Part of the reason the Steelers traded for DK Metcalf and traded George Pickens was that they wanted a culture change. While you can debate the on-field merits of the swap, the off-field component has clearly been successful. And as Metcalf’s first season in Pittsburgh marches on, he has taken greater ownership of his space within it.
This past week, QB Aaron Rodgers said Metcalf was “on one” before the Ravens game. He was referring to the veteran receiver’s focus and demeanor, speaking up in ways he hadn’t been comfortable doing before. He told reporters he didn’t want to come in and pretend to be a leader before earning his place.