The Pittsburgh Steelers are standing by DK Metcalf. Despite the star wide receiver being suspended for the final two games of the season following a violent altercation with a fan last month, the Steelers have opted not to void any of his guaranteed money, according to Fox NFL insider Jay Glazer (via the New York Post).
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"Because he got suspended, the Steelers could have basically taken back all of his guarantees," Glazer said Sunday on Fox NFL Kickoff. "They decided not to do that. They're going to stick with DK. They want to make a long-term commitment to him, even in situations like this."
Metcalf was suspended two games after an on-field incident involving a Detroit Lions fan on Dec. 21. The punishment opened the door for Pittsburgh to void the remaining $45 million in guaranteed money tied to the four-year, $132 million contract he signed after being acquired from Seattle. The deal included $60 million guaranteed at signing. The Steelers chose not to exercise that option.
DK Metcalf appears to have an altercation with a Detroit fan pic.twitter.com/a478Zjg3tR
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 21, 2025
The incident involved Metcalf confronting a fan later identified as Ryan Kennedy, grabbing him by the hair and pulling him down before throwing a punch that did not fully land. Metcalf, 28, has alleged the fan directed racially charged language toward him, a claim echoed publicly by Chad Johnson.
Video later surfaced appearing to show Kennedy saying, "that was the goal," after the confrontation.
Kennedy has denied using any racial slurs and has retained attorney Shawn Head, who has demanded that Metcalf retract the allegation.
"Being falsely branded as a racist is one of the most damaging accusations that a private citizen can endure," Head said during a recent press conference. "It's dangerous and causes very real consequences."
Kennedy has said he addressed the receiver by his full name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf, which he claims sparked the exchange. Head said legal options remain under review and did not rule out potential action.
Metcalf missed Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns, a game decided on the final play with a back-shoulder fade, one of his signature routes.
Even amid the controversy, Pittsburgh's message appears clear. The Steelers are backing their receiver, now and long term.
