Jets Interested In Jameson Williams?
Involved in the Tyreek Hill and Amari Cooper trade talks, the Jets acquired neither. They have since been linked to D.K. Metcalf, having discussed the fourth-year wideout with the Seahawks. Those talks were not believed to have been substantial.
This points the Jets to a receiver in a draft featuring several ready-made contributors but one appearing to lack the top-end talent of last year’s class. It is not certain which of this year’s receiver crop will be the first to go off the board, but the Jets are believed to be interested in Alabama’s Jameson Williams, a source informed ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini. While the Jets are continuing to monitor the potential availability of Metcalf and 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel, Cimini notes, they will continue to be connected to using one of their first-round picks on this position.
The Jets-Williams connection comes shortly after a report indicating the Alabama receiver, despite the ACL tear he suffered in the national championship game, is moving toward being a top-10 pick. With linemen and defensive backs atop draft boards, it is possible the Jets would have their pick of the top wideout in this draft. The Jets hold the Nos. 4 and 10 picks in this year’s draft, and even taking their persistent receiver interest into account, it would surprise if the team used that No. 4 choice on one.
Williams’ tear is not likely to cost him much in this draft, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. noting a rise into the top 10 is not out of the question. The Jets have Corey Davis, the recently re-signed Braxton Berrios and second-rounders Elijah Moore and Denzel Mims. While Mims has not come especially close to justifying his draft slot, helping lead the team to this wideout-needy place, the Jets have some options at the position. They also have two picks atop the second round (Nos. 35 and 38, the latter coming via the Sam Darnold trade), should Joe Douglas and Co. opt to address other needs in Round 1. The Jets have not drafted a wideout in the first round since Santana Moss in 2001.
Prior to his knee injury, Williams broke through after transferring from Ohio State to Alabama. The 179-pound pass catcher posted a 79-catch, 1,572-yard, 15-touchdown season to help Bryce Young to the Heisman Trophy. Should he regain that form post-surgery, Williams would provide a tremendous speed injection to whichever offense he joins. ESPN gives he, ex-Buckeyes teammates Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, and USC’s Drake London top-20 grades among this draft’s receiver class. The Jets have met with Wilson, Olave and London, Cimini adds.
Seahawks Receiving Calls On D.K. Metcalf; Extension On Radar
After Pete Carroll‘s language regarding D.K. Metcalf‘s status resembled his pre-trade Russell Wilson stance, trade rumblings regarding the fourth-year wide receiver have emerged. John Schneider‘s recent comments on the escalating receiver market — one that now includes a big-ticket Stefon Diggs deal — also sent up a potential red flag about Metcalf’s Seattle situation.
Indeed, teams are calling the Seahawks on Metcalf, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com notes (video link). But it does not appear the talented wideout’s situation has reached the level where a trade is imminent. Metcalf said in January he wants to stay with the Seahawks, and Garafolo adds the team is interested in an extension. Both Schneider and Carroll have said the team intends to keep Metcalf on a long-term deal.
The Jets look to be one of the teams that have called, but Connor Hughes of The Athletic adds the team was told the Seahawks are “not accepting offers” on their Pro Bowl pass catcher. New York made a big push for Tyreek Hill and was in on the Amari Cooper market. The Jets have made it clear they are hunting for a wideout, and their Hill pursuit shows they are unafraid of paying up for a high-end target.
While Metcalf’s January comments came when Wilson was still on the team, the Seahawks’ disinterest in rebuilding also points to them prioritizing their second-round find. Metcalf is going into a contract year, joining a host of Day 2 receiver investments — from Deebo Samuel to A.J. Brown to Terry McLaurin — in that regard. Diggs, Hill and Davante Adams raised the receiver wage bar, injecting additional intrigue into the 2019 draftees’ contract talks. Metcalf is likely to want a deal in this range, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times notes. That will put the run-oriented Seahawks to a decision. Part of the reason the team bailed on Wilson was the monster extension the quarterback will be due by 2023.
The Seahawks already acquired two first-rounders and change for Wilson, arming the team with needed draft capital and stripping it of a franchise-quarterback contract. This would make a Metcalf payment easier. The Seahawks would also have the franchise tag in play in 2023, should this situation reach that point. A big offer, however, does keep the door open Metcalf could receive his second contract from another team.
Latest On Seahawks’ QB Situation, D.K. Metcalf
The Seahawks feel as though they have their next starting quarterback in Drew Lock, but they are one of few remaining teams expected to make another move of some kind at the position. It comes as no surprise, then, that head coach Pete Carroll says the team is “still in the quarterback business” as noted by Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. 
