The Seattle Seahawks would be able to offload their greatest player in a proposed deal.
According to a trade scenario put forth by Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report, the Seahawks would give first and fifth round picks in 2025, as well as a second-round pick in 2026, to the Pittsburgh Steelers in return for star wide receiver DK Metcalf and a 2025 sixth-round pick.
In fact, Metcalf is mentioned by Davenport as the wide receiver the Steelers should target the most. He does, however, conclude by stating that a “Godfather” offer would be necessary to entice Metcalf to leave Seattle.
But during the draft, the Seahawks didn’t behave like a team ready to deal their top wideout, so attracting Metcalf away from the Pacific Northwest would likely require an offer akin to a Godfather’s, according to Davenport.
Why the Seahawks Could Consider Trading DK Metcalf
Although it seems improbable, the Seahawks could be considering trading Metcalf, as Davenport points out, as they are ushering in a new era without longstanding head coach Pete Carroll. As they usher in a new era, the Seahawks may explore a variety of options with Mike Macdonald as their new head coach.
Although Metcalf did sign a three-year, $72 million contract extension back in 2022, the Seahawks could save $17 million in salary space if they traded Metcalf after June 1, as previously stated by Mookie Alexander of SB Nation’s Field Gulls. Metcalf’s contract expires at the end of the 2025 season.
On Wednesday, May 1, Alexander stated, “A Metcalf trade at this point would be a stunner, but it’s important to note the post-June 1 date Allbright mentioned.” “Since DK’s deal is due to expire at the end of 2025, the Seahawks would save $17 million in cap space if they traded Metcalf after June 1. They will save $9.5 million but will lose $22.5 million in dead money over the next two seasons if a deal is made before June 1.
Seahawks Could Consider DK Metcalf Deal After Start of 2024 Season
There isn’t much questioning Metcalf’s contribution and influence to the Seahawks. Since his freshman season, the 26-year-old wide has been the team’s go-to receiver, recording at least 900 yards in each of his five seasons. After a season with 66 receptions, 1,114 yards, and eight touchdowns, in which he recorded a career-high 16.9 yards per reception—the fifth-highest in the NFL—he is a two-time Pro Bowler.
Still, dealing Metcalf may be an appealing option given his contract’s impending expiration and the potential cap savings.
The fact that the Steelers traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers shows how much they need a No. 2 receiver to complement George Pickens. The Steelers have already enquired about Courtland Sutton, Brandon Aiyuk, and Metcalf in regards to a potential trade, as KOA’s Benjamin Allbright previously reported.
On Tuesday, April 30, Allbright said, “They called about Aiyuk and Sutton and have been rebuffed, at least with opening talks.” “I spoke with DK, and I don’t think any trades would be made there until after June 1st, if any at all.”
Even though it’s unlikely that the Seahawks would complete this deal before the season starts, it’s a possibility that should be investigated once it does. The Seahawks may trade Metcalf for a “Godfather” offer if, as Davenport suggests, they struggle early in the season and seem more like pretenders than contenders.