World Champ Sebastian Fundora Believes Boxing Could Take Notes from WWE
After the Seattle Seahawks traded DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers, general manager John Schneider justified the move by stating, “We want guys who want to be here.” While Metcalf technically requested a trade, it was more accurate to say that what he really sought was a hefty new contract from the team that drafted him — something the Seahawks weren’t willing to offer.
The trade netted the Seahawks around $11 million in salary cap relief, plus a second-round draft pick (No. 52 overall). While not a spectacular return, the real advantage for Seattle was avoiding a massive contract for Metcalf. Shortly after the trade, Metcalf agreed to a four-year, $132 million deal with the Steelers, averaging about $33 million annually.
This megadeal made Metcalf the fourth-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL based on average annual salary, with $80 million guaranteed. CBS Sports named him one of the biggest winners of free agency.
On March 4, Metcalf, a two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, was traded from the Seahawks to the Steelers. Five days later, he signed a new four-year, $132 million extension, making his new average salary $33 million, the fourth-highest among all NFL wide receivers.
Metcalf’s talent as a top-tier receiver is unquestioned, but to reach his full potential, he will need a strong quarterback. Currently, the Steelers’ QB room consists of Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, with Mike Macdonald’s defense still recovering from their 2024 matchup with Miami.
Former Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was the Steelers’ most recent starter but remains unsigned. With Jameis Winston already off the market, Wilson and Aaron Rodgers are the only significant free agent quarterbacks left, and Rodgers recently visited the Steelers’ facility but left without a deal.