In the land of purple and gold, where Fran Tarkenton once scrambled and Brett Favre’s twilight flickered, the Vikings’ Aaron Rodgers decision now etches itself into franchise lore. Picture a chessboard under the icy glare of a Minnesota winter—the Vikings just sacrificed their queen to bet on a pawn. But this pawn wears a crown from Ann Arbor, polished by a national title and raw, unproven ambition.

Baseball has its Shohei Ohtani moments; football has its quarterback gambles. But Minnesota’s latest move—choosing J.J. McCarthy over a four-time MVP—could echo longer than a Metallica riff at U.S. Bank Stadium.

The McCarthy Gamble: A New Era Dawns (One Without Rodgers)

The Vikings‘ Aaron Rodgers decision wasn’t made in a day. It brewed like Midwestern storm clouds, darkening as calls from Pittsburgh and New York buzzed GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s phone. “The #Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on J.J. McCarthy, telling other teams they’re moving forward with him as their quarterback, sources say. The team plans to add a veteran. But they’re not pursuing Aaron Rodgers at this time. McCarthy now enters the offseason as QB1,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported. Translation?

The kid who tore his meniscus last August now holds the keys to Valhalla. At Michigan, McCarthy was a maestro of efficiency, threading passes in a run-first symphony. Critics whisper he’s unproven, a “game manager” in a league of gunslingers. But Sam Darnold’s 2024 revival in Minnesota’s system proves this offense isn’t just QB-friendly—it’s a Lazarus pit. Why resurrect Rodgers’ fading arm when McCarthy’s rookie contract glows like a Super Bowl window?

The #Vikings have rejected multiple trade calls on J.J. McCarthy, telling other teams they’re moving forward with him as their quarterback, sources say.

The team plans to add a veteran. But they’re not pursuing Aaron Rodgers at this time. McCarthy now enters the offseason as… pic.twitter.com/oPf6DIvQpj

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 19, 2025

Rodgers, ever the diviner of destiny, eyed Minnesota like Favre once did. But Kevin O’Connell’s playbook favors youth over nostalgia. “Either you want to be a Steeler or you don’t,” Cam Heyward growled, echoing Pittsburgh’s impatience. Meanwhile, the Giants linger like a New York deli line—slow, crowded, and unsure of the order.

The Vikings’ Aaron Rodgers decision isn’t just about 2025. It’s a bet that McCarthy’s ceiling outshines Rodgers’ sunset. And if the kid stumbles? Well, Minnesota’s winters have buried brighter hopes.

Tim Jones: The Silent Storm

While Rodgers’ saga drags on like a Monday Night Football overtime, the Vikings quietly bolstered their ranks. And Tim Jones makes an entry here. A name less headline than footnote, but as vital as a kicker in a blizzard. The former Jaguar isn’t here to steal Justin Jefferson’s spotlight. He’s here to dive on fumbles, sprint down coverage units, and carve a role sharper than a Mississippi gumbo recipe.

Jones played 648 special teams snaps in Jacksonville. That’s 648 tackles, blocks, and sprints where glory fades faster than a tailgate bonfire.  Jones’ 17 career catches won’t move fantasy needles, but his grit fits Minnesota’s blue-collar DNA like a well-worn leather glove.

The Jaguars’ loss is the Vikings’ gain—a depth move as pragmatic as a pickup truck in a snowstorm. And while Rodgers’ future dominates ESPN tickers, Jones’ signing whispers a truth: Football isn’t just about stars. It’s about men who chase kicks, not clicks.

The Road Ahead for Rodgers and Minnesota

The Vikings’ Aaron Rodgers decision closes one door, but another creaks open. For Rodgers, it’s Steelers black or Giants blue—a choice between legacy and limelight. For McCarthy, it’s the weight of a state’s hopes, heavy as a Lake Superior ice sheet.

And Tim Jones? He’ll lace up, silent and steady, a reminder that football’s soul lives in the grind, not the glamour. Minnesota’s path is set: Youth over yesterday, hunger over hype. Whether it leads to glory or another frozen “almost,” well—that’s why they play the game.

Winter is coming. Let the chess match begin.

