Early DK Metcalf Returns Helping Steelers Defense

The Pittsburgh Steelers made their biggest splash of the offseason rather early, trading for Seattle Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf.

In due time, Metcalf will make his presence felt on Sundays, hauling in deep balls and presumably leading the team in receiving. With quarterback Aaron Rodgers added to the room, he’s better positioned to have success than he was when he put pen to paper.

For now, Pittsburgh is getting used to Metcalf, welcoming him into the fold and seeing what he can teach his understudies in the receiving room. Perhaps that makes his biggest impact all the more surprising.

According to Locked On Steelers’ Christopher Carter, Metcalf is helping develop Steelers corner Joey Porter Jr. at minicamp.

"It was basically a goal-line fade ball from Mason Rudolph," Carter said. "Joey Porter Jr. is guarding DK Metcalf, and he gets flagged for a holding from the ref in the end zone. Joey Porter Jr. is immediately like, 'Yo, he pushed me, what are you talking about? How are you going to call that on me?' He was very frustrated.

"DK Metcalf comes up and says, 'Hey, hey, hey, I was doing something to try to get you to get that called on you, and it was a move I haven’t shown you before,'" Carter said. "I didn’t understand entirely what they were saying because I couldn’t hear them up close, but they dapped each other up afterwards and were cool… They are able to trade tips."

Porter has had a rocky two seasons in Western Pennsylvania, and his issues are exacerbated by his limited ball production. Going up against one of the league’s most imposing targets offers him the opportunity to go up against real competition between Sundays, benefitting him during them.

Further, Porter must perform consistently against the game’s best if he is to be considered an elite corner. That’s still a target for the distant future, but Metcalf’s presence sets the bar. If he isn’t playing up to par, he’ll see it well before kickoff.

Signed to a four-year extension upon his arrival, Metcalf is here for the long haul. The Pittsburgh faithful hope his summer is just the start of his influence.