Which veteran the team would prefer to bring in isn’t a mystery, either. Carroll confirmed they are still trying to re-sign Geno Smith, who has been with Seattle for the past two seasons. The former Jet, Giant and Charger started three games in Russell Wilson‘s absence last year, throwing for 702 yards and five touchdowns, along with one interception.
“It just hasn’t happened” Carroll said of Smith. “It’s a negotiation.” It became clear even before the Wilson trade that Seattle wanted to retain the 31-year-old, who was arrested on suspicion of DUI in January. As Condotta notes (on Twitter), Smith is likely trying to leverage a more lucrative deal from Seattle “knowing they plan for him to compete to start and not just be a backup”.
Meanwhile, Carroll also addressed the contract status of receiver D.K. Metcalf. “We intend for him to be with us”, he said (Twitter link). The former second-rounder’s rookie contract expires at the end of the 2022 campaign, making him eligible for an extension – which would keep Metcalf in Seattle, something he expressed a desire for towards the end of the season.
While Carroll stated that “we have not gotten to that topic yet”, he added that “there’s no way I could imagine playing without him”. Included in some trade rumors, especially after the departures of Wilson and Bobby Wagner, Metcalf being signed long-term would provide some significant stability on an offense facing questions at the game’s most important position. In his three seasons, the Ole Miss alum has averaged 72 catches, 1,057 yards and just under 10 touchdowns per year.
Injury Update On Seahawks’ D.K. Metcalf
After the Seahawks’ season ended, there were questions as to whether or not wide receiver D.K. Metcalf would undergo foot surgery. It turns out the answer to that question is yes, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweets that Metcalf did indeed have a minor procedure recently.
[Related: D.K. Metcalf Wants To Stay With Seahawks]
Rapoport adds that the procedure was simply a matter of removing a screw in his injured foot, which had been put there during a previous surgery. That should help his chances of rebounding from his 2021 season, which, while still productive by any objective measure, was a step back from his previous campaign.
Dealing with the pain in his foot all year, the 24-year-old totalled 75 catches for 967 yards and 12 touchdowns. In comparison, he put up 83 receptions for 1,303 yards and 10 majors in 2020. In spite of the foot ailment – along with the overall injury concerns that surrounded him leading up to his selection in the second round of the 2019 Draft – Metcalf has yet to miss a game in his three-year career.
Assuming Metcalf is fully healed by the start of the 2022 season, he should be able to continue as one of the most unique, and most effective, receivers in the league. Providing a compliment to the style of fellow starter Tyler Lockett, the two could play a large role in helping the Seahawks return to playoff contention next year.
D.K. Metcalf Wants To Stay With Seahawks
Beyond the big questions, the Seahawks have lots on their to-do list this offseason. That includes a potential extension for D.K. Metcalf, whose rookie deal expires after the 2022 season. For his part, the wide receiver says he wants to stay with the Seahawks for the long haul.
[RELATED: Latest On Seahawks’ Wilson, Carroll]
“Of course,” Metcalf said when asked if he wants to sign a new deal with Seattle (via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times). “I’m not trying to leave, but we’ve got the Cardinals to focus on right now. You can hit me up later in the offseason if you need that question answered.”
Metcalf’s offseason may also include foot surgery, though no decision has been made on that front. Despite playing through serious pain this year, Metcalf has still managed 70 catches for 909 yards and 12 touchdowns across 16 games. In 2020, a healthier campaign, Metcalf went off for 83 grabs, 1,303 receiving yards, and ten TDs en route to his first Pro Bowl selection.
For now, the Seahawks have him under contract for one more year at a paltry $1.12MM cap hit. His next deal should take him north of $15MM/year, slotting him somewhere in the top ten at WR. No matter what the future holds for the team’s other stars, there’s no doubt that the Seahawks want Metcalf to be a part of it.
This Date In Transactions History: Seahawks Sign D.K. Metcalf
On this date in 2019, the Seahawks inked D.K. Metcalf to his first pro contract. The Ole Miss product was projected to be a first-round pick, but was left to sign for just $4.6MM over four years after an unexpected slide.
Earlier in the evening, the Seahawks moved down twice. Then, once Metcalf tumbled, the Seahawks went back up the ladder to grab the Patriots’ No. 64 pick. Some evaluators weren’t all that high on Metcalf, apparently, but few could argue with the value.
