NFL Agent Says Steelers Can't Stand for 'Bulls--t' with DK Metcalf After Suspension

One NFL team executive feels the Pittsburgh Steelers should adopt a relatively hard line toward wide receiver DK Metcalf after he earned a suspension for the final two games of the 2025 regular season.

"You can't let him off the hook totally," the exec said to The Athletic's Mike Sando. "You have to set some precedent that we are not going to stand for this bulls--t, which is the exact reason Seattle moved on from him."

Metcalf drew the ban for swiping at a Detroit Lions fan during Pittsburgh's 29-24 win in Week 16.

The punishment voided $45 million worth of future guarantees in the two-time Pro Bowler's contract. Fox Sports' Jay Glazer reported Sunday the Steelers aren't looking to get that money back, though:

Sando spoke to one agent who said the Steelers "need to be really smart" with Metcalf's guaranteed money.

"It is either, 'Hey, do it every time, no matter who the player is, including the star quarterback,' or don't do it unless you kind of have to, in a sense," the agent said. "There are definitely repercussions."

The Steelers certainly missed Metcalf in Sunday's 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers finished 21-of-39 for 168 yards, and his 4.3 yards per attempt were his fewest of the season.

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Metcalf's absence could once again loom large in Week 18, when Pittsburgh battles the Baltimore Ravens to crown an AFC North champion. Should the Steelers wind up missing the playoffs, his suspension won't be the sole reason for the outcome but would be among the factors.

Assuming they picture Metcalf as part of the offense into 2026 and beyond, head coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan have to strike a delicate balance, though.

Declining to discipline the 28-year-old in any way could send the wrong message, but going too far risks alienating the player.

Granted, this may not be Tomlin's problem for much longer. In the event Pittsburgh finishes second in the division, it could be the final straw to spur the organization to pursue a coaching change.