The Seattle Seahawks shook up the core of their wide receiver room by trading DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason amidst a contract dispute. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had technically replaced Metcalf as the Seahawks’ WR1 last season, leading the team in receptions (100), receiving yards (1,130), and touchdowns (six).
That doesn’t mean the Seahawks won’t miss their big-bodied boundary target in high-pressure situations, however.
Pro Football Focus recently collected data for what they call “safety-blanket WRs.” They assessed the highest target rates in 2024 when a quarterback is under pressure. In other words, which receivers were leaned on most when pass rushers got home?
Metcalf placed 10th on the list. He was targeted with the fifth-most under-pressure targets last season (39), per PFF. Metcalf’s “Threat Rate” was 17.9%.
“Metcalf saw the fifth-most under-pressure targets last season (39) and hauled in 20 for 302 yards and a touchdown,” Lauren Gray wrote. “He gained 13 first downs, recorded eight gains of 15-plus yards and posted a 78.4 PFF receiving grade in those situations.
“The now-Steelers receiver owns a 79.0 PFF receiving grade on pressured plays over the past three seasons and ranks in the top 10 in targets (98) and catches (54). He has recorded 762 receiving yards with five touchdowns, 19 explosive plays and 36 first downs.”
Despite JSN’s breakout season, the evidence suggests Geno Smith leaned on Metcalf when under pressure behind a lackluster offensive line. Sam Darnold is the Seahawks’ new starting QB, and his top receiver last season, Justin Jefferson, placed fifth on this list, indicating Darnold also had a tendency to hyper-focus on a specific target when under duress.
The Seahawks need JSN or Cooper Kupp to be that player in 2025.
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