DK Metcalf Trade Rumors: WR Buzzing in League Circles; Seahawks Say He Won't Be Dealt
April 3, 2022
The Seattle Seahawks say they have no plans to trade DK Metcalf.
Other league executives aren't so sure.
Metcalf's name is still "buzzing in league circles" following the Seahawks' trade of Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos despite the team's public proclamation that he's not on the block, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
"This is a name that's buzzing in league circles. No guarantee that anything happens here," Fowler said Sunday on SportsCenter. "I'm told that Metcalf has gotten indications, informally from the team, that he's not going to be traded. Seattle has said publicly they have no intention to trade him. But the execs I talk to keep bringing him up that maybe they would either be willing to move on at the right price or that Metcalf would welcome a change. So, something is going on here; it's just hard to figure out what. But he's got one year left on his rookie deal. He would need a new contract as part of a trade. That's the tricky part."
Metcalf is making $4 million next season in the final year of his rookie contract. Because he was a second-round pick, the Seahawks do not have the option of giving him a fifth-year option, meaning he'll be an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
Seattle's decision to trade Wilson sent a clear signal that the franchise plans to embark on a retooling period for at least the 2022 season. There's little, if any, chance this team can compete in a loaded NFC West with Drew Lock or an as-yet-undrafted rookie replacing the franchise's all-time leading passer.
Metcalf, who has posted at least 900 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons, could arguably benefit from being traded. Lock has shown no signs of being an NFL-quality quarterback over his first three seasons, and having a down year with a below-average quarterback could hurt Metcalf's market value.
With the Seahawks seemingly showing no urgency to sign him to a long-term contract, moving on to a team on more solid footing under center—or one willing to fork over WR1 money now—may be the smartest option.