Metcalf drew national attention for his physique, but the Seahawks saw him as more than just a 6’3″ mass of muscles. He first broke out on the scene with 39 grabs for 646 yards and seven touchdowns as a sophomore at Ole Miss. His follow-up year wasn’t quite as stellar — Metcalf was limited to just seven games while A.J. Brown stole the show.
Taken near the end of Round 2, Metcalf wound up as the ninth receiver to come off the board. But, other than Brown and Terry McLaurin, he dazzled like no other rookie WR that year. Straight off the bat, Metcalf had 58 catches for 900 yards and seven touchdowns. Then, last year, he took his game to a whole ‘nother level with 83 receptions for 1,303 yards and ten touchdowns.
Metcalf used his draft night slight as fuel and took that momentum into 2020 for an even bigger year. With similar progression, Metcalf could set himself up for a serious fifth-year payday while his first-round counterparts play out their option seasons.
Eagles Notes: Schwartz, WRs, Groh, Staff
In a rookie receiver class that included big seasons from A.J. Brown, D.K. Metcalf, Terry McLaurin and others, the Eagles did not get much from second-round pick J.J. Arcega-Whiteside. The Stanford prospect caught 10 passes for 169 yards, even as the team losing each of its starters created consistent opportunities. The Eagles bypassed Metcalf for Arcega-Whiteside, but Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer notes the team placed a higher grade on the eventual Seahawks starter. But Metcalf having failed an Eagles physical meant the team did not want to use a second-round pick on him, McLane adds. Metcalf amassed 900 regular-season receiving yards and posted 160 in Seattle’s win over Philadelphia in Round 1. Regardless, the Eagles will likely be linked to first-round wideouts this year. The Eagles are “all over” this year’s wideout and cornerback classes, per Matt Miller of Bleacher Report.
Here is the latest from Philadelphia:
- The Eagles restructured Alshon Jeffery‘s deal to create 2019 cap space, guaranteeing the veteran receiver’s $9.9MM 2020 salary. It would cost the Eagles more than $26MM to release the soon-to-be 30-year-old target, but McLane notes offset language is included in Jeffery’s deal. It is unclear, however, how much the Eagles would save if another team signed Jeffery after a release. Howie Roseman has done well in recent years to create roster-improvement avenues for the Eagles. But with Jeffery and 33-year-old DeSean Jackson‘s money nearly fully guaranteed, the veteran GM may need to get creative to improve Philly’s wideout situation.
- Roseman appeared to hint at the Eagles’ window closing with their current nucleus, and McLane expects the team to cut ties with some regulars to infuse the roster with younger talent (Twitter link). Roseman projects the Eagles to hold 10 draft picks in April, meaning three compensatory selections, and held off dealing two first-round picks for Jalen Ramsey because of Carson Wentz‘s contract requiring more rookie-deal salaries on the roster (Twitter links via NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo and SI.com’s Albert Breer). Roseman has been aggressive on acquiring veterans for draft picks in recent years; the Eagles may change up that strategy in 2020. They currently have 11 starters under contract who are over 30 or will be by year’s end.
- Jim Schwartz interviewed for the Browns’ HC job on Wednesday, but the Eagles would like him to stay. Doug Pederson would like him to return for a fifth season as Philly’s DC, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
- Pederson was clear on the statuses of offensive coordinator Mike Groh and wideouts coach Carson Walch, indicating (via ESPN.com’s Tim McManus, on Twitter) both will be back next season. Pederson, however, added all of the Eagles’ staffers remain under evaluation. Despite Schwartz’s interview with Cleveland and Pederson’s declarative statement on Groh and Wach, McLane sees the DC as being more likely to be back than the offensive staffers (Twitter link). It was obviously a rough year for Eagles wide receivers. And Groh’s offense — likely as a result of the frequent starter unavailability — ranked 14th in DVOA in his second season at the helm.
West Rumors: 49ers, Metcalf, Raiders
It’s been a rough year for 49ers injuries. A few of their key players may not be ready for Week 1. It is now possible Nick Bosa and Jason Verrett will join the likes of Garrett Celek and Jerick McKinnon (in all likelihood) as being sidelined for San Francisco’s opener. During an interview with KNBR (via Pro Football Talk), John Lynch called both Bosa and Verrett 50-50 to suit up for the 49ers’ opener against the Buccaneers. Bosa is battling a high ankle sprain — his latest in a string of maladies since his junior year at Ohio State — and Verrett is also dealing with ankle trouble. The injury-prone cornerback, who tore an Achilles’ tendon in July 2018, sprained an ankle August 7.
