The Green Bay Packers is in the DK Metcalf sweepstakes, and the big question is how much is enough in terms of trade compensation for the Seattle Seahawks to truly pull the trigger. According to NFL insider Josina Anderson, there is a team willing to give up a third-round pick and possibly more for the wide receiver.
This price would be perfect for the Packers. And it doesn’t seem out of reality. In this package, general manager Brian Gutekunst could include the plus, which would be wide receiver Romeo Doubs, keeping their top two draft picks.
The idea of Metcalf being worth only a third-round pick in this case could be questionable, but analyzing the entire situation, it does make sense. While he’s under contract for one more season for a reasonable amount ($18 million), part of the point of Metcalf requesting a trade is that he wants an extension.
Teams tend to be cautious to give up draft compensation and big contracts to the players—it’s usually one or the other, except for truly generational talents. If Metcalf will command a new deal, his trade value automatically is depreciated. Add to it the fact that Metcalf officially requested a trade and you have the perfect storm.
Depending on how many teams are interested in Metcalf and willing to give up more capital, the price tag could certainly go up. A second-rounder and Doubs, for example, would still be a viable compensation for the Packers to give up. But if that’s a third and Doubs, it would be a huge gain for Green Bay’s roster-building process.
Offseason plan with multiple parts that fit together
The Packers are in the market for wide receivers, edge rushers, and cornerbacks. If they can pull the trigger on a trade for DK Metcalf, defense will become a priority in free agency.
Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo is a top target, and he fits what Gutekunst tends to like as a high-end, athletic player, who’s yet to hit his ceiling in the NFL. Green Bay has almost $30 million in effective cap space ahead of free agency.
In the draft, defensive tackle and offensive line could also be added as possibilities. And keeping their top two picks would be huge in this scenario. At the NFL Combine, Gutekunst didn’t rule out acquiring more picks.
“Yet,” he said when asked about having eight picks, fewer than the Packers had in the last few years.
A trade down in the first round, for example, could compensate for the capital given up in a Metcalf trade.