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Steelers' DK Metcalf Sends Promising Message To Pittsburgh Receivers About His Leadership

Originally posted on Steeler Nation | By Riley Garrett | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 2:16 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers have many new faces on offense in 2025 that are just beginning to get their feet wet with the team during minicamp. Aaron Rodgers is finally throwing passes in black and gold, and he'll have some explosive play-makers to get the ball to. Although George Pickens is no longer a member of the team, the Steelers replaced him with DK Metcalf. On Wednesday, Metcalf was asked about his position as a leader in the wide receivers room this year.

Much like the situation the Steelers were in last year with Pickens at the helm, there is a lack of confidence behind Metcalf at wide receiver. Calvin Austin III made leaps in 2024, leading the receivers in touchdowns with four. Pittsburgh's receivers coach, Zach Azzanni, made it evident that Austin will be the team's number two receiver behind Metcalf going into minicamp. If the Steelers choose not to add another receiver to the room this offseason, behind Metcalf and Austin in 2025 will be Roman Wilson and Robert Woods.

Previously, with Pickens at the top of the group, there was a lack of leadership and accountability in that area. Most by now have heard about Pickens' issues regarding professionalism, and the amount of times he arrived late to facilities, during his time with the Steelers. During their second day of minicamp, Metcalf spoke about his role, particularly as a leader, with the other receivers. In an X post by Steelers insider Brian Batko, Metcalf revealed that he won't hesitate to pull anyone aside to keep them in the right direction.

While DK Metcalf says he’s not a “rah rah” type of leader, if he sees a player not finishing a rep or giving up on a play, he won’t hesitate to pull him aside and speak to him as the top guy for the Steelers receivers
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) June 11, 2025

To have significant team success, especially as the season continues, it's important to have players that can lead and take accountability when it's needed. The number of leaders on the offense continues to grow with the additions of Metcalf and Rodgers. The Steelers already have a few guys like Pat Freiermuth that have shown their abilities as a leader in the offense.

Even the younger players with limited experience like Austin and Wilson seem to have the right approach as far as putting their heads down and working hard. Pickens, despite his physical abilities on the field, never appeared to be a leader within the offense, and that could be a key factor as to why they dealt him after acquiring Metcalf.

Steelers Don't Need More Leaders At Receiver, But Could Use More Talent

While there's no reason to count out Austin and the type of season he could have as the team's number two receiver, adding another receiver with a tad more experience and big-play-making abilities would be a huge benefit for both Metcalf and Rodgers. There's also reason to believe Wilson could become a key piece to the offense in his second season, but in the end, it's a risky move to count on he and Austin behind Metcalf for an entire season.

There aren't many free agent options available on the wideout market, but another trade is always a possibility, especially for a receiver that Rodgers has had prior experience with. The Steelers may decide to just stick with what they've got currently and hope their depth behind Metcalf can provide enough plays for a full season. Pittsburgh's lack of talent at wide receiver became an extreme issue when Pickens missed three regular season games at the end of the 2024 regular season.

This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.

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