Seahawks GM on DK Metcalf Trade to Steelers: 'We Want Guys Who Want to Be Here'

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider spoke with reporters about the DK Metcalf trade to the Pittsburgh Steelers, noting the wideout's desire to leave town and the team's goal to have players who want to be in the building.

“I thought we could fix it, handle it, whatever it was,” Schneider said, per Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic. “At the end of the day, it was a no, and he wanted to be traded. So, we pivoted and moved forward.

“We want guys who want to be here. We want guys who believe in what we’re doing. You’d have to ask him (for specifics). For one reason or another, he just wanted to move on and get a fresh start.”

The Seahawks landed a 2025 second-round pick (No. 52 overall) for Metcalf, who signed a five-year, $150 million extension with Pittsburgh.

Schneider didn't get into specifics about why Metcalf, who had one season left on a three-year, $72 million contract extension, wanted to leave.

Metcalf didn't talk about it in his introductory press conference either, but he did deny rumors about his requirements.

He's also excited to be a Steeler, citing good conversations with the team's leaders.

Pittsburgh doesn't yet know the identity of the quarterback that will throw to Metcalf, but the Steelers are obviously in on Aaron Rodgers alongside the New York Giants. For now, Pittsburgh has formed a great one-two punch at wideout with Metcalf and George Pickens.

Meanwhile, Seattle has moved on en route to reshaping the offense. The Seahawks are overhauling the wideout position, notably parting ways with 10-year veteran Tyler Lockett too. Presumably, Seattle will be using a high draft pick on a replacement wideout to fill a wide receiver room led by Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

The Seahawks also made a change at quarterback, trading Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders and signing Sam Darnold in free agency.

Ultimately, Schneider has been quite busy this offseason, and it'll stay that way. Metcalf's desire to leave played a part in that role, but the Seahawks are pressing forward in hopes of making the playoffs after two straight years of falling short via tiebreakers.