Russell Wilson exposed for playing huge role in Steelers acquiring DK Metcalf: 'Russ has been a cancer'

The Pittsburgh Steelers have almost made it a tradition at this point to make big moves the night before the legal tampering period. In 2024, the organization signed Russell Wilson on that night, and in 2025, the franchise made a stunning move by acquiring star wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. Metcalf had requested a trade from Seattle, and while the Steelers were reported to be interested, the trade still came as a shock. 

Metcalf's abrupt departure from Seattle was a bit predictable. Based on his behavior on the sidelines, the star was growing unhappy with the Seahawks. The organization seems to be retooling as well after trading Geno Smith, releasing Tyler Lockett and sending Metcalf to Pittsburgh. 

Seattle radio host Ian Furness joined Tim Benz on "The Breakfast With Benz Podcast," and he shared that many believe Wilson was whispering in the ear of Metcalf throughout his process — almost as though Wilson influenced Metcalf to request a trade.

"I think Russ is the reason Metcalf wanted out. I think Russ whispered in his ears. Russ has been a cancer for the Seahawk organization, Russ keeps in contact with him and Tyler. I know, from what I understand inside the building, they're pretty confident that Russ is the guy who was whispering in DK's ears. Kind of poisoning the well, so to speak."

Furness has spoken with plenty of local Seattle reporters who spend time in the Seahawks' locker room and inside the facility, and the belief of many with knowledge of the situation is that Wilson had everything to do with Metcalf's decision to ask out. Wilson had a messy divorce with Seattle, which led to him being dealt to the Denver Broncos, and there still might be some tension between the quarterback and the organization.

Many believed once the trade was announced, it meant that Pittsburgh was going to move forward with Wilson as the quarterback in 2025, but that is not the case as the Steelers have not signed a quarterback yet. Wilson would already be signed if that were the case, and various reports make it seem like the Steelers want Aaron Rodgers. However, the Steelers shockingly reportedly made an offer to a different QB.

The door seems to still be open for Wilson to return to Pittsburgh, although it is not likely. He and Metcalf had a good connection while the two played together in Seattle, and Metcalf earned his only All-Pro nod with Wilson throwing him the football. 

Steelers could probably benefit from bringing back Russell Wilson

Wilson played well in Pittsburgh during the 2024 season throughout his first stretch of starts, but the season did end on a rough note. The veteran quarterback proved his best ability is throwing the deep ball, and Metcalf and George Pickens might be the best duo in the league when it comes to stretching the field, and they have both caught passes from Wilson before.

If Pittsburgh can make the necessary moves to improve pass protection while also improving the rushing attack, the offense could take a major step forward with Wilson behind center. The veteran quarterback struggles a bit with mobility and holding onto the ball for too long, so if pass protection is an issue in 2025, the offense will struggle to find much success yet again.

Do you believe that Wilson played a role in Metcalf getting traded?