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Superstar 4x Pro Bowl Says That He Does NOT Want To Do a Jersey Swap With DK Metcaf After His Performance

Stefon Diggs: Drake Maye isn't a 'softie' when it comes to criticism

Foxborough, MA — In a moment that quickly went viral, New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs publicly declined a jersey swap with Pittsburgh Steelers star DK Metcalf following the Patriots’ 21–14 loss to Pittsburgh.

According to Diggs, the refusal wasn’t personal but performance-based. “I respect DK as a player, but I’m not in the business of swapping with somebody who didn’t show up tonight,” Diggs said, citing Metcalf’s quiet stat line against a swarming New England defense.

The snub carried added intrigue because of the pair’s indirect offseason connection. The Patriots, searching for a veteran receiving anchor, chose to sign Diggs despite his ACL recovery instead of exploring a potential trade for Metcalf.

Meanwhile, Metcalf had pushed for a move away from Seattle back in March, citing stalled contract talks and frustration with a rebuilding Seahawks roster. That trade request ultimately led him to Pittsburgh, where he was paired with Aaron Rodgers in what many expected to be one of the NFL’s most explosive quarterback–receiver duos.

Against New England, however, the Rodgers–Metcalf connection sputtered. The Patriots’ defense limited Metcalf’s impact throughout the night, feeding into Diggs’ sharp postgame commentary.

When asked about the jersey-swap snub, Metcalf remained composed:
“I don’t take it personal. Respect is earned every Sunday. I didn’t give my best tonight, but I know who I am — and I’ll be back to prove it.”

Metcalf remains firmly in the spotlight off the field, thanks to his engagement to singer Normani, who recently sported his Steelers jersey in an NFL promotional campaign. The juxtaposition of Metcalf’s star power with a subdued on-field outing only amplified the conversation around Diggs’ decision.

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722