Steelers unexpectedly decide on $45 million for DK Metcalf

Support for DK Metcalf from the Steelers

DK Metcalf has the backing of the Pittsburgh Steelers, especially after a recent incident.

The talented wide receiver was suspended for the last two games of the season due to a violent confrontation with a Lions fan on December 21. Although the Steelers had the option to waive his bond and recover his salary during the suspension, they chose not to take that path.

Jay Glazer, an NFL insider, mentioned on “Fox NFL Kickoff” that the Steelers could have reclaimed all of Metcalf’s pay because of his suspension, but they preferred to support him instead. They want to commit to Metcalf in the long run, even amid this situation.

Earlier this offseason, Metcalf signed a four-year, $132 million deal, which included $60 million guaranteed initially when he joined from the Seahawks. However, his suspension may put the remaining $45 million in future guarantees at risk.

The team had the ability to void Metcalf’s guarantee and release him without consequences at any point during his contract. The altercation that led to the suspension involved Metcalf, who reportedly engaged with a fan named Ryan Kennedy, grabbing him by the hair and attempting a punch that missed.

Chad Johnson noted that Metcalf claimed the fan used racist language, provoking his strong reaction. Supposedly, a video surfaced showing Kennedy stating, “That’s what I was after,” after they had a confrontation.

Kennedy allegedly taunted Metcalf, who had previously alerted security about him. In response, Kennedy has hired attorney Sean Head to demand that Metcalf withdraw his remarks about the comments being racist.

Head, speaking alongside Kennedy, said that being falsely labeled as a racist is incredibly damaging. He highlighted the real consequences such accusations can have.

Kennedy noted that the exchange escalated when he called Metcalf by his full name, Decalin Zecharius Metcalf.

Head asserted that they aim to clarify the situation and hold Metcalf accountable for his accusations, suggesting that he needs to clarify that he never heard any racial slurs from Kennedy.

They are contemplating all legal options to protect Kennedy and have no intention of trying this case in the media; they just want to set the record straight.

So far, neither Kennedy nor his lawyer has dismissed the possibility of taking legal action against Metcalf, who hasn’t been seen or contacted in the past week.