DK Metcalf is the newest member of the Steelers after a Sunday night blockbuster trade that sent the former Seahawks star to Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh still has business to take care of, namely at the quarterback position, but the job just became even more attractive with the addition of one of the NFL’s most imposing wide receivers. Metcalf has three 1,000-yard seasons to his name, and another big year could be in the cards with the 27-year-old in a fresh new environment.
Winning will be the priority for Metcalf, but first, he has to figure out whether he will be able to keep his jersey number with his new team.
Here’s what you need to know about Metcalf’s jersey number with the Steelers and which numbers he’s worn in his football career.
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What number will DK Metcalf wear with Steelers?
Metcalf’s jersey number with the Steelers hasn’t yet been reported, but he won’t be able to simply choose his familiar No. 14 — not without some bargaining, at least.
Metcalf’s new teammate George Pickens already wears No. 14, so the Steelers’ two top receivers will have to work out a deal if the former Seahawks star wants to keep his number.
That takes two, of course, and Pickens’ thoughts on the matter are a mystery. Sometimes, players quickly hand over their jersey number to a newly-acquired star. In other cases, the two players work out a deal for the jersey number. In rarer cases, players dig in their heels and force the newly-acquired player to pick a new number. Anything is possible with Pickens, who has a reputation for stubbornness.
Metcalf just agreed to a five-year, $150 million deal with the Steelers, while Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract. It might make the most sense for Metcalf to keep his No. 14 jersey, but Pickens has a say in the matter.
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DK Metcalf college number
Fans looking to Metcalf’s college career to figure out the top alternative to No. 14 will be disappointed, as the former Ole Miss star also wore No. 14 during his days with the Rebels.
Surely Metcalf’s high school career could offer another option, right? Not quite. Metcalf also wore No. 14 while playing for Oxford High School, so the number has followed him throughout his football journey and might be tough to simply give up with his new team.
George Pickens college number
Pickens wore No. 1 at Georgia, so he could have a ready-made option if Metcalf does want his No. 14.
The Steelers do not have a No. 1 jersey on their roster, but there is one significant problem: the number is considered “unofficially retired” for kicker Gary Anderson, who was the last Steeler to wear it in 1994.
QB Justin Fields had to switch from No. 1 to No. 2 after he was traded to the Steelers a year ago, so it’s unlikely Pickens would be able to snag No. 1.
No. 7 is the only single-digit number available for the Steelers at the moment, but No.’s 2, 3 and 4 will all open up when Fields, Russell Wilson and Kyle Allen become free agents on Monday.
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