DK Metcalf Landing Spots: Top Trade Destinations for Seattle Seahawks Wide Receiver
Nov 3, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) during warmups before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf requested a trade Wednesday, according to multiple reports.
The news came hours after the Seahawks released fellow wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who had been with the team since 2015. Seattle is giving Metcalf permission to seek a trade partner, signaling the team is embracing a full-scale rebuild.
While Lockett is free to sign with any team, Metcalf will need to find a trade partner after playing six seasons in Seattle.
Here are a few teams expected to be interested:
Los Angeles Chargers
Jan 15, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh at a press conference at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images A year removed from losing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers could be in a position to land another top receiver. Losing Allen and Williams did not hurt the Chargers, who went 11-6 while their former receivers struggled in their new homes.
The Chargers found a gem in the NFL Draft by selecting Ladd McConkey, who recorded 1,149 yards on 82 receptions and scored seven touchdowns as a rookie.
Los Angeles seems to be the most logical landing spot because of its flexible cap situation and clear need for a talented receiver.
While Metcalf had a down year by his own standards—catching only 66 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns—playing with Justin Herbert could help get his career back on an elite trajectory.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) reacts on the sidelines against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Until the Steelers land a wide receiver, they’re bound to be involved in these types of discussions.
George Pickens is a strong option, but he has been inconsistent on the field, and off of it, his reliability remains a question mark.
Somehow, the Steelers defied the odds and made the NFL playoffs last season, but it was not pretty. According to reports, they plan to offer Justin Fields a new contract in free agency.
Fields and Russell Wilson split time at quarterback last season for Pittsburgh due to injuries and inconsistent play. If Pittsburgh commits to Fields for another season, it would be wise to give him a true No. 1 wide receiver.
Las Vegas Raiders
Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (12) warms up before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images How about a reunion with Metcalf’s former head coach, Pete Carroll? When the Raiders hired the 73-year-old coach, they sent a message to the rest of the league that they are aiming to solidify a culture and compete in short order.
While they still do not have a solution at quarterback—and are expected to release Gardner Minshew to further complicate the position group—the Raiders made Maxx Crosby the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Whoever lines up under center next season will have a strong defense and potentially Metcalf as a key weapon.
