DK Metcalf Trade Rumors: WR Prefers Contender, Warm Weather; Other Teams Can Pay More

The criteria for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf's potential destination on the trade market was revealed on Sunday.

According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, teams have been told that Metcalf wants to play for "a contender in a warm-weather city."

There's also a "sliding scale," as suitors that don't fit the receiver's reported demands can still acquire him but would need to pay him more (via Breer).

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported the Los Angeles Chargers are "high" on the list of preferred destinations for Metcalf, with the Houston Texans also worth watching.

Both teams would qualify as contenders in warm weather after each reached the playoffs last year.

Metcalf requested a trade from the Seahawks on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old is also seeking a new contract, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Metcalf is entering the final season of a three-year, $72 million deal that he signed with the Seahawks in 2022. He has a base salary of $18 million in 2025, via Spotrac.

Breer also reported that Metcalf was "said to be eyeing" the Houston Texans, but Houston ended up acquiring wideout Christian Kirk from the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick on Thursday.

Fowler listed the Chargers, Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots as teams that could be in the mix for Metcalf during a Sunday appearance on SportsCenter.

New England doesn't meet either of the receiver's reported requirements, especially with the team coming off a second consecutive 4-13 season. Carolina also finished with a 5-12 record in 2024.

The Chargers project as an ideal fit, though. They're coming off a Wild Card playoff appearance last season and could be targeting another receiver alongside Ladd McConkey, who racked up 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie.

Metcalf has served as a consistent weapon in Seattle's passing attack throughout his career, surpassing 900 receiving yards in all six years he's spent in the NFL. He's coming off a 2024 campaign in which he hauled in 66 receptions for 992 yards and five scores.

As Metcalf searches for a change of scenery, his willingness to join certain contending teams seems to be higher than others.