DK Metcalf reveals “one thing that stood out” after first reps with Aaron Rodgers at Steelers minicamp

DK Metcalf will embark on a new chapter in 2025, joining the Pittsburgh Steelers under coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Aaron Rodgers - an experience unlike any before.

He is already in awe of the multiple-time MVP's skill, even after just practicing with him during mandatory minicamp. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, the one-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver praised his new quarterback's "cerebral" approach to football:

“I like the way he views the game from a receiver’s standpoint, but also from a quarterback’s standpoint. I think I can gain a lot of knowledge just from being around him because he’s seen a lot of football. Just trying to soak up as much information as I can.”

He continued:

“How quickly he releases the ball and me getting off the line of scrimmage fast is one thing that stands out first.”

Steelers Depot

@Steelersdepot

LINK

DK Metcalf on Aaron Rodgers as a QB “How quickly he releases the ball and me getting off the line of scrimmage fast is one thing that stands out first ... Just how cerebral he is and how he views the game. I mean, I like the way he views the game from a receiver's standpoint, but also from a quarterback's standpoint. I think I can gain a lot of knowledge just from being around him because he's seen a lot of football. So, just trying to soak up as much information and ball as I can." #Steelers #NFL

Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith gave insight into how he and coach Tomlin plan to use both men on Wednesday:

“Obviously, as your roster evolves, we didn’t bring Aaron in here, and signed DK for all that money, to go run the wishbone. So, you know, you try to play to the strengths of your team.”

---

DK Metcalf reacts to George Pickens being traded out of the Steelers

In an alternate world, DK Metcalf and George Pickens would be teammates, competing with the Cincinnati Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase-Tee Higgins tandem for the mantle of best WR duo in the AFC North. However, reality tells a different story.

Instead, Pickens (as well as a 2027 second-round pick) was traded to the Dallas Cowboys last month for two draft picks in 2026 and 2027. It came after much speculation surrounding his attitude and its impact on the Steelers' perception of him.

Reacting late to the transaction during the same presser on Wednesday, Metcalf said:

“I would’ve loved to play with George Pickens. Being here, just to see how he was as a teammate, just to see what I could learn from him. It was a decision the team made and it was out of my hands.”

Steelers Depot

@Steelersdepot

LINK

DK Metcalf on George Pickens being traded: "I mean, I would've loved to play with George Pickens. You know, being here just to see how he was as a teammate, just to see what I could learn from him, him from me. But it was a decision the team made and it was out of my hands." #Steelers #NFL

The former Seattle Seahawk had declined to wear Pickens' No. 14 after it was offered to him. He chose No. 4, which he kept even after the trade. New running back Kenneth Gainwell ended up taking No. 14.