DK Metcalf appealed his two-game suspension, but the appeal has now been rejected. This also means that the receiver is set to lose tens of millions of dollars.

The NFL has finally confirmed the two-game suspension against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf after an unsuccessful appeal. The 28-year-old will now miss the decisive last two regular season games – with devastating financial consequences for the star player.

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Metcalf, who was traded to the Steelers before this season, will initially lose around $555,556 in salary for the missed games in Week 17 at the Cleveland Browns and Week 18 against the Baltimore Ravens as a result of the suspension.

NFL: Metcalf faces loss of $45 million

Far more serious, however, is the impact on his contract: according to several reports, the penalty for “conduct detrimental to the league” will result in the forfeiture of $45 million in future guaranteed payments.

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In total, Metcalf could lose up to $45.5 million—one of the highest financial penalties in NFL history due to such a contract clause.

The Steelers have not yet made any official statements as to whether they will activate the clauses in the contract and cancel the guarantees. However, internal signals indicate that the team continues to stand by Metcalf, who caught 59 passes for 850 yards and six touchdowns in his first season in Pittsburgh.

Metcalf gets into altercation with Lions fan

The penalty stems from an altercation with a fan during last Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. Metcalf got into a physical confrontation that was deemed a violation of the league’s conduct policy. The appeal was denied, so the suspension remains unchanged.

“He explained to me why he did what he did. I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK. He’s a great guy, a good teammate, and he works extremely hard,” said head coach Mike Tomlin.

The Steelers (9-6), who lead the AFC North and can clinch the division title in Week 17, will have to do without Metcalf and Calvin Austin, who is nursing a thigh injury. Second-round pick Roman Wilson is expected to see more playing time.

The suspension ends on January 4, 2026, meaning Metcalf would be available again for a possible wild-card playoff game. A win against the Browns would secure a playoff spot.