Shifting first to some issues the Seahawks’ Week 1 contingent may have, here is the latest from the West divisions:
- Two key Seahawks wide receivers may not be ready for the team’s 2019 opener. D.K. Metcalf underwent knee surgery this week and is uncertain for Week 1, while Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets David Moore will not be ready for Seattle’s 2019 debut. Moore will seek a second opinion on a shoulder injury, one Pelissero notes is not expected to require surgery. But Pete Carroll confirmed Moore (26 receptions for 445 yards and five TDs in 2018) will not suit up in Week 1. Moore and Metcalf are expected to play key roles for the post-Doug Baldwin Seahawks. They may have to supplement Tyler Lockett with lower-profile players early.
- Thought to be on the wrong side of the 49ers‘ roster bubble, Jordan Matthews may be on the verge of making the team. The 49ers held the veteran receiver out of action Monday in Denver, and Kyle Shanahan confirmed he did so to get a look at his younger talents. “Jordan’s had a hell of a camp,” Shanahan said, via Matt Barrows of The Athletic (subscription required). “He’s done very good in practice; he’s been consistent in OTAs. He’s been very consistent in training camp, and we’ve seen him a lot on tape before he got here. I’ve got a lot of confidence in Jordan, and I know we can win with Jordan.” This, of course, does not mean the 27-year-old pass catcher is a roster lock. But it does paint a picture of the 49ers potentially opting for dependability here.
- Hard Knocks has chronicled rookie UDFA Keelan Doss‘ attempt to make the Raiders, and after three preseason games, Vic Tafur of The Athletic has the receiver making the team over Ryan Grant. As for the former Redskins and Colts talent, the Raiders held him out of action Thursday in Winnipeg. While that could mean Grant has secured a spot on Oakland’s 53-man roster, Tafur expects a trade to occur in the coming days rather than the team keeping seven wideouts.
- The most recent Hard Knocks episode showed plenty of an irritated Jon Gruden, with the ire being primarily directed toward backup quarterbacks. But Tafur expects the Raiders to keep both Mike Glennon and Nathan Peterman, pegging Gruden as viewing the former as the more reliable player and the latter with greater upside (despite his previous regular-season resume).
Seahawks Sign D.K. Metcalf
The Seahawks have officially signed second-round pick D.K. Metcalf, according to a team announcement. Per the terms of his slot, Metcalf will earn roughly $4.6MM over the course of his four-year deal. 
Metcalf has drawn national attention for his physique, but the Seahawks see him as more than just a 6’3″ mass of muscles. The Ole Miss product was widely projected to be a first-round pick this year, but the Seahawks managed to snag him at the end of the second round after a trade up with the Patriots.
Metcalf’s skill set was a hotly debated topic in the draft community, with his college production and agility numbers paling in comparison to his physique and speed-strength combination. Ultimately, he was the ninth wide receiver selected in the 2019 draft.
As a freshman, Metcalf caught 39 passes for 646 yards and seven touchdowns. All turned out to be career-best marks, with A.J. Brown having led the Rebels in receiving last season. Metcalf finished as Ole Miss’ third-leading receiver in 2018, despite appearing in only seven games.
The Seahawks now have ten of their eleven draft picks officially in the fold – only third-round linebacker Cody Barton remains unsigned.
Seahawks Trade Up For D.K. Metcalf
After trading down multiple times in this draft, the Seahawks made a move up. They acquired the No. 64 overall pick from the Patriots.
Seattle moved down in both the first and second rounds. They have been the most fluid team in this draft, which featured them having an extra first-round pick because of the Frank Clark trade.
The move will result in the Seahawks ending D.K. Metcalf‘s slide. The workout phenom will be a second-round pick. Metcalf will attempt to prove what turned out to be a litany of doubters wrong in Seattle. He joins a Doug Baldwin– and Tyler Lockett-fronted receiving corps. Although, Baldwin’s status is now up in the air.
Metcalf’s skill set became a hotly debated topic, with his college production and agility numbers paling in comparison to his physique and speed-strength combination. Many mocked Metcalf as a first-rounder, but the late reports of teams doubting him turned out to be accurate. He became this year’s ninth receiver taken.
The 6-foot-3 wideout declared after his sophomore season. As a freshman, Metcalf caught 39 passes for 646 yards and seven touchdowns. All turned out to be career-best marks, with A.J. Brown having led the Rebels in receiving last season. Metcalf finished as Ole Miss’ third-leading receiver in 2018.