One of the biggest moves of the 2025 NFL offseason was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf. Metcalf, essentially, replaced George Pickens and has a knack for making big plays. He brings excellent size and strength to the position while also showcasing elite speed. However, the Steelers brought him into an offense that wasn’t prepared to maximize his elite skill set. The new regime’s implementation of Mike McCarthy’s offense gives Metcalf a new opportunity. One local analyst believes the change will significantly alter how the Steelers use him.
Chris Harlan of Tribune-Review Live provided a breakdown of Metcalf’s 2025 season. He also believes the sweeping changes during the 2026 offseason will help Metcalf return to Pro Bowl form.
“His yard-after-catch average (7.1 yac) tied for fifth best in the league but was neutralized by an average depth of target (11.3 yards) that ranked 53rd. He hauled in only six catches farther downfield than 20 yards, and 57% of his targets came within 9 yards of the line of scrimmage,” Chris Harlan wrote. “That seems likely to change with coach Mike McCarthy running the offense and a stronger receiving corp around Metcalf.” Harlan said.
Metcalf will thrive in McCarthy’s offense
The harsh reality is that former offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense was never going to maximize Metcalf’s skill set the way McCarthy’s offense can. Smith primarily used Metcalf on quick screens and deep routes. When Smith did incorporate Metcalf into crossing routes and similar concepts, it became clear that he was better suited for those opportunities. However, Smith’s passing concepts remained limited throughout the season.
McCarthy’s West Coast approach is far more vertical and diverse. Not only will McCarthy be able to stretch the field with Metcalf, but he will also create more opportunities for him to make plays after the catch. That is where Metcalf excels, and it is an area where the West Coast offense traditionally thrives. Metcalf’s 80-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4 serves as a prime example of how he can impact games in this type of system. With more opportunities in space, Metcalf has a chance to dominate after the catch and return to Pro Bowl form.
Metcalf has a stronger supporting cast
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Another major reason for optimism, which Harlan highlighted, is that Metcalf will have a stronger supporting cast. That improvement applies not only to the coaching staff but also to the wide receiver room.
Metcalf’s 850 receiving yards nearly doubled the combined production of the next three Steelers wide receivers. Although Calvin Austin III played admirably at times, he wasn’t able to establish himself as a consistent WR2. Add in Roman Wilson’s limited role and Smith’s conservative passing attack, and the Steelers received little production from their WR2 and WR3 spots.
The acquisition of Michael Pittman Jr. and the selection of Germie Bernard provide the receiver room with a much-needed overhaul. Pittman is an established NFL receiver whose skill set complements Metcalf’s, while Bernard projects as a versatile player who can contribute in multiple roles. He will also compete with Wilson for the WR3 role, a position that could better suit Wilson in McCarthy’s system.
Between the offensive scheme changes, the return of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who has extensive experience in McCarthy’s offense, and a stronger supporting cast, there is legitimate reason to believe Metcalf can rebound in 2026.
