Following the news of Mike Tomlin stepping down, the Pittsburgh Steelers now face several question marks regarding the future, which may lead to top receiver DK Metcalf requesting a trade this offseason. Most dramatically, the Steelers will search for a new head coach for the first time in nearly 20 years. This puts a nail in the coffin that free agent veteran Aaron Rodgers won’t return to Pittsburgh and may wind up joining another team for the 2026 season. There are two years left on Tomlin’s contract with the Steelers, but Metcalf might not be willing to wait around to stay with a team that’s obviously going to rebuild.
Breaking: After a historic 19-season run in Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin just informed his team that he is stepping down as the Steelers head coach, sources tell @JFowlerESPN and me.
The Steelers now will be looking for only their fourth head coach since 1969. pic.twitter.com/KvkPv3lA1W
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 13, 2026
NFL Two-Time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf Could Request Trade After Latest Mike Tomlin News
The Steelers originally traded for Metcalf to add some star power in their pass-catching unit. It was assumed to be Metcalf and George Pickens for the 2025 campaign before trading Pickens to Dallas. Despite the short suspension, Metcalf is still one of the best receivers in the league. The Steelers can’t afford to waste his talents, especially if they need to find a new quarterback once Rodgers decides to find another team in August.
Even if Tomlin does return, it might be too late to retain Metcalf, as the next head coach will probably trade him either way. The wide receiver should have plenty of trade interest even though he still has three years left on his current deal. It will be an interesting offseason for the Steelers as Metcalf won’t be the only one with the question mark on his head. For the sake of this article, here are some potential contenders that could save him from Pittsburgh, which is clearly drowning.
Next Possible Fits
Kansas City Chiefs
The NFL will most likely suspend Rashee Rice following the latest offseason news, so the Chiefs will be in the market for a new receiver. Xavier Worthy hasn’t done much since Rice was gone for the majority of the 2025 season due to another suspension he was serving. If the Chiefs want to revive the organization and put Patrick Mahomes in the best spot possible after his injury, they should consider making a splash trade. The team will probably rework Mahomes and defensive tackle Chris Jones‘ contracts to find a potential trade partner to make it work in their budget.
Metcalf is the perfect answer that could serve the Chiefs, but they may have to give up at least a second-round pick in return. Kansas City should run the risk if they want to see another year’s run of playoffs.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are always unpredictable, but predictable at the same time. This means that George Pickens could either sign elsewhere on a monster contract or Dallas may give him what he wants early, before free agency in March. It will be the latest main storyline for the Cowboys since the Micah Parsons situation. It won’t be an offseason without drama, so if Pickens decides to join another team, the Cowboys should get Metcalf in a trade from the Steelers.
Dallas and Pittsburgh have been trade partners before in the Pickens trade, but the Cowboys might have to give up more to facilitate this move if Pickens doesn’t return.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are facing some uncertainty in the receiving unit. The team is predicted to trade AJ Brown following a disastrous 2025 season, despite hauling in more than 1,000 receiving yards. The turmoil and drama aren’t worth the headache for Philadelphia, so it shouldn’t be surprising if Brown is gone this offseason. DeVonta Smith needs a capable receiver alongside him to assist him in the aerial attack, and Metcalf could be an intriguing option for the Eagles.