By Dianna Russini, Michael-Shawn Dugar, and Chris Licata
DK Metcalf, the standout receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, is looking for a trade after six seasons with the team. Sources tell The Athletic that discussions with other teams have already started.
The Seahawks want a first-round and a third-round pick in return for the star player. Metcalf is also aiming for a new deal that would pay him about $30 million each year.
His trade request surfaced on the same day the Seahawks released Tyler Lockett, their longest-serving player, who is now a free agent as the new league year approaches.
Metcalf, now 27, was picked in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Over his six seasons, he has consistently put up impressive numbers, with at least 900 receiving yards each year. His career stats include 438 receptions, 6,324 receiving yards, and 48 touchdowns, plus five touchdowns and 451 yards in postseason play.
Unfortunately, Seattle has struggled lately, missing the playoffs in the last two seasons and not advancing past the wild-card round since Metcalf’s rookie year.
Money is a big factor in this situation. Metcalf’s cap hit for 2025 is projected to be the highest among receivers at $31.8 million. He is currently in the last year of a three-year, $72 million deal. This contract positioned him among the top receivers at the time, but now he wants an extension that could provide both a salary increase and a reduced cap hit. This indicates that negotiations haven’t progressed smoothly.
Looking ahead to the next season, Coach Mike Macdonald emphasized the need to get Metcalf more involved, rather than using him as a distraction. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak expressed excitement about the opportunity to work with Metcalf, highlighting his potential impact on the team.
Trading Metcalf would be reminiscent of the Seahawks’ trade of pass rusher Frank Clark to the Chiefs before the 2019 NFL Draft. Seattle received a first-round pick and more in that deal after the two sides failed to agree on contract terms. Clark later signed a significant five-year deal with Kansas City.
This situation will be crucial for both Metcalf and the Seahawks moving forward. Fans will be watching closely to see how this unfolds.
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Seattle Seahawks, NFL