Steelers Have Out on DK Metcalf Contract After Suspension

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without their star wide receiver in DK Metcalf for their last two games of the regular season after being suspended by the NFL. Metcalf's altercation with a fan during Week 16 will cost the team their leading receiver, but it'll also cost Metcalf some of his contract.

According to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones, Metcalf's suspension voids his $45 million in guaranteed money on his new contract. He signed a $132 million deal with the Steelers after being traded in the offseason, but the team now has a "financial out" if they chose it.

"His four-year, $132 million contract from March, reviewed by CBS Sports, notes that if he 'fails… to practice or play with the Club for any reason,' which includes "Player's suspension by the NFL or Club for Conduct Detrimental," his guarantees 'will be NULL AND VOID,'" Jones reported.

Metcalf appealed his suspension with the league. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Metcalf and the fan, Ryan Kennedy, have had another encounter when Metcalf played for the Seattle Seahawks. Both parties have also shared contradicting stories about what caused the altercation.

DK Metcalf appears to have an altercation with a Detroit fan pic.twitter.com/a478Zjg3tR
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 21, 2025

DK Metcalf's Report

"He called him a racial slur," former Bengals star Chad Johnson said on the Nightcap Podcast."He called him the N-word and called his mom a ****. And I think with those words being exchanged and the fans saying that, I think that's where the action occurred, where I think he threw a punch. I'm not sure if he connected or whatever. But he did call him the n-word, and he called his mama, I guess, the c-word."

Ryan Kennedy's Statement

"Ryan Kennedy categorically denies using the "N-word," the "C-word," or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur during the incident that occurred on December 21, 2025 at Ford Field during the Pittsburgh Steelers-Detroit Lions game," Kennedy released in a public statement.

"These allegations are completely false.

"At no point during, or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind. The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts, or any contremporaneous reporting. Despite reports in the media last night and today, Mr. Kennedy has not used such language during any interactions with Mr. Metcalf or any other players in the past."

Would Steelers Left Metcalf Go?

The Steelers sent a second-round pick to the Seahawks in exchange for Metcalf, and then put more faith in their new star by trading away George Pickens. While they haven't had a true WR2 alongside him this season, they have had moments where Metcalf has shined.

Realistically, Metcalf is a key piece to the Steelers' future and they likely won't move on from him anytime soon. After signing a four-year deal, Pittsburgh made a statement that Metcalf is their starter and they will build around him within the receiving game.

Before this moment, Metcalf has been a professional on ever level. He's shown leadership to the receiving group and has formed a connection with Aaron Rodgers and the coaching.

Chances are, the Steelers aren't thinking about the "opening" they now have to move on from Metcalf, and instead are making sure this incident doesn't happen again.

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