Seahawks WR DK Metcalf Requests Trade

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf has officially requested a trade, according to multiple reports. The news comes just hours after the team released longtime wideout Tyler Lockett in a salary cap-saving move.

A source close to the situation confirmed Metcalf’s request, though the Seahawks have not yet made a public statement. According to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Seattle has agreed to explore potential trade options for the two-time Pro Bowler.

Seahawks fans have been quick to try and reverse Metcalf’s decision on X

Metcalf, 27, has one year remaining on his current contract, which includes three voidable seasons after 2025. He is set to count nearly $32 million against the salary cap next year, making a trade a viable option for both sides. Despite failing to reach 1,000 receiving yards in 2024, he finished the season with 66 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games.

Since being drafted by Seattle in 2019, Metcalf has been a pretty consistent offensive beast. He has amassed 438 receptions for 6,324 yards and 48 touchdowns in six seasons, including a career-best 1,303 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2020. He also became one of just six receivers in NFL history to record at least 900 receiving yards in each of his first six seasons, joining legends like Randy Moss and Jerry Rice.

Metcalf’s trade request follows a season in which his role diminished as 2023 first-rounder Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as a top target for QB Geno Smith. The 23-year-old receiver tied a franchise record with 100 receptions for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns in 2024, making him the clear centerpiece of Seattle’s passing attack moving forward. With a contract extension looming, he’s probably going to looking for close to top-5 WR level money, and given his current production, I’d be hesitant as a Seattle fan. 

With Lockett already released and Metcalf potentially on the move, Seattle’s wide receiver group could see a major overhaul. The Jake Bobo WR2 memes are hitting a little too close to home now. The Seahawks will likely look to the draft and free agency to rebuild the position, as head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider reshape the roster in Macdonald’s second year as the big dog.

With free agency approaching, Metcalf is expected to draw major interest from teams in need of a dynamic playmaker. Though he won’t come cheap, his combination of size, speed, and production makes him one of the most valuable potential trade targets this offseason.

It’s worth noting that player’s agents understand leverage very well. With one year left on his deal, Metcalf is looking for an extension, and this announcement puts pressure on Seattle to either give him what he wants to make a move to trade him. It doesn’t hurt the Seahawks in this case, as it would be much better to recoup some assets for Metcalf than see him walk in free agency for nothing. It’s also worth noting that the team could have utilized a 6”4 demon with 4.3 speed a little better, but hindsight is 20/20.