes any team better no matter what and he has shown no signs of slowing down.
DK Metcalf Analytical Profile
Metcalf recorded 992 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2024. The Seahawks were ready to move toward Jaxon Smith-Njigba as their No. 1 wide receiver, particularly with Metcalf dealing with injuries for most of the second half of the season. However, a few stats suggest that Metcalf is as good as he ever was.
Metcalf was No. 15 in total route wins among wide receivers in 2024. He displayed game-breaking ability as a man-beater with a 42.5 percent win rate against man coverage. That was good for fifth in the league.
Diving deeper into the last two seasons, Metcalf posted a reception rate of 55.4 percent in 2023 and 61.1 percent in 2024. That is nothing to write home about but we need to look deeper at the type of targets Metcalf is receiving.
Despite missing two games in 2024, Metcalf led the league with 33 deep targets. Additionally, Metcalf's catchable target rate was just 71.3 percent, which was 51st in the league. Lastly, Metcalf was 10th in the league with 746 unrealized air yards. That is all to say that the Seahawks were chucking the ball downfield to Metcalf and hoping for the best.
If the Steelers can scheme easier touches for Metcalf, his efficiency and subsequent production could rise. This is a player the stats would suggest is fully worthy of targets. There is no reason why he should have a catch rate as low as it has been in the last couple of seasons.
What is DK Metcalf Worth in Fantasy Football Dynasty Leagues?
Metcalf is currently ranked as the WR23 in RotoBaller's consensus dynasty rankings. This is a valid ranking given the uncertainty at the quarterback position in Pittsburgh. However, it seems almost certain that the Steelers will be quarterbacked by either Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson in 2025. Both options could provide Metcalf with a solid season.
The issue lies in Metcalf's long-term outlook. Metcalf is entering his three prime-age years as he approaches 30 years old. With no solid quarterback option in place, Metcalf could find himself living in the 20s in wide receiver rankings.
Metcalf's talent and ability to find the end zone will provide him with a solid baseline in fantasy, but the ceiling feels capped. Even if the Steelers manage to land a prospect such as Jaxson Dart or Jalen Milroe in the draft, there is no telling how either player will turn out.
Jaxson Dart, 21 year old, loves talking about all the great WRs in the NFL, and includes DK Metcalf. He’s 21 years old and very grateful and humble to be ready to play in the NFL. I love all the hate and doubters he has. pic.twitter.com/49hdDmBjIS
— Steel Legends (@Steel_Legends) March 16, 2025
Metcalf is likely worth holding in dynasty right now. His value is likely as low as it can be due to the uncertainty at quarterback. He is talented enough to have a solid season should you decide to keep him, which would only raise his value from where it currently is. A top-20 finish from Metcalf would go a long way.
Overall, Metcalf could likely net you a second-round pick in dynasty if you pitch other players in your league on his potential for volume.
Conversely, if you are looking to acquire Metcalf, you could try to sell fantasy managers on the fact that he does not have an established quarterback in place and offer up a second-round pick. This year is not the year to go looking for replacement wide receivers in your rookie draft anyway.
DK Metcalf 2025 Fantasy Football Outlook
Metcalf's range of outcomes is relatively wide in 2025. He has the talent to finish close to the top 10 among wide receivers but he is in a system without an elite quarterback that could force him down closer to WR30.
Additionally, Metcalf's new running mate, George Pickens, has never finished higher than WR30. He has been incredibly inconsistent as well. It may be difficult for two stud wide receivers to coexist in an offense led by coordinator Arthur Smith, who swears by the running game.
With the right quarterback, I think an offense with DK Metcalf and George Pickens can actually be pretty awesome. pic.twitter.com/sL0aVtKXUI
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) March 18, 2025
Despite the factors working against him, a finish around WR20 feels like the most probable outcome for Metcalf in 2025. If you are the Steelers, you do not trade a second-round pick and hand over more than $30 million a year to a player you do not plan to feature. Expect a massive target volume for Metcalf and plenty of looks around the end zone in 2025.
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