The Steelers entered their bye week with a 6-2 record. They’ve won all of their regular season home games in 2026. Their run game is strong. However, their passing game has been inconsistent and remains a work in progress. Miscommunication, questionable play-calling, and injuries to key offensive players have all contributed to their passing game struggles. However, there’s one wide receiver who has continuously failed to meet expectations this season, which has also been a contributing factor. D.K. Metcalf’s performance has been an ongoing issue that remains unresolved.
According to Athlon Sports, Metcalf has only caught 33 of 64 targets this season. This equates to 31 incompletions. Athlon Sports’ Jobe Morrison observed, “In 2025, Metcalf had six drops and a nine percent drop rate, the third-highest of his career. Through eight games this season, he has already matched that total and has a career-high 15.4% drop rate. Needless to say, it has been a very disappointing start to the season for Metcalf.”
In the Steelers’ Week Eight game against the Cleveland Browns, Metcalf only caught one of six targets. He only gained four yards. During the third quarter, one of his drops led to a Denzel Ward interception. Even though the Steelers defeated the Browns 27-6, the former Ole Miss Rebels standout’s performance is still concerning.
Metcalf has only amassed 378 receiving yards, which is considered below average for a starting wide receiver. The 28-year-old has only scored one touchdown all season. Pro Football Focus gave him a receiving grade of 60.2 and an overall grade of 59.9 for 2026. Both grades rank 69th among 79 qualified wide receivers.
The media has linked the Steelers to Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs and Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. ahead of the NFL’s November 10th trade deadline. The official cutoff time is 4:00 p.m. EST. Even if the Steelers trade for another wide receiver, they’re still stuck paying Metcalf his annual salary of approximately $33 million. The former Ole Miss Rebels standout is one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. For what he’s getting paid, the 28-year-old’s performance isn’t at an acceptable level.
The Steelers need to find a way to address their Metcalf problem. Athlon Sports’ Neal Coolong summed it up well by stating, “McCarthy built his best offenses in Green Bay and Dallas around top receivers who caught the ball when it hit their hands. Getting Metcalf back to that level is the biggest piece of unfinished business he has for the second half.” The Steelers play the Cincinnati Bengals on November 15th. Cincinnati is currently sitting at 6-2 after their win in Spain on Sunday. The winner of the game will be in first place in the AFC North, so the Steelers will need Metcalf to catch the ball when targeted.
