Why Steelers WR DK Metcalf was fined $12,172 vs. the Packers
Here’s why Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been fined $12,172 after the 35-25 Week 8 loss to the Packers.
The NFL fined Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf $12,172 for unsportsmanlike conduct, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero on Saturday, after he was penalized for unnecessary roughness in the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh’s 35-25 defeat to the Green Bay Packers.
With 10:14 left in the game, Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was forced out of bounds after a five-yard gain. Metcalf then engaged in a brief altercation with Green Bay linebacker Quay Walker, ultimately putting his fingers in Walker’s facemask and grabbing it. The 15-yard penalty converted a manageable third-and-2 into a third-and-17, leading to a sack on quarterback Aaron Rodgers and a subsequent punt.
The oversight happened at a turning point, with Pittsburgh down by 10 points in the fourth quarter, adding to their difficulties in the second half, during which their defense allowed three consecutive touchdown drives.
The fine of $12,172 aligns with the NFL’s standard for a first offense involving striking, which can typically increase to $17,968 for subsequent violations in the same season. For context, only 10 fines were issued across 2,003 plays in Week 8, representing just 0.5% of all snaps.
Metcalf has accumulated over $170,000 in fines throughout his career, including a $22,511 penalty last year for illegal helmet use. This was his first fine of the season and the 15th of his career.
Setting aside the penalty, Metcalf had a productive game, charting five receptions for 55 yards and his fifth touchdown of the season. He currently leads the Steelers with 27 catches for 461 yards and five touchdowns.
Metcalf has become a top target for Aaron Rodgers since being acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in a trade involving Pittsburgh’s 2025 second- and seventh-round picks. The Steelers also signed him to a five-year, $150 million contract in March.
Steelers Can't Ignore Dolphins WR Trade
The Pittsburgh Steelers want and need a wide receiver at the NFL trade deadline, and the name that has topped every list is Miami Dolphins' Jaylen Waddle. Right now, that's becoming a real possibility for the black and gold.
Heading into the trade deadline, the addition of Waddle didn't seem realistic. The Dolphins were trying to stick together and give themselves an opportunity to turn things around and see if their current group of players could be the building blocks to figure out the rest of the roster.
Now, things are different. They've fired their general manager, and according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, and now accepting calls on their biggest names - including Waddle.
"While previously a question about wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was met with a hard 'no,' the team will now do its due diligence and at least consider offers for the star in his prime, sources say. Miami still would prefer to not trade Waddle, but the Dolphins are at least willing to weigh an offer that blows them away," Rapoport wrote in his latest trade deadline update.
Steelers Must Call
The Steelers can't ignore this. If Waddle is on the table, he makes all the sense in the world for Pittsburgh to go after. He's only 26 years old, has a team-friendly contract for the next to years and is a consistent contributor.
In five NFL seasons, he's totaled a 1,000 yards three times. This year, he's on pace to add his fourth in five years.
The Steelers could view Waddle as their WR2 with DK Metcalf this season and for the future. Whether that means Aaron Rodgers is returning in 2026 or they're giving the job to a younger option, they'll have two wide receivers who are stars to build off of.
That's quality groundwork for an incoming QB.
Waddle Price Tag
Waddle is not going to be cheap. The Steelers will likely need to give up a second or third round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to land him, but he's worth it.
They won't have another option like Waddle. Jakobi Meyers is a rental option, Rashid Shaheed is a shot in the dark and Chris Olave is off the table. Right now, their best available target is Waddle, and it's not even close.
So, if they're serious about being all in this season and hunting for a Super Bowl, Waddle should be on their mind. The fact that he'll be around for the next few years and still growing is on the cherry on top of what would be another blockbuster Steelers trade.
