DK Metcalf Fantasy Football Outlook – 2025 With The Steelers
With all of the drama in this year’s NFL free agency news, one of the top headlines is that DK Metcalf is now a Pittsburgh Steeler. Traded from the Seattle Seahawks on March 9, 2025, for a 2025 second-round pick and locked in with a shiny five-year, $150 million extension, Metcalf’s move has fantasy football managers buzzing. So, what’s his fantasy football outlook for the 2025 season with Pittsburgh? Continue reading and we’ll break his 2025 outlook down with the Steelers.
A Quick Look at Metcalf’s Track Record
DK Metcalf isn’t just a name; he’s a stat-sheet stuffer. In 2024, his final year with Seattle, he hauled in 66 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns. Impressively, he averaged 15.0 yards per reception. Sure, it was a bit of a “down” year compared to his monster 2020 season (1,300 yards, 10 TDs), but he’s been a consistent fantasy football force. Notably, he hit at least 900 yards every year of his six-season career.
At 6’4 and 235 pounds, he’s a matchup nightmare. This is perfect for a Steelers squad already boasting George Pickens, another big-bodied deep threat at 6’3 and 200 pounds. As expected, most fantasy football rankings are already taking notice of this duo.
The Big Question: Who’s Throwing the Ball?
Here’s where things get tricky for Metcalf’s 2025 fantasy football value. Pittsburgh doesn’t have a quarterback under contract right now. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, who split time in 2024, are both free agents. Recently, Fields signed with the Jets. Wilson, Metcalf’s old quarterback in Seattle, could be a game-changer if he resigns. Potentially, this reunion could push Metcalf into low-end WR1 territory.
Furthermore, there is also chatter about Aaron Rodgers landing in Pittsburgh. Rodgers, despite his age (42 in 2025), still has elite arm talent. Either way, the quarterback situation is the X-factor for Metcalf’s fantasy football projections. Without a clear answer, it’s hard to lock in his ceiling.
How Will He Fit in the Steelers Offense?
As we know, Arthur Smith, the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, loves to pound the rock. In 2024, Pittsburgh threw the ball 99 fewer times than Seattle, with a pass rate of just 50.7%. Notably, that’s one of the lowest in the NFL. Additionally, that’s a shift for Metcalf, who’s used to seeing deep balls (32% of his 2024 targets were 20+ yards downfield).
The good news? Pittsburgh’s receivers led the league with 12.9 yards per target last year, so the playbook could suit his strengths. However, the bad news? George Pickens ate up 48.3% of the team’s air yards in 2024. Additionally, splitting targets with him might keep Metcalf’s fantasy football stats in check unless Pickens gets traded. Recently, rumors have been coming about. Finally, he’s in a contract year and has a questionable on-field personality. However, so does Metcalf.
Injury Concerns and Red Zone Potential
Metcalf’s durability is a plus. Impressively, he’s only missed three games in six years. That said, an MCL injury in Week 7 of 2024 sidelined him for two games and slowed him down after (dropping from nine targets per game pre-injury to under six post-injury). He’s bounced back before, though, and at 27, he’s still in his prime.
One area to watch is his red zone production. Early in his career, he had an 8.1% touchdown rate. However, that dipped to 4.6% in 2024, partly due to the breakout we saw from Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Ultimately, with Pittsburgh’s current wide receiver room, he could see more goal-line looks, boosting his fantasy football touchdown totals.
Fantasy Football Projections for 2025
So, where does Metcalf land in your 2025 fantasy football drafts? Right now, he’s a tricky but exciting pick. In a dream scenario—say, Wilson returns, Pickens is traded, and Smith opens up the passing game—Metcalf could hit 1,200 yards and 8-10 touchdowns, making him a low-end WR1. More likely, though, he’ll share the field with Pickens and a decent-but-not-great quarterback (Fields or a veteran stopgap). That puts him in the 900 – 1,000-yard range with 5-7 scores—a boom-or-bust WR2 or high-end WR3. He’s a classic “talent you bet on” for 2025 fantasy football rankings. However, the Steelers’ quarterback decision will make or break his season.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Metcalf’s fantasy football outlook for 2025 with the Pittsburgh Steelers is full of potential and question marks. His size, speed, and track record scream upside. However, the quarterback uncertainty and run-first offense could cap his production. Keep an eye on Pittsburgh’s offseason moves, especially at quarterback and with Pickens’ future. Don’t be surprised if they make a move for a rookie in the 2025 NFL Draft. For now, stash him on your radar as a mid-round draft target with WR1 upside and WR3 floor. What do you think about Metcalf this year? Let us know on your favorite social media platform.
Trending Now
