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DK Metcalf's former general manager revealed what finally caused him to make the trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Rob Gregson | Last updated May 19, 2025 1:11 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers got a little out of character when they traded for and then extended WR DK Metcalf.

One of the best WRs in the league during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, Metcalf had started to feel like an outsider in Seattle.

And so GM John Schneider did what he calls a win for all parties...

John Schneider reveals details on DK Metcalf trade

"You know, DK and I had very open conversations the last couple years about his future, and what that looked like and what he wanted," Schneider told The Rich Eisen Show, via transcription by SD. "We always have to do what's best for the organization, first and foremost. That's what drives us. Everybody, throughout the National Football League that does what we do. And it was apparent that he wanted to move on. And so, when we got back from the Combine, we had some real, clear, direct conversations...

"No. No. It really wasn't [salary-related]. And it wasn't, it was interesting 'cause it wasn't like animosity either. It was like, he really, really wanted a fresh start," Schneider told Eisen. "And it's not like we went into the offseason thinking this would be a possibility, but he was just, he was pretty dug in on it. So, it ended up working out for both clubs, working out for us, and working out for Pittsburgh and, and we wish him the best. He's a great guy and obviously a high-end competitor."

Sometimes, a change of scenery is needed for a player to continue playing at their best. Oftentimes, however, players who are traded struggle to live up to the resume they have created in their prior stops.

The Steelers believe that Metcalf, at only 27 years old, still has another 5-7 premium seasons in his tank, evidenced by the fact that he's contracted to be with the team through his age 33 season after the massive extension the team signed him to.

We'll see who comes out looking like the real winner in three to four years when comparing the Seahawks' 2025 class to Metcalf's tenure in Pittsburgh.