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Pittsburgh Steelers restructure DK Metcalf contract for cap space
The Pittsburgh Steelers have restructured the contract of wide receiver DK Metcalf to create nearly $18 million in salary cap space for 2026. The move involves converting $23 million of his base salary into a signing bonus, which will be prorated over the remaining four years of his deal.
Prior to this restructuring, Metcalf was scheduled to carry a $31 million cap hit and earn a $25 million base salary in 2026. The accounting change reduces his 2026 cap hit to $13.75 million, though it will increase his cap charge by $5.75 million in each of the subsequent three seasons. This move is described as a normal cap conversion and is not related to the team's ongoing standoff with cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Metcalf, who joined the Steelers via trade from the Seattle Seahawks in 2025, is currently playing under a four-year, $132 million extension through 2029. During the 2025 season, he recorded 850 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. The team has also added veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. to the roster this offseason.
Entities
Aaron Rodgers · DK Metcalf · Michael Pittman Jr. · Pittsburgh Steelers · Seattle Seahawks
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Quarterback Aaron Rodgers stated he spent significant time with Metcalf outside of team facilities during the offseason. steelersnow.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Steelers restructured DK Metcalf’s contract to create nearly $18 million in 2026 salary cap space. nfltraderumors.co · www.profootballrumors.com · steelersnow.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] In 2025, Metcalf recorded 850 receiving yards and six touchdowns in 15 games for the Steelers. nfltraderumors.co · steelersnow.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Metcalf was originally scheduled to earn a $25 million base salary and carry a $31 million cap hit in 2026. nfltraderumors.co · www.profootballrumors.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Metcalf signed a four-year, $132 million extension through 2029 following his trade to Pittsburgh. nfltraderumors.co · steelersnow.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The restructure reduces Metcalf’s 2026 cap hit to $13.75 million. www.profootballrumors.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The contract restructuring is not related to the team’s standoff with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. www.profootballrumors.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The team converted $23 million of Metcalf's salary into a signing bonus, prorating it over the remaining four years of his deal. www.profootballrumors.com