Jordan Love didn’t flinch when the rumors started. DK Metcalf to Green Bay? It sounded too good to be true, but for a minute, fans let themselves believe. They pictured Metcalf streaking down the sideline, towering over defenders in the frozen Lambeau air. Love’s deep ball dropping right into those vice-grip hands, the kind of connection that wins playoff games.

But belief only gets you so far. Packers fans, it’s time to face the music. Reality hits like a cold Wisconsin wind. The dream of Metcalf donning the Packers uniform is officially over. Thanks to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team pulled off its first offseason move by getting DK on board in a trade with the Seahawks. Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports reported that Mike Tomlin‘s team is locking in Metcalf on a five-year deal worth $150 million. Omar Khan rained money, and Brian Gutekunst just stood there watching the Steelers snag away the Seahawks’ wantaway star. Or maybe that’s not the case at all? According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, “Packers never made an offer for DK Metcalf.“

The Steelers got this trade done in exchange for a second- and seventh-round pick in this year’s draft. The team was somewhat short on WR depth, with George Pickens being the only solid option. Pickens played his third season with the team and often made headlines for his antics during games. The 24-year-old was frequently flagged and fined multiple times for causing nuisances on the gridiron. Well, now having DK on the squad not only gives the Steelers a legitimate starting option, but he would also help shape Pickens.

DK entered the NFL in 2019 and has played six seasons so far with the Seahawks. In the latest season, the WR recorded 66 receptions, racking up 992 yards and scoring 5 TDs. After the regular season and the Seahawks’ journey ended this year, the Ole Miss alum requested a trade from the team.

And as for the Packers, well, is this a calculated move or a missed opportunity?

Packers Short at WR Depth After Passing on DK Metcalf

“We’ve got a really young group of receivers. All can be really, really, really special, but I think personally we need a guy that’s proven to be a No. 1 already.” These were the words of Packers RB Josh Jacobs after he bluntly called for the team to upgrade the WR depth after the regular season.

So, having a guy that has proved to be No. 1 means having a veteran. The Steelers had Pickens, but the reason they got DK is that he has more experience than Pickens, which means he can be a greater starter than George. Jacobs called for somebody who would be a little more “consistent.” And the Packers did not have one but two options for the same: DK Metcalf and their former WR Davante Adams. 

After parting ways with his best friend Aaron Rodgers, the Jets released Davante in the first week of March. The 32-year-old was a great option for teams looking for a veteran WR for their squad. The Packers had a chance to reunite with their former WR, but it looks like GM Brian Gutekunst was too reluctant to spend dollars. Davante landed in Hollywood, as the Rams offered the ex-Jets WR a two-year deal worth $46 million. The Rams were in dire need of a WR after they parted ways with Cooper Kupp. Now they got one, so this year you will be watching Matthew Stafford and Adams taking on the gridiron together. Davante’s deal with the Rams also includes $26 million in guaranteed money.

That leaves Jordan Love without the top potential targets. The Packers front office is trying to play it cool with this, but if it’s a missed opportunity, it could mean another season without a playoff run.