Six-year veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf recently requested a trade from the Seattle Seahawks, setting off speculation about where he could end up. The Seahawks went 10-7 in 2024, barely missing the playoffs in the NFC, but Metcalf wants out.
So, where could he end up? The trade request led to multiple NFL insiders pointing to one team in particular that would be a logical landing spot.
NFL Insiders Say The Los Angeles Chargers Are The Team To Watch For Metcalf Trade
Metcalf has become one of the NFL’s premier receivers since entering the league as a 2nd-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. He eclipsed 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons in 2022 and 2023 and would have in 2024 if not for missing two games with a grade 1 MCL sprain. He totaled 66 receptions, 992 yards, and five touchdowns a season ago and was on pace for a great season.
From Weeks 1-7, DK Metcalf ranked 3rd in the NFL with 568 receiving yards and had a 21.3% target rate. After returning from his knee injury, Metcalf ranked 33rd with 424 receiving yards and had a 17.9% target rate.
He’s entering the final non-void year of his contract in 2025, and one Boston-area reporter linked Metcalf to the New England Patriots. However, multiple national NFL Insiders say the Los Angeles Chargers are the team to watch for a Metcalf trade.
Sources: DK Metcalf is expected to draw interest from multiple teams, but dating back to last offseason, the #Chargers were the one team that quietly but aggressively pursued him in trade talks—only to be rebuffed by Seattle. The Chargers remain in the receiver market this… https://t.co/ESJdiCv72d pic.twitter.com/wYJLrDBmQY
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 5, 2025
FOX Sports Insider Jordan Schultz tweeted, “Sources: DK Metcalf is expected to draw interest from multiple teams, but dating back to last offseason, the #Chargers were the one team that quietly but aggressively pursued him in trade talks—only to be rebuffed by Seattle. The Chargers remain in the receiver market this offseason.”
CBS Sports lead Insider Jonathan Jones agrees, “The Chargers are a team several around the league are watching as a possible DK Metcalf landing spot.”
Chargers have a lot to offer veteran receivers—Los Angeles, opportunity to play indoors, big stages in that division, proven coaching staff, playoff team and, of course, Justin Herbert throwing to you. https://t.co/rL38KacVGF
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 5, 2025
MMQB’s Albert Breer responded to Jones’s tweet, explaining, “Chargers have a lot to offer veteran receivers—Los Angeles, opportunity to play indoors, big stages in that division, proven coaching staff, playoff team and, of course, Justin Herbert throwing to you.”
The Chargers need a No. 1 receiver and are a team where Metcalf could be the piece that gets them over the hump rather than a piece to build around as he would be in New England. Ladd McConkey led the team in receptions (82) and yards (1,149) in 2024 and would compliment Metcalf’s outside-centric production.
A coaching connection in Los Angeles could sweeten the deal for Metcalf. Wide Receivers coach Sanjay Lal had two stints in Seattle over Metcalf’s time with the team, including two as the passing game coordinator.
Locked On Chargers host Daniel Wade tweeted, “With the Chargers need at outside receiver and the connection with WR Coach Sanjay Lal, a trade for DK Metcalf makes a ton of sense. That being said, if the price is going to be a first-round pick and possibly more, I don’t see them matching that.” Wade doesn’t think the Chargers will give up significant draft capital for the receiver, but he sees logic in the trade.
Metcalf added fuel to the Los Angeles rumor earlier this offseason by tweeting a picture in front of his high school, whose mascot is the Chargers.
He has 104 end zone targets since entering the league, 13 more than second-place Mike Evans over that stretch. His usage dipped last season, but his physical profile makes him a threat in scoring situations every time he steps onto the field. The six-year vet would be a massive addition to the Chargers’ offense.