When the Pittsburgh Steelers traded for DK Metcalf and handed him a $132 million contract extension last offseason, fans had high expectations for the veteran wide receiver. Unfortunately, those expectations weren't met. Metcalf went quiet for stretches of the 2025 season and had the least productive campaign of his NFL career.
Over a year later, this trade doesn't feel great—considering the draft capital and money the Steelers surrendered to poach Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks. Thankfully, the Baltimore Ravens just made the Metcalf deal sting a little less.
On Tuesday, ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported that the Ravens have reached an agreement with wide receiver Zay Flowers on a four-year, $140 million contract extension—a deal that includes a whopping $108 million in guaranteed money.
Flowers' new deal catapults him above Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb into the top five highest-paid receivers in the NFL, per Over the Cap. His new money average of $35 million per season ties that of two-time First-Team All-Pro and 2022 Offensive Player of the Year, Justin Jefferson.
The Ravens couldn't afford to not extend their top receiving weapon, but it's costing them dearly.
DK Metcalf's deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers looks slightly better after Zay Flowers' extension with the Baltimore Ravens
This deal doesn't change my opinion on the DK Metcalf trade; I'm still not a fan. Not only did the Steelers give up a second-round pick last year to make it happen, but they also turned around and paid Metcalf a contract worth nearly $32 million per season.
But as other wideouts break the bank, Metcalf's deal becomes a bit more palatable.
The biggest difference between Metcalf's and Flowers' deals is the guaranteed money. Metcalf earned just $80 million in total guarantees and $60 million in fully guaranteed money. This is substantially less than Flowers' $108 million in guarantees.
There's a reason for the discrepancy, though. Flowers is the younger player and is coming off back-to-back seasons of at least 1,100 yards. Last year was a career year for Flowers, as he recorded 86 receptions, 1,211 yards, and 5 touchdowns despite being without quarterback Lamar Jackson for four games.
If I'm being honest, I'd rather have Flowers over Metcalf, straight up. The Ravens' top wideout will be just 26 years old this season and is on the rise. Thankfully, Metcalf's cap number doesn't exceed $34 million in each of the next three years, and if he can bounce back, this could look like a more respectable deal.
DK Metcalf might still have the worst contract on the team, but at least the Ravens' deal with Zay Flowers puts things into perspective. This is simply the going rate for a quality receiving option with production in today's NFL.
Add us as a preferred source on Google