Talk of a potential D.K. Metcalf trade has taken place this offseason, and his situation saw a notable development yesterday when a request to be moved emerged. Further details on the financial motivation behind the move have emerged. 
Metcalf – who has one year remaining on his pact – is seeking a new deal worth roughly $30MM per season, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. The receiver market has surged in recent years, and six wideouts are currently attached to a pact worth at least that much on an annual basis. That group will no doubt grow in size in 2025, with Ja’Marr Chase a strong candidate to reset the market on a Bengals extension.
In 2022, Metcalf inked a three-year, $72MM extension. A jump to $30MM in AAV would therefore represent a notable raise, but even if he fails to secure it he could look to land a new round of locked in compensation with the Seahawks or an acquiring team. None of the 27-year-old’s base salary (just over $18MM) for 2025 is guaranteed, and an extension would help lower his scheduled cap hit of $31.86MM.
To no surprise, Russini adds multiple teams have checked in on Metcalf’s availability. Seattle has Jaxon Smith-Njigba set to operate as a focal point in the passing game for years to come, but the expected move of releasing Tyler Lockett leaves the team thinner at the receiver spot. Moving on from Metcalf would create a notable void, something reflected in the team’s asking price. Per Russini, Seattle is seeking a first- and third-round pick in a trade for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Metcalf has missed only three games in his career, and his least-productive campaign to date came in his rookie season (900 yards on 58 receptions). Considering his age, durability and consistent statistical output, the Ole Miss product would be an attractive option for any number of teams seeking a boost in the passing game. The Patriots have shown interest, while – in the wake of his trade request – Metcalf was linked yesterday to the Chargers. Both AFC squads are in the market for proven commodities at the receiver spot, and they find themselves first and third, respectively, in the league in cap space as things stand.
The Seahawks achieved cap compliance through the Lockett release and the decision to move on from a quartet of veterans which preceded it. They could theoretically keep Metcalf on the books at his current figure, but working out a long-term deal would no doubt be welcomed by both parties. The extent to which interest from outside teams affects his price for Seattle will be a key factor in determining how this situation plays out.
I could see DK get close to 30m, but not over it. But the Seabags are not getting a 1st round pick for him. No chance, no how.
Agreed. Can’t see a team giving up a first and a third and having to sign him to a 30 mil per contract. The contract demand lowers the trade haul.
I think they would be lucky to squeeze a second rounder out of a team. Maybe with a pick swap or later round going back the other way it could happen though.
I guess the Seahawks are keeping him then. Oh well, lots of other players that dont cost premium picks out there.
Feels like Seattle put that out to scare people away? Make it seem like he can’t get that amount elsewhere and return home for under 30mil. Plus a first is never happening so that adds more fuel to the speculation.
Only way I see Seahawks getting a 1st if if they do a pick swap like KC and BAL did with Orlando Brown
Baltimore got KCs 1st
KC got Brown and BAL 2nd
So maybe you do
Seattle gets say Chargers 23rd pick? 21st pick? Idk what their first is off top of my head
And Chargers get Metcalf and seattles 2nd.
I get why Seattle thinks they’ll get a 1st and 3rd. Aj Brown to eagles but DK publicly demanding a trade complicates things.
I don’t think there would even be an appetite for a pick swap. You’d be giving up five years of a rookie player that could help you for four, in addition to paying DK. You could keep your 1st and just sign Adams or Diggs, and you’re probably better off. Seattle is delusional.
That lost step cost him. He could get it back. But there’s no incentive.
I doubt the Seahawks get a first. The immediate comp is the AJ Brown trade where the Eagles gave up a 1st for Brown. Brown was younger and wasn’t demanding a trade either which favors the return the Titans received.
DK I think would be worth a 1st without the added context, but teams knowing he has demanded a trade and what it would take to get him extended likely brings his value down.
Exactly what I’ve been saying, Hollywood brown from the ravens is the other comp, but again a few years younger. Second round value is probably fair.
I think realistically both parties settle for a notch less. Metcalf might return a second for Seattle and might land in the Jaylen Waddle salary zone in the high 20s per year for himself if things go well for both.
If he wants 30mm I’d pay it. If he wanted to be the top paid WR I wouldn’t but 30mm is reasonable
They should take a second and just draft a WR with the pick. Getting a first is tough in this market where he wants to get paid paid.
$30M is the cap for me, and I like him. Draft comp after that would have to be light.
The question I have is who you would want on your team more as a wide receiver…D.K. Metcalf or Tee Higgins?
Metcalf is a year older (27) and a bit bigger (6’4″ / 245 lb.) than Higgins (26 – 6’4″ / 219 lb.) but both had very similar stats last year. Higgins is playing on a 26.16 million dollar tag this year so of the two who is worth a contract over 30 million a year?
Not the biggest higgins fan, and I don’t hate DK, but I’d take Higgins. He did all his production with the receiving triple crown winner in chase across from him. It would be reasonable to expect higgins production to go up if he were the #1 wr with more targets. DK is at his ceiling. Dudes built like a machine, but higgins leaner frame is less of an injury risk long term.
A Mere bag of Shells
The only GM that would give up a 1st for DK is Nico Harrison. The Seahawks should call the Mavs.
No one is giving up a first round pick only to pay out $30M per for a player that has some question marks. He’s $25M per at best, and a third round pick is more realistic.