Dec 21, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (23) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Steelers Aren't Moving On From DK Metcalf

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI
By Noah Strackbein | Last updated Dec 23, 2025 11:30 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers won't have their star wide receiver for their final two games of the regular season. DK Metcalf has officially been suspended by the NFL for his altercation with a fan during the team's Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions, which now opens the door for a decision by the Steelers.

With the suspension, Metcalf's $45 million in guaranteed money for the next two years will be voided. So, if the Steelers wanted to, they can move on from their new star wide receiver with little repercussions financially.

"His four-year, $132 million contract from March, reviewed by CBS Sports, notes that if he 'fails… to practice or play with the Club for any reason,' which includes "Player's suspension by the NFL or Club for Conduct Detrimental," his guarantees 'will be NULL AND VOID,'" CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones reported.

But will they?

The two-game suspension for #Steelers WR DK Metcalf could be costly, if upheld. Based on his contract, the suspension would void not just the rest of his salary for this season but $45M in future guarantees — $25M fully guaranteed in 2026 and $20M guarantee for injury in 2027. pic.twitter.com/ZxedFbTmGg
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 23, 2025

Would Steelers Release Metcalf Early?

The question should be asked on whether the Steelers would move on from Metcalf or not. The player they traded a second-round pick for and paid $132 million hasn't played to what his skill level is in Pittsburgh.

This season, he'll finish the regular season with 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns. It's the worst statistical season of his career.

The answer is easy, though. No.

The Steelers showed their hand in the investment of Metcalf. They used a second-round pick to acquire him and then dealt their other starter to the Dallas Cowboys. They paid him a record-setting amount of money for the franchise and had so much faith in him that they weren't willing to send another high pick for a WR2.

David Banks-Imagn Images

Since he's arrived, Metcalf has been nothing short of a true professional. He's one of the hardest-working players on the roster and is solely focused on winning.

While a poor moment will define his season, it won't define his time in Pittsburgh. The Steelers know that. And with a young quarterback taking over the starting job in the next two years, they know they need reliable, hard working leaders around him.

Metcalf is exactly who they're looking for.

Maybe down the road something changes. If anything, it opens the door for a 2027 move if things still aren't working on the field the way they should be. But nothing is going to change in 2026.

Metcalf is the Steelers' WR1. A bad moment that will now be the NFL's center of attention isn't going to change that.

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This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Steelers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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