DK Metcalf's physical confrontation with a Detroit Lions fan On Sunday, he will miss the remainder of the regular season and forfeit more than $555,000 in salary. But the impact can go beyond that.
Disqualification for two games for what? NFL The terms of “conduct detrimental” to the league will now void at least $45 million in future guaranteed money for Pittsburgh Steelers receiver. Metcalf will still be able to earn that money over the next two years.
His four-year, $132 million contract, signed in March and reviewed by CBS Sports, notes that if he is “unable … to practice or play with the club for any reason,” including “a player suspension by the NFL or by the club for harmful conduct,” his guarantees “will be VOID.”
Metcalfe Looks like he hit a Lions fan during the first half of Pittsburgh's eventual 29-24 win Sunday. Metcalfe reportedly had a previous history with a fan when he was a member Seattle Seahawks.
Metcalf plans to appeal the two-game suspension, which will be reviewed by either commissioner Roger Goodell or one of his commissioners. Even if Metcalf's suspension is shortened to one game, his contract guarantees will still automatically be voided.
Metcalf's 2026 salary of $25 million was previously fully guaranteed. If he is suspended for at least one game, this guarantee will be void. But it's highly unlikely the Steelers will part ways with Metcalf before the 2026 season after they sent a second-round pick to Seattle in the spring for him, who is now their top receiver. He will still be eligible to receive every dollar of his salary next season and beyond, regardless of his guaranteed status.
Void guarantees will become more important in 2027, when $20 million of salary will be protected against injury. If Metcalf suffers a serious injury during the 2026 season that prevents him from passing his physical in March 2027, he will be guaranteed $20 million for the upcoming season. If the suspension continues, that guarantee will disappear, giving the Steelers a potential financial benefit after two seasons if they want or need to take advantage of it.
With millions at stake, it wouldn't be surprising to see Metcalf appealing the league's decision on Monday. But the appeal will be heard by the same league that issued the punishment, unlike how players suspended for actions such as unnecessary roughness are handled by officers jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
If this ends Metcalf's season, the 28-year-old will have the least productive year of his career. His 59 receptions are the fewest since his rookie season in 2019, and his 850 yards will be his fewest in seven seasons.
The Steelers' DK Metcalf had previous experience with a Lions fan with whom he had a confrontation, according to the report.
Jordan Dajani
Meanwhile, the Steelers could clinch the AFC North title this weekend before even playing Sunday against the Steelers. Browns. If Crows lose Packers on Saturday or if the Steelers beat the Browns on Sunday, Pittsburgh will clinch the division and the fourth AFC playoff spot.
