Steelers Stars Herbig and Metcalf Linked to NFC Teams in Trade Proposal

Hypothetical deals would send linebacker Nick Herbig to 49ers, receiver DK Metcalf to Commanders

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:19pm

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A FOX Sports report has proposed two hypothetical trades involving star Pittsburgh Steelers players. Outside linebacker Nick Herbig would be sent to the San Francisco 49ers, while wide receiver DK Metcalf would be dealt to the Washington Commanders. The Steelers would receive multiple draft picks in the proposed deals.

Why it matters

The Steelers are facing decisions on the futures of Herbig and Metcalf, who are both entering the final years of their contracts. These proposed trades could help Pittsburgh recoup value and address needs on their roster through the draft.

The details

The Herbig trade would send the 24-year-old linebacker to the 49ers in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick (58th overall) and a 2027 conditional fifth-round selection. Herbig has been stuck in a rotation behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith in Pittsburgh, but recorded 13 sacks over the past two seasons in a limited role. The 49ers are looking to bolster their pass rush after a down year. The Metcalf trade would send the star wide receiver to the Commanders for a 2026 third-round pick (71st overall) and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Metcalf signed a lucrative five-year, $150 million contract with the Steelers last offseason but had a disappointing 2025 campaign, catching 59 passes for 850 yards and 6 touchdowns. The Commanders are in need of a top receiving threat to pair with Terry McLaurin.

  • Herbig is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2026.
  • Metcalf signed a five-year, $150 million deal with the Steelers in March 2025.

The players

Nick Herbig

A 24-year-old outside linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Herbig has been a rotational pass rusher behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith over the past two seasons, recording 13 sacks.

DK Metcalf

A star wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers who signed a five-year, $150 million contract last offseason. Metcalf had a disappointing 2025 campaign, catching 59 passes for 850 yards and 6 touchdowns.

San Francisco 49ers

An NFC team that is looking to bolster its pass rush after a down year, according to the report.

Washington Commanders

An NFC team that is in need of a top receiving threat to pair with Terry McLaurin, according to the report.

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What they’re saying

“'Their pass rush was completely punchless last season, with Bryce Huff leading the team with just four sacks. They are hopeful that both Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams will be healthy and back in their old form next season, but they could use another body in the rotation. Herbig, 24, is stuck in a rotation behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith in Pittsburgh and in the final year of his contract. He had 13 sacks in a limited role over the past two seasons and would be well worth the high pick it would probably cost for the Steelers to swap him.'”

— Ralph Vacchiano, FOX Sports

“'The idea of the Steelers trading him all depends on what happens with Aaron Rodgers, and whether Pittsburgh goes for it all in 2026 or goes into a rebuilding mode. They did just trade for Michael Pittman, so their cupboard wouldn't be bare without Metcalf. And Metcalf was a bit of a disappointment last season with just 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns as Rodgers struggled to find him downfield. He'd have better luck with the younger, stronger Jayden Daniels throwing him the ball. And the Commanders are desperate for a WR opposite Terry McLaurin. Metcalf cost the Steelers a second-round pick. But after a down year, and with three years and more than $100 million left on his contract, something less would do.'”

— Ralph Vacchiano, FOX Sports

What’s next

The Steelers will need to decide whether to keep Herbig and Metcalf or explore trade options in the offseason. The proposed deals would provide Pittsburgh with additional draft capital to address needs on the roster.

The takeaway

These hypothetical trades highlight the difficult decisions facing the Steelers this offseason as they look to balance their championship aspirations with the long-term health of the roster. Parting with talented players like Herbig and Metcalf would be tough, but could pay dividends if the right deals materialize.