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.
[RELATED: Seahawks Want Trade Done Before Draft]
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.
Agreed.
They better be willing to settle on a round 3
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.
Good point. I agree
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.
You’re giving up an unknown commodity for a sure fire stud. DK is 27, he is a significantly better value than geriatric Diggs or Adams (Yes the line for being Geriatric is 30 for Wide Receivers). First and a third is probably a bit high but it’s not that far off. I’d predict a 3rd and a conditional 2nd next year that could become a 1st based on playoffs or playing time
That lost step cost him. He could get it back. But there’s no incentive.
Lost a step, LOL. He’s the fastest +230# player in NFL history.
Seperation stats.
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.
I’m still so numb from that trade. What a dumpster fire it’s been for the Mavs, too.
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.
1st round pick aye?
Steelers will give you Calvin Austin and a 2027 3rd round pick
This dudes over rated and nowhere near a 30 M Wr
He never puts it all together, JSN was a better Wr than him last year…Lockette for years hung right with him for target share despite being a dinosaur. Now DK is probably at the clubhouse and on the back 9 starting next year
He’s closer to Jacobi Meyers than an Alpha
Ridiculous take.
DK is a true #1 whose numbers are held back by QB play if we’re being honest.
Geno took a huge step backwards after his near MVP year that got him that big contract.
So a team would have to dole out 30mil a year plus a 1st round pick?? That’s a tough sell
Well he is off the market for awhile. They are working on a new deal. I would be surprised if he signs it. Still think he wants to go to a SB contender. I don’t see us being that for 3 years at least.
GB offered a 1st and Wick for him. That was before the trade demand. The demand won’t mean as much as you basement GMs are making it out to be. What is the difference if he asks for a trade and your team wants him but another puts a bid out for him? Now you decide do I go over theirs or drop it. DK could be a great #1 if he gets the ball enough. Most of you guys have seen him a handful of times? He is better than you think.
DK may have the talent to be a “great number #1,” but he doesn’t play like it. He’s never going to be any different or better than he is right now. He’s not as good as you think.
He is better than you think. How many games have you honestly seem him play? How many times have you seen him make a one handed catch keep his feet in bounds while fighting off the defender with his other hand? I have seen him make catches that would land other players on BSPN’s top 10 and he doesn’t get a nod. You guys think you know so much but have seen a handful of games. GB is going after him hard and they will do the 1st and Wicks or something close. You have to remember coaches are an arrogant bunch. They think they can fix whatever ails a player.
If you don’t want to win. You gotta pay the star player to sell tickets. Lol. 3-100$ 25 per guaranteed
Some of these comments are beyond ridiculous.
DK is absolutely a $30+ million per year player and is only 27. By the comments, you’d think he’s not a guy who’s been at or around 1,000 receiving yards every year of his career and is 30+ or something!
True he’s not going to get the same return or contract AJ Brown did from the Eagles but he’s right up there with anybody as a receiver.
He’s not a top 15 WR in the league not even the top guy on his team .. he’s def not a 30mil guy
Insane take.
considering the cost of a new contract as a requirement to a trade, the Seahawks will be lucky to get a 4th rounder.
Lol they will get a 2nd rounder minimum Branding Cooks was traded for a 1st round pick twice
Cooks wasn’t looking for a big fat new contract. Metcalf want 30mil per, no team is going to expend high draft picks AND pay a big salary. Max they get if they find a sucker will be a 3rd, more likely they get a 4th.
Brandon Cooks was traded for a 1st round pick twice
Neither one of those is happening. He might get extended next year but he’s notvgetting that this year and a team giving up a one. They might getva 3rd and a 5th if they est some money on his deal.