DK Metcalf Trade Rumors: 'Some Optimism' Sam Darnold Links Will Change Talks With WR

The Seattle Seahawks are hoping their quarterback plan will convince DK Metcalf to withdraw his trade request.

Per ESPN's Lindsey Thiry, there's "some optimism" within the Seahawks organization that potentially signing Sam Darnold in free agency will "alter the conversation" with Metcalf.

Seattle pulled off a surprise move on Friday night by agreeing to trade Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2025 third-round draft pick, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

In the immediate aftermath of that deal being reported, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport noted the Seahawks were expected to explore signing Darnold.

Appearing on the GoJo and Golic show (starts at 1:08:25 mark), The Athletic's Dianna Russini suggested Metcalf wasn't the biggest fan of Smith by saying his trade request was inspired partly because he wanted to play for a team with a "more stable quarterback situation."

There had been some buzz that Darnold could return to the Minnesota Vikings, but Pelissero reported on Saturday that is not expected to happen and the team has started focusing their efforts on other options.

Metcalf had been the focus in Seattle prior to the Smith trade. He received permission from the team earlier in the week to explore trade options after requesting to be dealt.

Per Russini, Michael Shawn-Dugar and Chris Licata, the Seahawks were seeking a first- and third-round pick to move Metcalf. The report also noted the star receiver is seeking an extension worth $30 million per season.

Metcalf is entering the final season of his current contract that will pay him an $18 million base salary.

If Darnold ends up in Seattle, it will be interesting to see what his contract looks like. Russini noted Smith was seeking a new deal worth between $40-45 million annually.

Darnold had better stats last season than Smith, but the difference in circumstances between Minnesota and Seattle were fairly extreme.

It can certainly be debated if Darnold would offer the Seahawks more quarterback stability than Smith, but that seems to be the bet the team is willing to make to keep Metcalf happy if the deal with Darnold ends up coming together.

Metcalf has spent his entire six-year NFL career in Seattle. He has never had a season with fewer than 900 receiving yards and five touchdowns.