Seahawks fans knew DK Metcalf could overpower a defender or change a game with one deep catch. They also knew he could hurt a drive with a drop or penalty. He produced 2,106 yards and 13 touchdowns across his final two seasons in Seattle, but those costly mistakes were part of the package the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired when they sent a second-round pick to the Seahawks and gave him a four-year, $132 million extension.
Through the Steelers’ first two games of 2026, Metcalf has caught eight of 19 targets for 67 yards. His rough start also includes four drops and two offensive pass interference penalties. His size and speed can still threaten a defense deep. But Pittsburgh needs its No. 1 receiver to make the shorter catches that keep Rodgers and the offense on schedule, too.
McCarthy’s passing plan hasn’t helped settle things. Metcalf and Rodgers had no preseason game reps together after Metcalf missed camp time with an injury. McCarthy said he’ll trim the playbook. Simpler protections and more quick slants or crossers could give Rodgers an answer before the rush arrives.
That plan would also test Metcalf’s hands on throws where there’s less to blame on coverage.
The Pittsburgh Steelers can’t blame DK Metcalf’s drops on timing
“DK Metcalf has been unplayably bad. Like, straight up, no questions about it,” said Illegal Hands to the Face host Shayne Kubas.
“There’s no nuance to be had there. He’s been one of the worst receivers in the NFL getting targets this year. I understand, and people say, ‘Oh, he’s going against Christian Gonzalez.’ Like, you’re paying him $33 million a year, right? I don’t care who he’s up against. You cannot put up a 4-for-27 stat line with two drops and expect me to be okay with that.”
Christian Gonzalez made life difficult for Metcalf in New England. The cornerback did not cause Metcalf’s drops, though, and he had nothing to do with the flags against Atlanta.
“The first week I sort of said, ‘Well, okay, it’s because it’s Week 1. [Michael] Pittman [Jr.] didn’t play in the offseason or the preseason, and neither did DK. I sort of chalked it up to rust... it just got worse this week,” said co-host Allison Koehler.
Metcalf’s 850 yards and six touchdowns in 2025 showed he could contribute as a Steeler. His two-game suspension after an altercation with a fan showed that discipline remained a concern.
For Steelers fans, the drops invite the nickname “Diontae Johnson 2.0.” Johnson’s missed catches became a defining frustration during his time in Pittsburgh. Metcalf is a different kind of receiver, but the feeling is familiar when a manageable third-down throw hits the ground.
Michael Pittman Jr. caught all three of his targets for 58 yards in the opener before missing the Patriots game with a foot injury. His return would give Rodgers another dependable target between the numbers.
McCarthy should also use motion to help Metcalf avoid getting jammed and give him quicker throws. Against Cincinnati this week, the useful test is whether Metcalf catches those manageable third-down balls without giving back gains on a flag.
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