Main Image: Vincent Carchietta – USA Today Sports

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NFL free agency has begun to shake out with the first big wave of player signings mostly complete. The fantasy community will now begin to digest the player movement, update rankings and projections, and formulate takeaways. Player movement has been fast and furious. One move that may not have been as flashy as some was former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft pick Najee Harris signing a free-agent deal. This past Monday, Harris signed a one-year, $9.25 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Los Angeles released Gus Edwards, and last season’s lead back, JK Dobbins, remains a free agent. It appears Harris will enter the 2024 season as the lead back in the Jim Harbaugh/Greg Roman run-based offense. The RB1 in that offense is a coveted asset and can be fantasy gold.

Najee Harris Best Ball Fantasy Outlook After Signing With Chargers

Najee Harris A Solid RB2 Option on Best Ball Rosters

There are three predominant running back strategies in fantasy formats. Whether you are a robust running back, a hero running back or a zero running back proponent, Najee Harris needs to be on your fantasy radar in best ball leagues. Harris gets knocked in fantasy circles for never being a dominant fantasy running back. However, you can not argue with his consistency. Harris has posted at least 1000 rushing yards in the last four seasons. Naysayers will say that the feat is not what it used to be – fair point – but no other running back has accomplished that! Harris finished 2024 as the overall PPR RB20, averaging 12 points per game with a snap share above 50% in just seven games. He was one of five backs with at least nine explosive runs of 20 or more yards.

Harris currently sits as the RB28 in early best ball rankings with an overall ADP of  85. As previously mentioned, Harris enters the off-season as the lead back in an offensive scheme that lends itself to fantasy production. J.K. Dobbins, in this offense, finished 2024 as a top-24 running back despite missing four games. Harris gives you stability at that second running back spot. There is a path within this offense to a top 12 finish if he can garner the same touchdown equity.

Harris Possesses The Durability That Is Crucial In Best Ball Leagues

Consistency at running back can only be accomplished by playing week in and week out. Najee Harris has done that his entire career at running back. In a position as volatile as running back, he has never missed a game in his four-year playing career. To write that is almost unbelievable. If durability is not the most crucial component in Best Ball Fantasy, it is certainly one of them. There are no mulligans in Best Ball; if a player suffers a season-ending injury, you are not afforded a roster replacement. In Harris, dare we say, that has never been a concern. Najee Harris represents a steady and durable running back option going outside the deadzone in round seven of best ball drafts.

Main Image:  Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

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Aaron Rodgers is a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame when he retires. Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks ever, consistently displaying pinpoint accuracy and limiting turnovers. However, his last season with the New York Jets did not go as planned. The Jets went 5-12 and are officially moving on from Aaron Rodgers. So, what are the latest rumblings around the league?

Latest Rumors On Aaron Rodgers

There seem to be three teams in the running for Rodgers’ services. The Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and, surprisingly, the Minnesota Vikings are reportedly the three teams in the running. All three of these teams are interested in Rodgers however, the Steelers seem to make the most sense. This is a franchise that is desperate for a quarterback with a roster that is ready to compete. Still, let’s take a deeper dive into the potential fit for Rodgers with all three of these teams.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers, on paper, are the best fit for Rodgers. The Steelers just traded for star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. George Pickens remains a good threat on the outside. The defense is elite and carried the team last year. If Aaron Rodgers can return to his prime form, Pittsburgh will become an immediate Super Bowl threat. Quarterback play has held the Steelers back ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired. If Mike Tomlin is given Aaron Rodgers to lead the offense, the sky is the limit. Although Najee Harris left in free agency, this would certainly be a more pass-heavy offense. Rodgers, Metcalf, and Pickens would give opposing secondaries nightmares. With a defense ready to win now, this makes the most sense for Rodgers.

New York Giants

The New York Giants are in desperate need of a quarterback. To address this, they are targeting Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers would be able to stay in New York, and the Giants would finally address their quarterback issue. The problem is the Giants need to rebuild their entire roster. This is a team that is not ready to compete for a Super Bow,l regardless of Rodgers being their quarterback. The Giants were 3-14 last year, and their defense gave up the 12th most points per game last year. This team has a lot of holes outside of Rodgers, and it would be smarter to address these in the draft.

Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings are a shocker here. With Sam Darnold signing with the Seattle Seahawks, it seemed as if J.J. McCarthy would be handed the keys to this offense. However, the Vikings have reportedly been mulling over the possibility of signing Aaron Rodgers. This is a really intriguing move, as the Minnesota offense has a ton of playmakers. Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson are an elite pass-catching trio. These three players all had great seasons with Sam Darnold.

