Trade speculation surrounding Seahawks star wide receiver DK Metcalf has been a topic of discussion this offseason, and the situation took a significant turn when a formal request to be moved surfaced on Wednesday. The financial motivations behind the request have now come to light, shedding further clarity on why Metcalf is seeking a potential change of scenery.
According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, Metcalf, who has one year remaining on his current contract, is pursuing a lucrative new deal worth approximately $30 million per season. With the wide receiver market experiencing substantial growth in recent years, six receivers are currently earning at least that much annually, a number that is expected to rise in 2025 when players like Ja’Marr Chase negotiate their extensions. Metcalf previously signed a three-year, $72 million contract extension in 2022, but securing a deal that pushes his average annual salary to the $30 million range would represent a significant increase. Even if he falls short of that number, he could still push for guaranteed money either with the Seahawks or another team willing to acquire him. His current base salary for 2025 sits at just over $18 million, but none of it is guaranteed, and his cap hit is projected at $31.86 million, making an extension a logical move from both a financial and roster-building perspective.
Given Metcalf’s talent and production, it comes as no surprise that multiple teams have inquired about his availability. Seattle, on the other hand, faces an interesting dilemma. With young receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba poised to take on a more prominent role in the passing game and veteran Tyler Lockett likely to be released, the Seahawks would be left with a thinner receiving corps if they were to move Metcalf. As a result, their asking price is steep—Russini reports that Seattle is seeking a first-round and third-round pick in exchange for the two-time Pro Bowler.
Metcalf has been remarkably durable throughout his career, missing only three games since entering the league. His least productive season came during his rookie campaign, in which he still managed to record 900 receiving yards on 58 catches. At just 27 years old, with a track record of durability and consistent production, the Ole Miss product would be a highly coveted asset for teams looking to upgrade their receiving corps. The New England Patriots have already been linked to Metcalf as a potential trade destination, while the Los Angeles Chargers have also emerged as a possible suitor following his trade request. Both teams are in need of a proven playmaker at wide receiver and have the financial flexibility to absorb his contract, with the Patriots and Chargers ranking first and third, respectively, in available salary cap space.
Seattle has already taken steps to create cap space, notably by releasing Lockett and parting ways with several veteran players. While the team could retain Metcalf at his current cap number, negotiating a long-term extension would provide financial relief and stability. The extent to which external interest in Metcalf impacts Seattle’s approach will be a critical factor in determining how this situation unfolds. Whether the Seahawks ultimately decide to meet his contract demands or find a trade partner willing to pay their asking price, Metcalf’s future remains one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason.
