DK Metcalf has been a key part of the Seattle Seahawks offense since being drafted in the second round out of Ole Miss in 2019. Now, as he enters the final year of his contract with no extension in sight, Metcalf has officially requested a trade. The talented receiver is expected to be one of the most sought-after names on the trade market.
DK Metcalf Requests a Trade Out of Seattle
Metcalf’s name had been linked to trade rumors since the NFL postseason began, but his official request only strengthened the belief that he may have played his last snap in Seattle.
Two-time Pro Bowl WR DK Metcalf has requested a trade and the #Seahawks have agreed to explore options, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
Days before free agency, the 27-year-old Metcalf immediately becomes the top receiver available. pic.twitter.com/DBsoZwGguL
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 5, 2025
Seattle had already made waves earlier in the day by releasing veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett. Now, with Metcalf looking to move on, the Seahawks’ wide receiver room is undergoing a major shake-up.
Metcalf finished the 2024 season with 66 receptions, 992 yards, and five touchdowns in 15 games. Through Weeks 1-7, he ranked third in the NFL in receiving yards (568) and posted a 21.3% target share. However, after returning from a knee injury, his production dropped — he ranked 33rd in receiving yards (424) and saw his target share dip to 17.9%.
Whether Metcalf was still dealing with lingering effects of the injury is unclear, but his reduced production coincided with the emergence of Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Smith-Njigba broke out in 2024, finishing with 100 receptions, 1,130 yards, and six touchdowns. Shortly after Metcalf went down, JSN had a dominant performance against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9, posting seven receptions, 180 yards, and two touchdowns.
While the two receivers offer complementary skill sets, their partnership in 2025 now seems unlikely. If the Seahawks move on from Metcalf, Seattle will likely be in the market for another wide receiver.
Some of the top free agent options and potential replacements for the two-time Pro Bowler include Chris Godwin, Davante Adams, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, Christian Kirk, and Keenan Allen.
Why Metcalf Is an Appealing Trade Target
At 27 years old, Metcalf is younger than all of the top free agent WRs, making him one of the best options for teams looking for a top-tier playmaker in his prime.
However, unlike a free agent signing, acquiring Metcalf would require trade compensation (likely draft capital) on top of a lucrative long-term contract.
This is widely regarded as a weaker class for receivers in both free agency and the draft. We've already seen one receiver trade with Deebo Samuel going to Washington and now DK Metcalf — a fellow second-round pick in the 2019 draft — could be on the move next. https://t.co/pweKxM54CS
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 5, 2025
Since entering the NFL, Metcalf has recorded more end-zone targets than any other player (13 more than the next closest). He’s also eclipsed 900 receiving yards in all six of his seasons and racked up 48 career touchdowns.
Several WR-needy teams could be in the mix for Metcalf, including the New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Chargers.
What price Seattle demands and where Metcalf ultimately lands remains to be seen. But his trade request is now one of the biggest storylines of the NFL offseason.