This is easily the most quarterback-friendly situation Aaron Rodgers could have out of these three teams. Kevin O’Connell is a great offensive and quarterback mind. Running back Aaron Jones is back. The offensive line has been upgraded in free agency. Minnesota is just an all-around great situation for any quarterback right now, including Aaron Rodgers. It remains to be seen if the Vikings will pursue Rodgers or roll with J.J. McCarthy.

Main Image: Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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Despite entering the offseason with a hefty pile of cap space, the Pittsburgh Steelers have not been overly active so far in free agency. Their lack of spending is mostly due to playing the Aaron Rodgers waiting game; Pittsburgh can’t use all their cap space until they know how much they need to spend on a quarterback. Enough has happened, though, to get an idea of where the Steelers draft priorities stand at this point in the offseason.

Steelers Draft Priorities Following Slow Start to Free Agency

Quarterback

Quarterback was not considered a top Steelers draft need because this year’s class isn’t very deep. With Justin Fields gone to the New York Jets and Russell Wilson visiting other teams, quarterback has become a more pressing need. Even if Aaron Rodgers does sign with Pittsburgh, he won’t be in their long-term plans, and the team will still be looking for their quarterback of the future.

If Rodgers doesn’t become a Steeler, selecting a quarterback in the first round becomes a real possibility. Most of Pittsburgh’s free agency activity points to them being interested in next year’s quarterback class. But if they enter the draft with no real direction at the position, and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Mississippi’s Jaxson Dart are still available at 21, it’s easy to imagine Omar Khan being interested.

In today’s NFL, it’s no secret that winning championships depends on having an elite quarterback. Pittsburgh thinks they can compete with Rodgers. But if they can’t (or if they can’t even sign him) they need to look to the future.

Defensive Tackle

Following their acquisition of D.K. Metcalf, selecting a defensive tackle in the first round seems like the most obvious Steelers draft plan. There is a lot of talent in this year’s defensive tackle class. Oregon’s Derrick Harmon is a versatile prospect the Steelers have shown interest in. Michigan’s Kenneth Grant could be the true nose tackle Pittsburgh desperately needs.

With the depth at defensive tackle in this draft, the Steelers ideal first round scenario could be trading back. If they trade down in the first round or even out of the first round altogether, they could still land a very promising defensive tackle prospect. And a trade back could recoup the second round pick used to acquire Metcalf, giving Pittsburgh another chance to fill other holes on their roster.

Skill Positions

With Metcalf added to the roster alongside George Pickens, wide receiver is probably off the Steelers radar in the first round of the draft. It doesn’t need to be, though. For starters, Metcalf and Pickens are similar receivers who don’t complement each other well. Further, following the big contract Metcalf was signed to, 2025 could very well be Pickens’ last season in Pittsburgh. So, if some of their other top targets are off the board at 21, the Steelers could draft someone like Emeka Egbuka, forming a spectacular receiver trio this year, and setting up for a new WR2 in 2026 if Pickens leaves next offseason.

In the backfield, Pittsburgh will certainly be drafting a running back relatively early in the draft. They signed Kenneth Gainwell to pair with Jaylen Warren, but they need a bell-cow running back to replace Najee Harris. It’s hard to imagine the Steelers selecting a running back in the first round unless Ashton Jeanty would fall on draft night. Like defensive tackle, though, this is a very deep class for running backs. Expect the position to be addressed in the third or fourth round, or even the second round in a trade-back scenario.

Cornerback

Defensive back was most likely never a Steelers first-round priority. There are not many first round caliber corners in this draft. After signing Darius Slay to a one-year deal, and adding Brandin Echols as a depth piece, Pittsburgh doesn’t need a cornerback for the 2025 season. Given Slay’s age, though, they still need to draft a young cornerback with potential to take over as CB2 opposite Joey Porter Jr. next year. And if Michigan’s Will Johnson would fall to 21, Omar Khan would be justified in drafting him. Given their quarterback situation, Pittsburgh can’t be tunnel-visioned on competing this year. Johnson would be a huge building block towards competing for championships in a few years.

