Whereas many would take into account it overdue, the Pittsburgh Steelers made an enormous splash at large receiver with the commerce for DK Metcalf. He’s the kind you construct in Madden NFL, the best bodily specimen who strikes concern within the opposition.
Among the finest elements of Metcalf’s 2024 season was the 6-4, 235-pounder as a vertical menace. Here’s a chart on deep receiving (20-plus yards) final season, together with targets and Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) deep-receiving grades:
Metcalf tied for essentially the most deep targets amongst NFL receivers (32) with Washington’s Terry McLaurin. Additionally, three WRs tied for one of the best 99.9 deep-receiving grade – the aforementioned two and George Pickens.
This additionally got here on excessive quantity, Pickens proper behind them with 31 deep targets. So, Metcalf and Pickens had been two of the very best quality and amount deep-ball WRs within the NFL final yr per PFF.
This potential is kind of thrilling, with two glorious abilities to open up the passing sport and the remainder of the offense. There’s, in fact, the query of how Pickens feels concerning the transfer, worst-case angling for a commerce like his new teammate. Knock on wooden that’s not the case.
So as to add extra context to the grades, listed here are deep-receiving yards and touchdowns:
Metcalf lands comfortably above the imply in each. His 5 deep touchdowns tied for second most amongst qualifiers, and 489 deeps yards ranked fourth final season. He joins forces with Pickens, who led the NFL in deep yards (577) in 2024. Wow!
Assuming the duo stays, the pairing presents a frightening process for opposing groups, particularly defending the deep ball. Positive, the amount will seemingly change, however including one other prime deep menace, together with TD manufacturing (which Pickens lacked as compared) is enthralling.
In fact, Pittsburgh has an enormous query on the all-important quarterback place, a crucial component to the subject. These dominoes are falling, together with former Steeler Justin Fields agreeing to a two-year, $40 million contract with the New York Jets.
If moon balls are your purpose, 2024 Steelers starter Russell Wilson is thought for simply that. Plus, being a former teammate of Metcalf’s in Seattle is a robust dot join for a possible return, although Pittsburgh’s five-game dropping streak and dip in play to finish 2024 left a foul style.
The flipside is a participant of Metcalf’s caliber makes any passer’s life simpler. Most “upgrade” free agent QBs are off the board, and Wilson’s forte as a deep passer (NFL-best 97.3 deep-pass grade of 2024) aligns with the new-look Steeler WR room.
It’s nice to see Pittsburgh’s aggressiveness, breaking historic group precedents, with the Metcalf deal. It was a surprising transfer in the easiest way doable, and on paper has the potential to create essentially the most prolific deep-ball receiving duo within the NFL.
Right here’s to hoping it transpires that method and has the Steelers’ offense buzzing in 2025.
