NFL Rumors: DK Metcalf Didn't Want Patriots Trade Before Seahawks-Steelers Deal

The New England Patriots backed off their interest in DK Metcalf at least in part because the wide receiver didn't want to come to Foxborough, according to NBC Sports Boston's Tom E. Curran.

"They were in on him... He didn't want to come here," Curran said Tuesday on Audacy's Jones and Keefe.

Curran noted that the Patriots did not officially make an offer for Metcalf before the Seattle Seahawks dealt him in a trade-and-sign to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Seahawks received a 2025 second-round draft pick in the deal and a later-round pick swap in the deal.

Metcalf, whose previous contract was set to expire after the 2025 season, meanwhile got a five-year, $150 million extension in Pittsburgh.

Curran previously reported that the Patriots have been "exceedingly wary of the negative impact a demanding veteran wideout could have" on second-year quarterback Drake Maye, and therefore weren't in on Metcalf or Davante Adams.

In his latest report, Curran said the Patriots had in fact had "conversations" regarding Metcalf before he signed with the Steelers.

Mike Giardi has meanwhile reported for the Boston Sports Journal the Patriots would have been fine with the $33 million AAV cost of adding Metcalf, but were unhappy with the idea of surrendering draft picks in the trade with the Seahawks.

Giardi also added that "the brass had questions about how Metcalf would fit into their locker room."

Adding Metcalf after he came just shy of a third straight 1,000 receiving-yard campaign for the Seahawks would have theoretically given the Patriots a true WR1 to pair with Maye.

The Patriots have yet to find that partner for their young star quarterback despite the team's reported effort to bring in Chris Godwin, who ultimately decided to re-sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After so far striking out in free agency and trade market, New England could decide to target a wideout with the No. 4 pick of the upcoming draft.