Steelers' DK Metcalf Gets Honest About Lack Of Targets

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a massive move in the 2025 offseason to land star wide receiver DK Metcalf. Many fans were excited to see what Metcalf would bring to a lackluster offense in the Steel City. The Steelers are 5-3 and through eight games, Metcalf has caught 29 of his 47 targets for 467 receiving yards and five touchdowns. 

The Steelers made a major investment to land Metcalf, giving him a four-year, $132 million contract extension with Pittsburgh. In Week 9, Metcalf caught just two passes for six yards in what was one of his quietest performances of his entire career. It was a low-opportunity game for Metcalf and left many wondering why he was not more involved.

On Wednesday, Metcalf took time to speak with members of the Pittsburgh media about his limited targets. When asked about his lack of involvement in the offense, he gave a direct answer and did not make excuses. Metcalf made it clear that he was focused on doing his job and staying ready when his number is called. 

"Yeah, y'all may get frustrated with it, but we don't," Metcalf said in response to ESPN insider Brooke Pryor's question about his lack of targets. "You need to remember we are just trying to win."

His response reflected his professionalism and commitment to helping the team, even during a quiet performance. 

Metcalf was asked about how rare it is to have a wide receiver room that is so unselfish, but he didn’t agree that it was rare across the NFL.

"I think every receiver room that I have been in is like that," Metcalf said. "Once you put in the work and the time in the offseason, even during the week and in training camp, like you got to respect the guys who are getting targets. From the moment that I have got here, everybody has worked their butts off, so everyone deserves a shot at the ball."

The Steelers’ offense, led by Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and quarterback Aaron Rodgers, has leaned heavily on spreading the ball around the offense this season, which has naturally reduced individual targets.