The New England Patriots won’t be welcoming two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf to Foxborough this offseason.
Metcalf, once viewed as a potential target for New England, is officially off the options list. The Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night acquired Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Pittsburgh and Seattle will also be swapping draft selections in the sixth and seventh rounds, while Metcalf inks a new five-year, $150 million contract with the Steelers.
New England was likely a longshot anyway since Metcalf’s trade destination preferences were a warm-weathered, playoff contention landing spot. Gillette Stadium is far from a sunshine setting, and the franchise — pending a massive offseason transformation — isn’t in shape to contend, either. So the odds weren’t in team owner Robert Kraft’s favor from the get-go, which means it’s time to look elsewhere.
Metcalf’s off the market, but that shouldn’t stop the Patriots. Soon-to-be second-year quarterback Drake Maye still needs an upgraded cast to take the field alongside next season to prevent the franchise from suffering a third straight AFC East last-place finish. Pittsburgh’s boosted strength in acquiring Metcalf now makes New England’s quest to repair its winning tradition a tad more difficult but no less essential.
The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the NFL’s most elite wideouts. Metcalf’s ascendence hits home especially for the Patriots, however, since the organization infamously passed on him and instead selected N’Keal Harry with the 32nd pick in the 2019 NFL Draft — Metcalf fell in the second round (64th overall).
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Metcalf appeared in 97 games throughout his six-year stint in Seattle, catching 438 passes for 6,324 yards with 48 touchdowns. So the case was strong for Metcalf to join the Patriots, but even though that won’t be happening, the team still signed edge rusher Harold Landry to a reported three-year, $43.5 million deal.
Featured image via Eamon Horwedel/Imagn Images
