OT: The Pittsburgher Thread: No 3peat for the Swifts

[bigdaddyk88]

source?

My bad it wasn’t Metcalf it was the other DK and Aditi

 

[bigdaddyk88]

I think the money is definitely there if they want, although I don’t think a Pickens extension is in the cards. I don’t know what the structure of Metcalf’s deal is, but the cap hits for him and a Watt extension should be reasonable for a couple years.

I fully expect a tag for GP like Higgins but if they were willing to extend Aiyuk and still pay Gp reportedly

 

[Peat]

Well dang. Certainly can't accuse Khan of always being cheap now.

I wouldn't have picked Metcalf as he was the bigger, more proven, not all that less sulky version of Pickens, but he's definitely quality. It's a tad expensive for his recent work, particularly when you include the lack of cap savings that comes from the lack of 2nd rounder, but hey, that's what happens when the cap goes bananas.

Minor hidden benefit of the trade is it makes comp picks more likely. Guess we'll see how it plays out but

a) To me this keeps Pickens' status up in the air. I know they can afford both but given the trouble he brings, it might well tempt the org to "we replaced you so we won't tolerate you". Not like there aren't ways to find another high end WR if you're waving around a stack of money.

b) I think it makes drafting a QB this year less likely as they've got one less pick for other needs, but maybe that's hope as I'm still buying into the consensus that this year's QB draft smells of cat piss

 

[lastcupever75]

I think if they can get a 2nd for pickens, they'll trade him. coming into the last year of his rookie deal, he's going to want an extension. i don't see them paying big money for 2 WRs. and he'll probably sulk if he doesn't get re upped.

I can see them going after a tier 2/tier 3 free agent with a more professional attitude to line up opposite DK. someone who wont complain about getting enough targets.
someone like a slayton, nick westbook or....wait for it.... Tyler boyd lol. i'm shocked we haven't heard his name rumored to the steelers like it does every year.

this would all be moot if tomlin didn't see his younger self in roman wison and they instead drafted Jalen Mcmillan last year.

 

[Peat]

Definitely possible.. but I feel like then you are looking to fill the same hole that plagued them last season.

Idk. I’m usually not so sullen immediately but I feel like this shows that the team truly likes where they are at as a org - despite having no franchise QB or proven infrastructure to elevate talent.

I don’t clown on this trade if it’s the Eagles or Belichick/Brady or Chiefs or even McConnell’s Vikings. But us? Don’t feel like this is the move.

Hope I’m wrong.

So I feel a lot of this.

But at the same time, I believe the best thing for a so-so team that wants to become is to stay as close to the pack as possible while maintaining the ability to get that one special QB if he's there. That's what Buffalo and Kansas did, and to a certain extent SF (and Baltimore if we treat them as crop of the crop), and it's what Phillie did except instead of a special QB they just accumulated so much talent sticking close that they became that team.

So getting Metcalf is fine by me. Hopefully the franchise QB comes in 2026. If not, well, stay close and hope.

I'd also add that it's hopefully a bit kill or cure on Tomlin. Either this, along with other moves, gives him enough talent to get out of purgatory, or the added expectations that come with this finally get him if it's not enough. And it only costs a 2nd.

p.s. I would add that, injury aside, I wish they'd have given 30m to Aiyuk instead as I think he's a more complete WR, but such is life.

 

[Ulf5]

This says $18 million cap hit for this season.

D.K. Metcalf | NFL Contracts & Salaries | Spotrac.com

D.K. Metcalf signed a 4 year, $132,000,000 contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, including an average annual salary of $33,000,000. In 2025, Metcalf will earn a base salary of $18,000,000, while carrying a cap hit of $18,000,000.

www.spotrac.com