The Pittsburgh Steelers made a blockbuster trade earlier in the month, finally getting their superstar receiver in the form of two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf. The Steelers sent a second-round pick to Seattle and swapped Day Three draft picks with the Seahawks. On top of that, the Steelers locked up Metcalf for the next five seasons with a $150 million extension.

The Steelers clearly have wanted to make a move of this caliber for quite some time. Coming off a year in which Van Jefferson was their No. 2 boundary receiver, perhaps they felt even more pressure and urgency to get something done. In terms of who was the most vocal presence and voice in getting the deal done, though, CBS NFL insider Josina Anderson says it was Mike Tomlin who really wanted Metcalf to come to Pittsburgh.

“Tomlin was very adamant about getting DK Metcalf from what I hear,” Anderson said via X. “Clearly he’s still at the table over his dice on [Aaron] Rodgers, now he has to bring it home.”

ICYMI:

Now there’s more context to why I heard yesterday, that Pittsburgh was feeling like they are “getting closer” to Aaron Rodgers, per league source, with news pertaining to Minnesota this morning.

Tomlin was very adamant about getting DK Metcalf from what I hear, clearly… https://t.co/xJtrulVJsY

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 19, 2025

The Steelers, of course, were left at the altar in the Brandon Aiyuk sweepstakes last season. It looked like a deal was about to get done for several months, but Aiyuk ended up re-signing with the 49ers. Metcalf was a name they also reportedly reached out about, but nothing came of it. Now, a year later, he’s a Steeler for the long haul.