The Pittsburgh Steelers finally landed a big-time receiver with Sunday's blockbuster trade of DK Metcalf. Now the question is who will be tossing him the ball.
With Russell Wilson, Justin Fields and Kyle Allen headed toward free agency, Pittsburgh currently has zero quarterbacks on the roster, with Skylar Thompson on a futures deal representing the only passer under contract in the organization.
Following Metcalf's acquisition, former Steelers great Ben Roethlisberger jokingly tossed his hat into the ring.
"Coach T [Mike Tomlin], are you kidding me? DK Metcalf on one side, GP [George Pickens] on the other? Muth [Pat Freiermuth] working the middle? I might need to throw my hat in the ring. If you're looking for a guy, I might still have a couple of throws in me!" Roethlisberger said on his Instagram page while donning his old Steelers helmet.
The 43-year-old Roethlisberger hasn't played since 2021 as he awaits his candidacy into the Hall of Fame. Clearly, Big Ben is joking, but his quip highlights the excitement surrounding the Metcalf trade coupled with the uncertainty under center.
The Steelers have said throughout the offseason that they would like to retain one of their veteran signal-callers, Wilson or Fields. In recent weeks, reports have indicated that Fields is the leading candidate to return, but he will test the market when the negotiating window opens on Monday. Perhaps the trade might open the door for Wilson, who played with Metcalf for three seasons in Seattle. Other veterans, including Sam Darnold or Aaron Rodgers, could become options.
Regardless, the Steelers got their big-time receiving weapon. Now they need to lock down a quarterback in the coming days and likely pair that vet with a young passer to groom from the draft.
Also in question is whether or not Metcalf and Pickens ever see the field together. General manager Omar Khan could flip Pickens for a draft pick to replenish the coffers. Before acquiring Metcalf, trading the 24-year-old wideout would have left a massive hole. The gap is filled. With Pickens heading into the final year of his contract, the Steelers could decide to move on now. Or they could ride two field-stretching boundary weapons for a year and figure out the future later.