The Pittsburgh Steelers became known as a team with diva wide receivers. Players such as Antonio Brown, George Pickens, Diontae Johnson and other wideouts complained during their Pittsburgh tenures either about too few of opportunities, money or both. But that’s not DK Metcalf this season.
When asked about the lack of targets he’s received during his first campaign with the Steelers, Metcalf made it clear his priority is one thing — winning.
“Y’all may get frustrated with that [expletive],” Metcalf told reporters Wednesday. “We don’t. We just trying to win.”
Through eight games, Metcalf has received 47 targets this season. That’s an average of 5.875 per game.
Last season with the Seattle Seahawks, Metcalf posted 7.2 targets per contest. In 2023, which was the last year Metcalf made the Pro Bowl, he had about 7.4 targets per game.
Behind the reduction in targets, the 27-year-old has fewer receptions and receiving yards per game this season as well.
Why DK Metcalf Has Received Fewer Targets Per Game With Steelers
It’s a little surprising that Metcalf has seen such a drastic decline in targets. He’s, by far, the most dangerous pass-catcher on the Steelers roster. Playing opposite Calvin Austin III and Roman Wilson, pundits expected Metcalf to see a ton of opportunities in 2025.
However, quarterback Aaron Rodgers targets tight ends nearly 10 times per game. Plus, the Steelers just don’t throw that often or run very many plays.
Entering Week 10, Pittsburgh’s offense is ranked 24 in total pass attempts. Furthermore, the Steelers are 31st in total offensive plays.
That doesn’t give the Steelers a lot of opportunity to target their most dangerous pass-catcher. Fortunately, Metcalf has been efficient.
Metcalf is averaging 16.1 yards per reception, which is the second-best mark of his seven-year NFL career. He’s also already scored five touchdowns, which matched his total from 2024.
Metcalf has more than twice as many receiving yards than any other Steelers pass-catcher. He also has 13 more targets and nine more receptions.
So while he’s not getting a lot of chances, it’s still significantly more than anyone else catching passes in Pittsburgh this year.
Metcalf Putting Team Ahead of Individual Achievement
Steelers Depot’s Ross McCorkle called Metcalf’s answer to the question about his lack of targets a “borderline programmed response.” But after about a decade of “me-first” receivers, it’s a breath of fresh air in Pittsburgh.
Metcalf is clearly the top receiver with the Steelers. So if he has a team-first attitude, the other wideouts on the team will too.
Metcalf also recognizes that his teammates work hard, and they want the ball more too in Pittsburgh’s offense that, right now, just simply isn’t running a lot of plays.
“Once you put in the work, and the time during the offseason, and even during the week, training camp, you gotta respect the guys who are getting targets,” Metcalf said. “From the moment that I’ve gotten here, everybody’s worked their butts off.
“So everybody rightfully deserves a shot at the ball.”
At his current pace, Metcalf is on track to register 62 catches, 992 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. Last season, Metcalf also had 992 yards.
His previous career high in touchdowns is 12 from the 2021 season.
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