Expected 1,000 Yards by Now' -- Steelers Legend Ben Roethlisberger Admits $132M Star Hasn't Met Expectations After Blockbuster Trade

Ben Roethlisberger says DK Metcalf hasn’t met the level he expected after the Steelers acquired him in March 2025 in a blockbuster trade from Seattle. Speaking on “Footbahlin’ with Ben Roethlisberger,” the former two-time Super Bowl champion explained his optimism came from training camp, when Metcalf and Aaron Rodgers looked like a strong connection. Roethlisberger selected Metcalf as one of the offensive awardees but said his production has been short of expectations, admitting he had envisioned “1,000 yards by now.” Metcalf earned 59 catches, 850 yards and six touchdowns in his first season, and has 33 receptions for 378 yards and one score through eight games in 2026.