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. As he enters the final year of his contract with no extension in sight, Metcalf has officially requested a trade.
The star receiver has been a top target in Seattle since the day he was drafted, as he’s posted 900+ receiving yards in all six seasons of his career, including three campaigns in which he exceeded 1,000 yards.
If Metcalf’s request is honored, Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be Seattle’s lone star receiver, as fellow wideout Tyler Lockett was released earlier the same day.
Some Seahawks’ opponents have been giddy about the news, with one San Francisco 49ers star sharing some choice words for Smith-Njigba.
DK Metcalf Trade Request Leads to 49ers CB Calling Out Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Deommodore Lenoir, one of the premier cover corners in the NFL for the 49ers, quickly took to social media following Metcalf’s trade request to clown on Smith-Njigba.
“Y’all cannot let DK [Metcalf] leave. How am I going to have fun out there? Njigba he be crying all day. That’s all he does is cry … crybaby,” Lenoir said on IG Live.
“I’m not worried about JSN. He knows that. But back to DK, we can’t let you leave, unless you want to be a 49er… But, then again, I like going against you.”
#49ers Deommodore Lenoir went on IG Live to react to DK Metcalf trade request and called out #Seahawks WR Jaxson Smith-Njigba 👀
“Y’all cannot let DK (Metcalf) Leave. How am I going to have fun out there? Njigba he be crying all day. That’s all he do is cry…Crybaby.” pic.twitter.com/jwf8iGI0IO
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) March 5, 2025
Lenoir has morphed into one of the league’s best cornerbacks in recent seasons after getting selected in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He played 98% of the defense’s snaps in the 15 games he played in 2024, which led the 49ers’ secondary.
The Oregon product has accumulated five interceptions and 19 pass deflections over the past two seasons. He’s yielded just two touchdowns and a 73.4 passer rating allowed in that time.
Smith-Njigba is fresh off a breakout sophomore campaign, making Lenoir’s comments all the more interesting. After a quiet rookie season for the 2023 first-round selection, the Ohio State product racked up 1,130 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 100 receptions in 2024, earning a Pro Bowl nod for his efforts, something Lenoir has yet to do.
The Seahawks clearly feel he is ready for prime time, as he’ll be the team’s undisputed No. 1 receiver with Metcalf and Lockett gone. With the extra attention defenses will be able to give him, the 23-year-old wideout will have to respond with another impressive season to quiet his critics.
Metcalf, meanwhile, 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%.
If the Seahawks want to give Smith-Njigba another star running mate — and perhaps give Lenoir some extra competition on game day — 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.