Seahawks' asking price for DK Metcalf revealed

Talk of a potential DK Metcalf trade has taken place this offseason, and his situation saw a notable development Wednesday when a request to be moved emerged. Further details on the financial motivation behind the move have emerged.

Metcalf — who has one year remaining on his pact — is seeking a new deal worth roughly $30M per season, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports. The receiver market has surged in recent years, and six wideouts are currently attached to a pact worth at least that much on an annual basis. That group will no doubt grow in size in 2025, with Ja’Marr Chase a strong candidate to reset the market on a Bengals extension.

In 2022, Metcalf inked a three-year, $72M extension. A jump to $30M in AAV would, therefore, represent a notable raise, but even if he fails to secure it, he could look to land a new round of locked-in compensation with the Seahawks or an acquiring team. None of the 27-year-old’s base salary (just over $18M) for 2025 is guaranteed, and an extension would help lower his scheduled cap hit of $31.86M.

To no surprise, Russini adds multiple teams have checked in on Metcalf’s availability. Seattle has Jaxon Smith-Njigba set to operate as a focal point in the passing game for years to come, but the expected move of releasing Tyler Lockett leaves the team thinner at the receiver spot. Moving on from Metcalf would create a notable void, something reflected in the team’s asking price. Per Russini, Seattle is seeking a first- and third-round pick in a trade for the two-time Pro Bowler.

Metcalf has missed only three games in his career, and his least-productive campaign to date came in his rookie season (900 yards on 58 receptions). Considering his age, durability and consistent statistical output, the Ole Miss product would be an attractive option for any number of teams seeking a boost in the passing game. The Patriots have shown interest, while — in the wake of his trade request — Metcalf was linked Wednesday to the Chargers. Both AFC squads are in the market for proven commodities at the receiver spot, and they find themselves first and third, respectively, in the league in cap space as things stand.

The Seahawks achieved cap compliance through the Lockett release and the decision to move on from a quartet of veterans which preceded it. They could theoretically keep Metcalf on the books at his current figure, but working out a long-term deal would no doubt be welcomed by both parties. The extent to which interest from outside teams affects his price for Seattle will be a key factor in determining how this situation plays out.