Main Image: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports

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Seven-year veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph signed a new contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Rudolph, a former third-round pick, spent the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans but is best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

A Steel City reunion: QB Mason Rudolph has agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal with $4.5 million to return to the #Steelers, sources tell me and @RapSheet.

Rudolph mulled multiple offers, including a return to the #Titans, but was motivated to head back to Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/wEC7gC7rgw

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 13, 2025

Mason Rudolph, Pittsburgh Steelers, Agree to Contract

After spending the first six years of his career in Pittsburgh, Rudolph left for greener pastures during the 2024 offseason. Signing with the Tennesee Titans, Rudolph entered the season as the primary backup for quarterback Will Levis. However, following a somewhat promising rookie season, Levis regressed under first-year head coach Brian Callahan and spent the year battling injuries and ineffectiveness. Rudolph eventually took over, making five starts while completing 64% of his passes for 1,530 yards, nine touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Mason Rudolph originally entered the league as a third-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Oklahoma State product spent his rookie year on the bench behind future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger. However, Roethlisberger suffered a season-ending injury early in the 2019 season, opening the door for Rudolph to make a name for himself. Starting in eight games while making 10 appearances, Rudolph completed 62.2% of his passes for 1,765 yards, 13 touchdowns, and nine interceptions while going 5-3.

Rudolph returned to the bench for the next few seasons, playing sparingly behind an aging Ben Roethlisberger and 2022 first-round pick Kenny Pickett. However, he made his triumphant return to the lineup late in the 2023 season. Taking over for an ineffective Pickett and Mitchell Trubisky, Rudolph guided Pittsburgh to the playoffs while completing 74.3% of his passes for 719 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions over the final three games of the regular season.

Since signing his rookie contract, Mason Rudolph has played in 29 games while making 18 starts. While on the field, the veteran has completed 63.7% of his passes for 4,615 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions.

Main Photo: Denny Simmons – USA Today Sports

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The NFL Free Agency is already underway and there’s one free agent, Diontae Johnson that is struggling to attract suitors. One report believes the wide receiver is due for a disappointing free agency to no surprise after having a strange 2024 campaign. Originally selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former Toledo product had a struggling year last season after joining three different teams; Panthers, Ravens and Texans. The Pro Bowler came on the wrong foot since stepping onto the field with the Panthers struggling to get any production going out of quarterback Bryce Young.

Johnson had a chance of a revival under back-to-back MVP Lamar Jackson but locker room antics got the best of him. There were reports he was a problem on the sidelines and for the team overall while he sat himself out during a regular season matchup against the Eagles. The Ravens let him go and surprisingly, the Texans gave him another opportunity but that didn’t pan out very well even though they were in dire need of a wideout. Johnson came back to Baltimore after claiming him off waivers and didn’t play at all so that was a bit of a head-scratcher.

Any team that will likely sign him will come near the beginning of the regular season and these five teams could present him a new opportunity.

Will Anyone Take Third Round Bust Free Agent Diontae Johnson? – 5 Potential Suitors

Next Possible Teams

New Orleans Saints

Many fans were disappointed to hear Derek Carr is returning but if the Saints want to maximize his potential, they need another wideout other than Chris Olave. Rashid Shaheed is a solid option that’s on the roster but he’s nothing explosive. Diontae Johnson might not produce much in the first few games but it could create some deep attack separation for Carr to take shots down the field.

Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is capable of bringing out the best in any wide receiver. He did that after the Chiefs brought in DeAndre Hopkins in a trade but now that he’s joining the Ravens, they need another weapon. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are two solid wideouts barring any circumstance of legal trouble. Luckily, they have Marquise Brown returning but they need more depth in case anything happens.

Johnson isn’t going to outplay the three-front receivers but it gives Mahomes a new weapon to throw the ball to.

