DK Metcalf wants out of Seattle. Which teams could be potential trade partners?
This week we were surprised by the information that DK Metcalf had requested to be traded. This was after new OC Klint Kubiak praised him a lot and HC Mike Macdonald highlighted his importance and quality for Seattle in 2025.
In this text we will try to think of some possible destinations for the Seattle receiver.
A move by his agent?
The first thought of some was that this could be a move by his agent to get a renewal with the Seahawks. I don’t believe that is the case. Although John Schneider said on the radio show that everything happened in a cordial manner, it was reported that the team was not happy that this information was leaked on the day the team was paying tribute to Tyler Lockett.
Well, if only Seattle and the receiver (and his group of agents) knew, the only one who could have leaked it was DK (or his team). Add to that the fact that he said he wants to play for a contender and, according to Dianna Russini, for a team that has the most stable QB situation.
I don’t think it would be healthy for him to come back for a renewal, especially since he’s looking for 30M. It’s worth remembering that DK never became the leader expected after the departure of the team’s leaders. In fact, he’s the most undisciplined receiver since he entered the league in terms of penalties. He’s even been shown yelling at his OC on the sideline (no matter what Ryan Grubb did, that’s not the right attitude), so he’s far from being an example for the younger guys.
Geno Smith is the problem?
When the desire to leave DK Metcalf and play for a contender was announced, it was immediately related to Geno Smith’s level of play. If you’re a regular reader, you know I’m not Geno’s biggest fan, but he’s not to blame for DK Metcalf’s vanity crisis.
The fact is that the two do not have the same synergy that, for example, number 14 had with RW. There are often plays in which the receiver was free and did not receive the ball (which is basically an aggression for such a vain WR) and plays in which DK changed his route for something that Geno was not expecting. In fact, in two of these plays (49ers and Vikings) the interception came and the Seahawks lost the game partly because of it.
Metcalf won’t be catching passes from Geno anymore now that Smith is with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The impact of the trade
Yes, DK is an extremely talented receiver and his absence will be felt. His departure would open up more than 10M in the cap and give the Seahawks more draft capital. The big issue is that, as much as we trust JSN, we went from a state in which we had JSN, DK and Lockett as WR1, WR2 and WR3 to a world in which we have JSN, Jake Bobo and Dareke Young.
It’s a huge change. If you notice in the texts about free agency, I didn’t even invest time in bringing up the option of a wide receiver because it wouldn’t be a big priority for Seattle. Now everything has changed and the team will need a WR earlier in the Draft.
Another important point. Don’t fall for the fallacy of: “If the Seahawks don’t find a trade partner or only offer a third rounder, it’s better to wait a year and get a compensatory pick after DK leaves.”
I’ve seen this argument a lot on the internet these days and it doesn’t make any sense. First, we don’t have the compensatory pick automatically. That would depend on the free agent turnover formula. Since ours needs a lot of reinforcement, we probably won’t qualify for compensatory picks again.
Furthermore, compensatory picks happen at the end of the round. In other words, a third-round compensatory pick would be the equivalent of almost a fourth-round pick. Furthermore, you wouldn’t free up any cap space this year and you’d still have a disgruntled player who might even refuse to play under that contract.
Comparing to other receivers’ trades
It’s been reported that Seattle expects a first- and third-round pick for DK. That’s right. First of all, that’s how you negotiate. The seller asks for a higher value, the buyer wants a lower value, and you come to a common sense for both parties. Starting with a lower value would only result in DK being traded for a lower value.
The second fact is that if we compare DK, at 27 years old, to other similar trades, the value is within the context, it’s not crazy. Forget about trading Deebo Samuel for a fifth; that won’t dictate the market. Deebo had several problems staying healthy and was apparently a problem in the locker room, so much so that the 49ers agreed to take on a good part of his salary in the trade.
Let’s get to the trades:
Odell Beckham Jr (27) to the Browns: Was sent along with EDGE Olivier Vernon for Jabrill Peppers (S), Kevin Zeitler (OG), 1st, 3rd Rd Picks;
Stefon Diggs (27) to the Bills: Was sent along with a seventh for 1st, 4th, 5th, 6th Rd Picks;
DeAndre Hopkins (28) to the Cardinals: Was sent along with a fourth rounder for David Johnson (RB), 2nd, 4th Rd Picks;
Tyreek Hill (28) to the Dolphins: Sent in exchange for 1st, 2nd, 4th, 4th, 6th Rd Picks;
Davante Adams (30) to the Raiders: Sent in exchange for 1st, 2nd Rd Picks;
Davante Adams (32) to the Jets: Sent in exchange for a conditional pick that became a 3rd Rd Pick.
Looking at these trades, I think it’s impossible to say that asking for a first and third pick is crazy. All of the trades are within the range, except for Hopkins, which can’t be taken as a basis since it was considered one of the worst trades made by the GM, basically giving away his best receiver on the team.
Possible candidates
As mentioned at the beginning of the text, DK is looking for a $30M annual contract and to play for a contender. This could limit us to a few teams, especially since, normally, contenders have their cap invested in their great players, so it would be difficult to find space for this amount requested for DK.
Los Angeles Chargers
For me, this is the most likely destination. The Chargers have had a need for a WR for a long time and because of that, it was reported that they had already sought to trade for DK before. In addition, they have an elite QB, DK would be a fantastic complement to Ladd McConkey. This is a team that will be in the playoffs again next year.
Add to that the fact that DK said he wants to play in a “hot” place and he has a house in LA.
Potential trade package: 1st and 3rd
PS: Forget about any package involving Quentin Johnston. It doesn’t make any sense. He and his drops are exactly why the Chargers are “desperate” in search of a WR.
Green Bay Packers
This is the team that comes next when we talk about DK. An offensive coach and a team that needs this vertical threat so as not to be dependent on Christian Watson. The Packers would have some WR to send to Seattle and still have two good TEs in Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave who could be added to the package.
Potential trade package: 2nd and 4th + TE Luke Musgrave or WR Dontayvion Wicks
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are a contender, have an extremely strong team and a need to give Josh Allen more weapons. DK would fit perfectly in the offense being a vertical threat for Josh Allen’s strong arm.
Potential trade package: 1st and 4th (108)
Houston Texans
The Texans have a young QB who struggled with running the offense last season, but they remain a young and promising playoff team. They have Stefon Diggs as FA and lost Tank Dell, who will undergo another surgery and will miss the 2025 seaspm. Even though they traded for Christian Kirk, he is still a need for the team.
Potential trade package: 1st and 3rd
Las Vegas Raiders
Playing for Pete Carroll again may be something DK wants. This was obviously written before the Smith trade so it’s unknown if there’s still an interest from the Raiders in DK or if DK wants to play with Smith again. In addition to the relationship with Pete, the Raiders pick in the second round at pick 37. That’s five picks after the end of the first round, it’s basically a first round.
Potential trade package: 2nd and TE Michael Meyer
New England Patriots
Patriots have plenty of cap space and a promising QB in Drake Maye. However, the team may still have some time to reach its potential.
Potential trade package: 2nd, 3rd + Joe Milton