As the trade deadline approaches, the receiver position is one to keep an eye on, with DK Metcalf emerging as a potential target.
According to Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post, the Seahawks are fielding inquiries about Metcalf’s availability. Many high-profile players across various positions have attracted interest in recent weeks, and this trend is likely to persist in the days leading up to the deadline. However, those speaking with Seattle GM John Schneider are not optimistic that a deal will materialize. Metcalf signed a three-year, $72 million extension two summers ago, locking him in through 2025. While none of his base salary for next year (just over $18 million) is guaranteed, a recent restructure has set his 2025 cap hit at nearly $32 million. To keep Metcalf in Seattle, further adjustments, such as another extension or a new restructure, may be necessary. Despite this, the two-time Pro Bowler remains an attractive option for teams seeking receivers.
The Seahawks also have Tyler Lockett under contract for the remainder of this season and next, but the 32-year-old would not bring in as much value in a trade as the younger Metcalf, who is only 26. Additionally, 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba is considered untouchable, which underscores the interest in Metcalf. The Ole Miss product has never recorded fewer than 900 yards in a season, and his average of 81.1 yards per game in 2024 is among the highest of his career.
Metcalf missed Week 8 due to a knee injury, marking only the second game he has missed in his career. Head coach Mike Macdonald expressed hope that he would return this week, which could boost Seattle’s chances of bouncing back from a stretch of four losses in five games. Monitoring Metcalf’s status before Week 9 will be important, especially as interest from teams persists and the receiver market, now missing Diontae Johnson, becomes more limited.