The Pittsburgh Steelers have a real DK Metcalf problem on their hands, so much so that a former player of the team has claimed a rookie wideout has surpassed him as the No. 1 pass catcher on offense.
According to former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex, Bernard may be the Steelers' No. 1 wide receiver at the moment, thanks to Metcalf's struggles with drops and separation against man coverage.
“Metcalf’s performance has dictated that he gets some flak," Essex said via Blitzburgh. "Because he hasn’t performed. Germie Bernard is becoming more of a comfort blanket for Rodgers than DK is. If I had to put it, Germie is probably our No. 1 receiver now.”
Bernard, who was drafted by the Steelers with the 47th overall pick in the second round of the 2026
NFL Draft, has emerged as one of Aaron Rodgers' favorite targets. Through eight games, Bernard has recorded 32 catches for 284 yards and one touchdown.
Spending his first six years with the Seattle Seahawks, Metcalf was traded to Pittsburgh in March 2025 but has failed to live up to the $132 million extension the Steelers handed out to him. Metcalf has recorded just 1,228 yards and seven touchdowns through 23 games with Pittsburgh and has been responsible for some egregious drops in 2026, such as when he bobbled an easy catch straight into Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward's hands for an interception.
The Steelers would be wise to address the wide receiver position at the trade deadline, but as Essex pointed out, Bernard very well could be the team's No. 1 wide receiver when the 2026 season is all said and done.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers rookie Germie Bernard drawing WR1 buzz over DK Metcalf
