Deep breaths, Seahawks fans. We all saw this coming, but yes it does hurt. One of Seattle’s most dominant receivers, DK Metcalf, is officially out. Made a blockbuster deal with the Steelers. And while the headlines are screaming and making it sound like a business move. Metcalf just pulled up the veil on why he left. But he is also giving the due credit to the players he left behind: Geno Smith.

DK Metcalf and Geno weren’t just teammates, they built a connection. And now, as Metcalf is settling into his new home in Pittsburgh, he’s letting everyone know – he has huge respect and love for his former QB.

On the Get Got Pod with Marshawn Lynch & Mike Robinson, Metcalf got real about his bond with Geno. When he was asked by Mike about the QB’s impact, he went all out. “Me and Geno got to Seattle the same year. I used to bounce ideas off of him. Like, he’d help me with DBs, telling me, ‘Oh, this guy does X, Y, and Z,’” Metcalf shared. “And when he became a starter, we still had that same chemistry. I knew he’d find me. I knew he had loyalty to Lock.”

And their connection and chemistry could be seen on the field. Since Geno took over in 2022, the duo combined for 148 receptions, 2,020 yards, and 13 TDs in two seasons. But DK Metcalf also explained how Geno’s leadership extended beyond the field. “Even when things got shaky, Geno would come up to me like, ‘Hey bro, that was my bad, I got you, I got you. I need you to stay.’ Like taking accountability. I think Geno back with Pete, got somebody that’s going to hold him accountable but also build him up.” That’s some pro-QB behavior. 

The QB also has a lot of love and respect for his former WR, as he posted on his Instagram after Metcalf’s departure: “Nothing but love for my brother. Y’all got a dawg, Pittsburgh.” And Metcalf responded, “Appreciate you, fam. We made some memories.” The connection is pretty evident, don’t you think?

And it does sound like the guy had every reason to stay, well, welcome to the real twist. Despite all this respect for Geno and the Seahawks, Metcalf still packed his bags and departed for Pittsburgh. But, why?

DK Metcalf spills the real tea on his Seahawks’ exit

According to DK, this decision to change his team wasn’t about drama or fallout with the Seahawks. It was about something bigger than that. “I felt ecstatic just to hear about the Steelers,” he said. “I thought about the meeting me and Coach [Mike] Tomlin had at the 2019 Combine. He always spoke volumes into me and my play style.” Looks like Tomlin had his eyes set on Metcalf for a long time.

Seattle shipped Metcalf to Pittsburgh for a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft while flipping picks in the sixth and seventh rounds. Not exactly a good trade for a player who is the most productive wideout in franchise history. For context: Metcalf is one of only two players in NFL history who began their career with six straight seasons of at least 50 receptions, 900 yards, and five touchdowns. In his first six seasons, he also set the Seahawks record for the most receptions, receiving yards, and TDs.

But well, the Seahawks loss. Trading Metcalf feels like a fire sale for a team that just lost Tyler Lockett to retirement. Meanwhile, the Steelers just landed a star. Metcalf is signing the biggest deal in franchise history, five years for $150 million – an average of $33 million per year. That’s a lot of faith in a guy who’s never worn black and gold before.

Although it’s a difficult farewell for Seattle, at least they still have Geno Smith, a QB who’s proven he can keep this team competitive and together. But for Pittsburgh? They have a WR like Metcalf, who makes sure that his presence is felt when he steps on the field. So, when Metcalf chose the Steelers, it wasn’t about Geno or the team – he simply saw a long-term future with the Pittsburgh.