As the trade deadline draws nearer, the receiver position remains one to watch. The list of potential targets at that spot appears to include D.K. Metcalf.
The Seahawks are receiving calls about Metcalf’s availability, per Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post. Any number of high-profile players at every position have been the subject of at least cursory interest in recent weeks, and that will no doubt continue over the coming days. As La Canfora notes, suitors in conversation with Seattle GM John Schneider are not optimistic a deal will actually be feasible.
Metcalf inked a three-year, $72MM extension extension two summers ago, and he is under contract through 2025 as a result. None of his base salary for next year (just over $18MM) is guaranteed, however, and a recent restructure has him scheduled to carry a 2025 cap hit of nearly $32MM. Further adjustments – in the form of another extension or a new restructure – will likely be needed if Metcalf is to remain in the Emerald City. That should still be expected beyond next week’s deadline, although the two-time Pro Bowler would of course be an attractive option for potential buyers.
The Seahawks also have Tyler Lockett on the books for the rest of this season and next at the receiver spot, but the 32-year-old would not yield as much value as Metcalf (26) in a trade. 2023 first-rounder Jaxon Smith-Njigba will of course be considered untouchable, which explains Metcalf being targeted. The Ole Miss product has never posted less than 900 yards in a season, and his 81.1 yards per game in 2024 is the second-highest mark of his career.
A knee injury left Metcalf sidelined for Week 8, only the second missed game of his career. Head coach Mike Macdonald said on Tuesday he hopes to have him back in the fold this week, though, a positive sign for Seattle’s chances of rebounding from a stretch of four losses in five games. Metcalf’s status will be worth watching before Week 9, provided teams continue showing interest and if the receiver market – which no longer includes Diontae Johnson – continues to be thinned out.