DK Metcalf reveals key reasons for choosing Steelers over other teams

DK Metcalf did not tiptoe around it when asked why Pittsburgh won his free agency sweepstakes. On the Christian Kuntz Podcast, the Steelers receiver laid out a simple checklist, and then made it clear which boxes the franchise hit.

Mike Tomlin and a standard of winning

Metcalf said the Steelers’ baseline mattered as much as any pitch. “Y’all made the playoffs every year,” he told Kuntz, adding: “I’m not used to that.” It seems that for Metcalf, it was less about perfection and more about a culture that would see him playing plenty of more meaningful football.

He also credited the head coach directly. “Coach Tomlin played a big part in it,” Metcalf said.

Confidence in the quarterback plan and the roster

Metcalf went on to admit that Pittsburgh sold him on clarity under center. The Steelers “said they had the quarterback situation figured out, which they 100% did,” he said.

Then he rattled off the supporting cast that made the move feel like a bet worth taking, pointing to stars across the roster: “TJ Watt,” plus additions like “Jaylen Ramsey,” alongside staples such as “Joey Porter” and “Cam Heyward.”

Timing in Seattle and a city that fits

Metcalf also framed it as a necessary pivot. “I think it was just my time was up in Seattle,” he said, referencing “the GM and everything that transpired.”

In Pittsburgh, he says the vibe matches his football identity: “It’s straight blue collar… y’all coming to work,” and, “I like… the ruggedness about it.”

Next up for the Steelers, it’s a tasty Sunday trip to Detroit to face the Lions. You’ll be able to follow the build-up and action live right here on AS USA with our inimitable Dane Arlauckas.

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