Dallas Cowboys

There’s no word yet on what the Dallas Cowboys are going to do at the wide receiver position as they haven’t found a new one for CeeDee Lamb. Cooper Kupp is out of the mix so they will probably sign an older veteran. Unless they give Johnson a chance since Jerry Jones loves to give athletes a second of those.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers were close to acquiring DK Metcalf but were outbid by the Steelers. However, they did well bringing back Mike Williams, a familiar face but if the Chargers want to go to the Super Bowl, they need more than that. The team hit a home run on Ladd McConkey but quarterback Justin Herbert could use another weapon in Diontae Johnson. It’s a risky investment but they could bring out something in him to be a viable replacement if they decide to cut Quentin Johnston.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are on the verge of trading Brandon Aiyuk as the team is probably going to rebuild this offseason. After trading Deebo Samuel, Kyle Shanahan could be building a new regime around quarterback Brock Purdy. Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are the future of this roster but they could use another veteran to jumpstart their careers. Johnson might not produce much but it gives Purdy a solid weapon who already knows the game.

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Eight-year veteran wide receiver Mike Williams signed a new one-year, $6 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers. Williams, a former first-round pick, spent the 2024 season with the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers but has also played for the Los Angeles Chargers.

Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers, Agree to Contract

Williams hits the open market following an underwhelming season split betweeen two organizations. After tearing his ACL in the 2023 season, the wide receiver signed a one-year, “prove it” contract with the New York Jets. Paired with a now-healthy Aaron Rodgers, Williams never developed a rapport with the four-time MVP. Williams lasted just nine games with the organization, hauling in 12 of his 21 targets for 166 yards and no touchdowns.

Shortly after acquiring Davante Adams, the Jets traded Mike Williams to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Playing a complementary role in the offensive attack, the first-year Steeler recorded nine receptions for 132 yards and a touchdown during the final nine games of the season. The Steelers made the playoffs but lost to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round.

Mike Williams originally entered the league as a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Selected by the Los Angeles Chargers, the Clemson product needed some time to adapt to the professional game. He appeared in just 10 games as a rookie, recording 11 receptions for 95 yards and no touchdowns.

Fortunately, Williams overcame these early woes and became a reliable starter. This growth began in 2018 when he recorded 43 receptions for 664 yards and 10 touchdowns and continued into 2019 when he finished with 49 receptions for 1,001 yards and two touchdowns.

Williams’ best season came in 2021 under first-year head coach Brandon Staley. Appearing in 16 of a possible 17 games, the Clemson product set career highs in receptions (76) and yards (1,146) while hauling in nine touchdowns.

Since signing his rookie contract, Mike Williams has appeared in 106 games while making 67 starts. While on the field, the first-round pick has recorded 330 receptions for 5,104 yards and 32 touchdowns.

Main Photo: Barry Reeger – USA Today Sports

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ESPN Insider Ryan Clark believes a Christian McCaffrey trade should happen if the 49ers are committing to a rebuild. According to the source, the 49ers are no stranger to rebuilding an entire offense which they are doing already and Clark thinks that “If you are going to rebuild, you should rebuild all the way.” The team has already been taking those steps this offseason after trading wide receiver Deebo Samuel and rumors are floating that Brandon Aiyuk may be next. This means a McCaffrey trade could be a possibility since general manager John Lynch said it himself that they’re listening to all trade requests this offseason and if that’s the case, they should ship the future Hall of Famer to focus on the future.

Originally selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Stanford product had his chance to take this team to the Super Bowl last year. McCaffrey came to San Francisco in a trade in 2022 after becoming one of the only athletes to record 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards. Indeed, he already had his championship opportunity since leading the league in scrimmage yards and touchdowns en route to the Super Bowl in 2024. With that, it’s fair to say the team should trade the three-time All-Pro while he’s recovering from an injury suffered last season.

ESPN Insider Believes Christian McCaffrey Trade Could Happen Soon – 5 Teams Who Could Pursue Him

Possible Destinations

Los Angeles Chargers

After giving J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards a one-year opportunity, the team moving on with Najee Harris is an indicator of what head coach Jim Harbaugh is looking for in a running back. He loves a physical hard-nose run game and Harris a perfect representation of that. However, they should maximize quarterback Justin Herbert’s prime window while he’s still young and a man like McCaffrey could give this team’s run game a burst that they need. McCaffrey could be the missing ingredient in their run game that could finally move the chains in Harbaugh’s philosophy.

Dallas Cowboys

It’s hard to envision what the Dallas Cowboys will do beyond the 2025 season but it seems like they are rebuilding once again. The team signing Javonte Williams on a one-year deal likely means they aren’t bringing back Rico Dowdle. The Cowboys are taking the cheap route for another offseason but since after extending Dak Prescott, they should re-think differently. Prescott isn’t getting younger and he needs a mainstay running back to help him like they had a prime Ezekiel Elliott in his rookie year.

