DK Metcalf’s suspension gives Steelers massive out on his contract, and could cost WR millions

DK Metcalf has been suspended by the NFL for two games for “conduct detrimental to the league” after the Steelers wide receiver made contact with a Lions fan on Sunday. It’s a move that shouldn’t have a huge impact on Pittsburgh winning the AFC North, with the team needing just one win in its final two games against the Browns and Ravens, or Baltimore losing either of its two remaining games against the Packers and Steelers.

While Metcalf’s absence to close out the year might not shake up the playoff picture, there are potentially huge ramifications for his future with the Steelers as Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports that the suspension activated a clause in his contract that negates his contract being guaranteed.

“His four-year, $132 million contract from March, reviewed by CBS Sports, notes that if he “fails… to practice or play with the Club for any reason,” which includes “Player’s suspension by the NFL or Club for Conduct Detrimental,” his guarantees “will be NULL AND VOID.””

The Steelers don’t need to active this clause in the contract and can re-work the contract at any time if they wish, but there’s also a reality here where the Steelers could choose to use this as an out on the deal. Metcalf is poised to have his second straight season where he failed to reach 1,000 yards receiving, and it will have been five years since he recorded double-digit receiving touchdowns. Add in the factor that the Steelers have a history of being comfortable upsetting receivers for the team’s gain and it lays the foundation for Pittsburgh to keep Metcalf until it no longer makes financial sense for them, then release him without worries they will have huge amounts of dead cap on their books.

It’s anyone’s guess how this will play out, but it makes Metcalf and the Steelers a story to watch this offseason.