The value of the wide receiver position as a whole is on the rise across the NFL, and Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel Sr. are some of the hottest names available in the market.
The Los Angeles Rams are actively looking to trade Kupp after a disappointing 2024 season, while Samuel has demanded a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. However, one NFL analyst believes there is a better option available for teams in need of a top receiving threat: DK Metcalf.
NFL Analyst Suggests DK Metcalf Is a Better Option Than Cooper Kupp, Deebo Samuel Sr.
Metcalf is signed through the 2025 season with the Seattle Seahawks; in addition to carrying a $31 million cap hit, he will soon seek a contract extension. This could affect Seattle’s short-term decision-making processes, and they might be open to trading him.
Furthermore, he ignited trade rumors last month, and NFL.com’s Adam Rank suggests that WR-needy teams should keep an on him over Samuel and Kupp.
“This would be the NFC West receiver I would be looking at this offseason, rather than Samuel or Kupp. I feel DK Metcalf would have the most to offer a team — like the [Washington] Commanders, especially if they miss out on other options — that could use an upgrade at the position; he’s still just 27 years old and has topped 900 receiving yards in each of his six pro seasons so far.”
While Terry McLaurin was impressive yet again for the Commanders and was the only player to register more than 1,000 receiving yards, Washington lacked a top threat on the outside, and Metcalf could fill that role. As for the Seahawks, Rank believes they have a budding receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba and should look to trade Metcalf to save some draft capital.
“On the Seahawks’ end, they have a budding superstar in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who posted 1,100 receiving yards and earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 2024. Metcalf is also one of many key players not currently under contract for 2026. I know Seattle was playoff-adjacent in 2024, but this feels like a great time to recoup some draft capital in the interest of fostering long-term growth under Mike Macdonald.”
At just 27 years old, Metcalf is still in his prime and would undoubtedly elevate the offense of any team. He clearly had a better season than Kupp and Samuel last season, logging 992 receiving yards at an average of 15 yards per catch and five touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Kupp’s career post-2021 Super Bowl has been marred by injuries. He has missed 18 games in the last three seasons. In 2024, he only managed 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns, which led Los Angeles to want to trade him.
Samuel, at 32, also has had his issues with injuries and posted the lowest receiving yards among the three. He made 51 receptions for 670 and three touchdowns and rushed for 136 yards and one touchdown in 2024.
