The Seahawks should have a robust trade market for wide receiver DK Metcalf, who requested out of Seattle on Wednesday.
The six-year veteran has one year remaining on a three-year, $72 million extension he signed in July 2022. In 2024, Metcalf had 66 receptions, 992 yards (15 yards per reception) and five touchdowns in 15 games.
Since being selected in the second round (No. 64 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft, Metcalf has 6,324 receiving yards, the league’s 12th-most during that span.
Here are five teams that should be the most interested in acquiring Metcalf this offseason.
New England Patriots
Expect the Patriots to do everything possible this offseason to improve the talent surrounding 2024 rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Per Over The Cap, New England leads the NFL with $127.4 million in available cap space, so it could easily manage Metcalf’s $18 million base salary, plus offer him an extension that aligns with Maye’s rookie contract.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers rank fourth in available cap space ($65.3 million) and need better weapons for quarterback Justin Herbert. Last offseason, Los Angeles cut ties with running back Austin Ekeler and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. 2024 rookie wideout Ladd McConkey was outstanding last season, but more playmakers are needed if the Chargers are to challenge the Chiefs for AFC West supremacy.
Kansas City Chiefs
Speaking of the Chiefs, they could give quarterback Patrick Mahomes his most talented wide receiver since Tyreek Hill by acquiring Metcalf.
Kansas City hasn’t had a 1,000-yard wide receiver since trading Hill to the Dolphins in 2022, but Metcalf would have a strong chance of ending the drought. With tight end Travis Kelce potentially playing his final season in 2025, adding Metcalf could also ensure Mahomes has a Pro Bowl-level talent for future seasons in 2026 and beyond.
Pittsburgh Steelers
While they consider bringing back Russell Wilson, the Steelers should explore acquiring Metcalf, his teammate for three seasons in Seattle (2019-21). Even if Wilson doesn’t return to Pittsburgh in 2025, Metcalf would be a significant boost to a Steelers passing attack that was inconsistent at best last season.
Mercurial third-year pro George Pickens had a difficult 2024 campaign, and his future with the organization beyond 2025, the final year of his rookie contract, is uncertain. Whether Pickens is part of Pittsburgh’s long-term plans or not, the front office needs another playmaker to keep up with high-flying AFC North offenses in Baltimore and Cincinnati.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina could be a dark-horse contender for Metcalf. Panthers head coach Dave Canales is familiar with the wideout after serving as Seahawks quarterbacks coach (2019, 2022) and passing game coordinator (2020-21) during Metcalf’s first four NFL seasons.
General manager Dan Morgan got his start in an NFL front office with the Seahawks. While his tenure with the organization didn’t overlap with Metcalf’s arrival, his familiarity with Seattle’s executives could help Carolina in potential trade negotiations for Metcalf.
Quarterback Bryce Young also made enormous strides from Week 1 to Week 18 last season, and trading for Metcalf would be a vote of confidence for the No. 1 overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft.