DK Metcalf’s suspension for altercation with fan puts $45 million in guaranteed money at risk

DK Metcalf’s two-game suspension for his altercation with a fan in Detroit could hit him in more ways than just missing out on the field. 

The ban, which the league dubbed “conduct detrimental to the NFL,” voids the $45 million in future guaranteed money in his contract, according to a report by CBS Sports. 

A clause in his deal with the Steelers mentions that should Metcalf not “practice or play with the Club for any reason,” the guarantees he has “will be NULL AND VOID,” which includes a player suspension by the NFL or Steelers for “Conduct Detrimental.”

Metcalf is still able to earn the $45 million over the next two years, but the voided guarantees would make it easier for the Steelers should they need a financial out after two seasons. 

Pittsburgh Steelers’ DK Metcalf walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. AP

The wide receiver has $20 million that has been injury-protected in 2027, meaning that if Metcalf had a severe injury during the 2026 season that prohibited him from passing a physical in the following March, he would be guaranteed $20 million for the 2027 season. 

But if the suspension stands, that protection would disappear. 

Metcalf is appealing the suspension, but unless it is entirely overturned, his guarantees would still be voided, per the report. 

As it stands, he’s slated to miss the final two games of the season due to the ban that he received for an altercation with a Lions fan on Sunday. 

Metcalf grabbed the shirt of a Lions fan in a blue wig, pulling him down to exchange words and then seemed to take a swipe at him and hit the man’s wig. 

DK Metcalf #4 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 21, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. Getty Images

There have been conflicting reports about what led to the altercation. 

The fan – who identified himself as Ryan Kennedy – claimed that he had called Metcalf by his government name and that set off the incident. 

Former NFL receiver Chad Johnson said on his podcast that the fan had called Metcalf a racial slur and referred to the Steelers’ player’s mom in a derogatory way.