Washington Commanders

The Commanders made some flashy signings last offseason to build a new team for quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now, they have their guy and this is their chance to maximize their championship window. While running back Brian Robinson Jr. has his moments, they could use a veteran like McCaffrey to take over duties and push the Commanders for a Super Bowl since Daniels entered his second year in the league.

Kansas City Chiefs

As expected, the Chiefs signed a new running back Elijah Mitchell to give backup for Isiah Pacheco after missing the majority of the 2024 campaign. This means Kareem Hunt probably won’t return and they will wait to see if it’s worth extending Pacheco after this upcoming season. If Pacheco does not work out, they could sign McCaffrey if he becomes available since the 49ers probably won’t trade their best player to the Chiefs.

Pittsburgh Steelers

With Najee Harris leaving, this puts Jaylen Warren as the starter this upcoming season. However, since the team did trade for DK Metcalf, the Steelers could be in “win now” mode. If that’s the case, they could test their luck and request from the 49ers if McCaffrey is available for a trade how they did with Brandon Aiyuk already.

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The NFL free agency whirlwind has begun, and player movement has been fast and furious. One of the more shocking moves was made by a team that historically is quiet in the first wave of free agency, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers and Seahawks agreed on a trade to send D.K. Metcalf to the Steelers in exchange for three 2025 draft picks. Pittsburgh then turned around and signed Metcalf to a new five-year, 150 million dollar contract. Adding a talent like Metcalf is a potentially huge addition for the Steelers, and pairing him with an ultra-talented player like George Pickens gives them one of the better receiving duos in the NFL. However, from a fantasy perspective, things remained muddled as we look at Metcalf’s outlook.

D.K. Metcalf Fantasy Outlook After Blockbuster Move By The Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers Starting Quarterback Still Up In The Air

D.K. Metcalf’s fantasy outlook will depend greatly on who will be the Steelers’ signal caller in 2025. The NFL is a quarterback-driven league, and with no top-flight option, fantasy output is capped. In 2024, they finished in the bottom half of the league in total offense, passing offense, and points scored. As of this writing, the current QB1 for Pittsburgh is former Miami Dolphins backup Skylar Thompson. The NFL rumor mill continues to swirl, and multiple outlets suggest Aaron Rodgers as a potential starting quarterback option for the Steelers.

The 2024 Steelers offense could not support one alpha receiver, and now they are adding a second in D.K. Metcalf. George Pickens, despite the 25% target share and the 2.11 yards per route run, only finished as the overall WR42. Pittsburgh’s passing offense ranked 27th, and last year’s starter Russell Wilson finished as QB24.

D.K. Metcalf’s 2024 Fantasy Trends Are Worrisome

The fantasy data on Metcalf further underscores how important the Steelers being able to secure a competent signal caller for next season is. Last year, Metcalf saw a significant dip in some key wide receiver metrics. His stats dropped in red zone targets, endzone targets, and expected receiving touchdown catches. He posted a career low target rate per route run and did not make the top four receptions after week 10.

Where Does D.K. Metcalf Fit Within The Steelers Offensive Scheme

The Steelers were a low-volume passing game under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. The concern is if the offense can support two wide receivers that profile as a team’s top passing option. D.K. Metcalf will make a transition to an offense that threw nearly 100 times less and alongside Pickens, who saw almost 50% of his team’s air yards. The positives for Metcalf are that Pittsburgh wide receivers led the league with 12.9 yards per target. That pairs well with Metcalf, who relied heavily on the deep ball last season. He set a career high in targets of 20 or more yards downfield.

The final point to consider is whether the Steelers, in addition to signing a new quarterback, will move George Pickens during the free agency. Pickens will almost certainly want a new deal, and tying up major cap space on two receivers is not necessarily sound roster management. If Pickens gets moved or Pittsburgh inks Rodgers, D.K. Metcalf’s fantasy stock will rise. He immediately moves into at least the WR2 category, with WR1 upside. If Pickens remains a Steele,r or they end up with a low-end starting quarterback, we need to temper expectations. The volume and target share concerns could end up capping Metcalf’s upside.

Main Image: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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