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How DK Metcalf Trade Could Affect Broncos' Future With 1-Time Pro Bowler

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Clark Dalton | Last updated Mar 9, 2025 10:03 PM ET

On Sunday, the Seattle Seahawks dealt wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 second-round pick, via NFL Media's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport and Pelissero added the Steelers are signing Metcalf to a five-year, $150 million contract, which could have a domino effect on the WR market.

Metcalf's deal may increase asking prices for WRs throughout the league, even if they're not a big name like the two-time Pro Bowler. Take Courtland Sutton of the Denver Broncos.

Sutton is entering the final year of a four-year, $60.8 million deal in 2025. Metcalf's contract extension could give him more leverage.

TRADE: Seahawks trading DK Metcalf to the Steelers for a 2025 second-round pick.

Metcalf is signing a five-year, $150 million contract with Pittsburgh. (via @tompelissero, @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/fefRvz59Ud
— NFL (@NFL) March 9, 2025

Courtland Sutton's got to be thrilled.

Sutton had a better season than DK Metcalf in catches, yards and TDs last season.

DK gets $30M/year on a massive deal. https://t.co/pngliykdJu
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) March 9, 2025

Sutton, 29, has made just one Pro Bowl in seven seasons with the Broncos. Last season, however, he was more productive than Metcalf.

In 15 games in 2024, Metcalf, 27, had 66 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdown catches. Sutton, meanwhile, logged 81 receptions for 1,081 yards and eight touchdown catches in 17 games.

More importantly for Denver, Sutton became one of Broncos quarterback Bo Nix's favorite targets during his rookie season in 2024.

"He's just reliable, he's just always there when you need him," Nix said of Sutton in November 2024, per ESPN's Jeff Legwold. "He's smart. He's savvy. He makes plays when the ball is in the air. You can trust him. When it's up in the air, it's his or nobody's. It's not going to be a pick."

At the NFL scouting combine in February, Broncos general manager George Paton said they plan to discuss an extension with Sutton. Perhaps it's time for Denver to accelerate contract negotiations with the wideout.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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