Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf is rumored to be on the trade block, and he should have no shortage of suitors. A second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Metcalf’s massive frame and elite straight-line speed made him one of the league’s most dangerous threats over the past few years. A two-time Pro Bowler, Metcalf finished the 2024 season with 66 receptions for 992 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games.
Despite the strong play, this could be the end of Metcalf’s time in Seattle. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes that 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba outproduced the veteran down the stretch, and his emergence combined with Metcalf’s impending extension makes the wide receiver expendable. Rather than pay up for Metcalf’s services in 2026 and beyond, Fowler believes the Seahawks could trade the wide receiver to the Los Angeles Chargers. While this is a clear fit, other teams like the Saints and Patriots could enter this bidding war.
“Jaxon Smith-Njigba received more targets than Metcalf among Seattle receivers this season – 8.1 to 7.2 targets per game – and Metcalf, a projected 2026 free agent, likely needs a new contract, which won’t be cheap.
Seahawks Could Trade DK Metcalf To Chargers, Saints, Patriots
Fowler specifically mentions the Chargers as a potential landing spot, and it’s easy to see why. While second-round rookie Ladd McConkey had a remarkable debut season, he can’t do it all alone. 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston is far too inconsistent to be a starting receiver, and the rest of the depth chart is comprised of aging veterans and unremarkable youngsters. Head coach Jim Harbaugh acknowledged he didn’t give Justin Herbert the tools to succeed, and it’s time to fix that in 2025.
As mentioned above, a D.K. Metcalf trade will likely include an extension. Fortunately, the Chargers have the salary cap space to extend the star wide receiver and still address the needs on their roster. The Chargers made it to the playoffs in the first year of the Jim Harbaugh Era, and now the team has the financial resources to address guard, wide receiver, running back, and the defensive line. If they play their cards right, the Chargers should enter 2025 as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Other Fits
D.K. Metcalf is a great player, and the Los Angeles Chargers won’t be the only team trying to trade for him. The New England Patriots have a great young quarterback in Drake Maye and a proven head coach in Mike Vrabel, but the rest of the roster needs serious help. Pop Douglas, Kayshon Boutte, and Kendrick Bourne are fine depth players, but this team needs a legitimate starting-caliber wide receiver. Metcalf is perfect for the role, and his ability to make plays downfield is a perfect match for Maye’s rocket arm.
The New Orleans Saints will eventually hire another head coach, and that man will be charged with getting this team back to the playoffs for the first time since the Drew Brees Era. General Manager Mickey Loomis does not believe in rebuilding, which means he could trade for a player like Metcalf before the season. Chris Olave has battled concussions dating back to college, and the wide receiver’s brother has heavily suggested he wants out of New Orleans. Perhaps Seattle would be willing to swing a player-for-player trade.
Main Photo: Joe Nicholson – USA Today Sports
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