Raiders Need to Trade for DK Metcalf

The Raiders are expected to draft Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick and thus trading for DK Metcalf now would make a lot of sense.

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dk Metcalf (4) sits on the bench in the fourth quarter of an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. | Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The new NFL season opens up on March 11, but we have already started to see some big trades start rolling in. There are sure to be more deals being made in the coming months, weeks, or even days. We have heard a lot of rumors regarding big-name wide receivers potentially being on the move this offseason. One star wideout who could be on the move is DK Metcalf. If the Pittsburgh Steelers have buyer's remorse on Metcalf, this could be the time to move him, and he still has plenty of value.

Las Vegas Raiders - Pittsburgh Steelers Mock Trade

Las Vegas Raiders Receive

WR - DK Metcalf

Sixth Round Pick

Pittsburgh Steelers Receive

Third Round Pick

Fourth Round Pick 

Fantasy Impact

Metcalf's fantasy value in Las Vegas will likely significantly hinge on the production of projected first-overall pick Fernando Mendoza. The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback is heavily favored to land with the Raiders in April's draft. Your faith in him will likely shape how you value Metcalf. We not only view Mendoza as an immediate upgrade over what he had in Aaron Rodgers last season, but it is undoubtedly positive for his dynasty value. 

If you own shares of Metcalf, you should be cautiously optimistic about this move. While it's always hard to trust the Raiders as a franchise, we already know the situation in Pittsburgh hasn't been great. 

Why The Trade Makes Sense For The Las Vegas Raiders 

The Raiders are set to draft their franchise quarterback in April, and it's important to set him up for success. That starts with getting him a proven WR1. Currently, they have one of the league's weakest WR corps. If they can add both Mendoza and Metcalf this offseason to pair with Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, all of a sudden, the Raiders have a scary young group of offensive talent. This would be a huge move for Las Vegas that would send a message to the league, and they can afford the price, given they have three fourth-round picks.  

Why The Trade Makes Sense For The Pittsburgh Steelers

Things never seemed to click with Metcalf in Pittsburgh last season. He and Rodgers clearly struggled to get on the same page. If they do end up bringing Rodgers back, it may be best that they move on from Metcalf. The team also probably isn't thrilled that Metcalf was suspended for crucial games late in the season while the Steelers were fighting for their playoff lives for getting into an altercation with a fan. It could be best for both sides to simply cut their losses and go their own way.