Seahawks brass met with Metcalf Wednesday, per Pelissero, and the perimeters agreed to pursue a commerce path. A workforce that will purchase Metcalf would wish to both have an extension prepared or be ready to authorize one shortly. Metcalf needs a brand new deal, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Metcalf joins Cooper Kupp on the commerce block, as Deebo Samuel — who had signed an identical extension to Metcalf’s in 2022 — moved off it through his commerce to the Commanders.
The 49ers fetching a fifth-round choose will likely be related to the Seahawks, however Metcalf has been a bit extra constant than Samuel. Metcalf has gone for no less than 900 receiving yards in every of his six NFL seasons, thrice eclipsing 1,000. He has two Professional Bowls on his resume, together with a second-team All-Professional nod in 2020. Metcalf is coming off a 992-yard season, as Jaxon Smith-Njigba surged to the highest of the Seattle receiving hierarchy.
A current report recommended the Patriots kicked the tires on Metcalf. New England has been in pursuit of a No. 1-level wideout for some time now. Different groups will step in as nicely. The Steelers inquired about Metcalf earlier than final yr’s deadline. They could be again on the desk quickly as nicely, although the prospect of needing to increase Metcalf additionally may result in lowered commerce presents coming Seattle’s manner.
The extension matter, naturally, has opened the door to a possible commerce. Had been the Seahawks all in right here, they might merely work with Metcalf’s camp on a 3rd contract.
The large-bodied wideout has confirmed skeptics incorrect, as he had slipped to No. 64 general within the 2019 draft, and has performed nicely to reward the Seahawks on the three-year, $72M deal they approved in 2022. Metcalf topped 1,000 yards in 2022 and 2023, totaling 1,114 yards within the latter season. He additionally has subsequent to no notable damage historical past. The Ole Miss alum has missed simply three video games in six seasons.
The Seahawks teamed Metcalf and Lockett for six years, seeing the 2 kind one in every of this period’s finest receiver duos. Smith-Njigba has modified the equation a bit, however it should nonetheless be a blow for Seattle to lose each of its reliable veterans in a single offseason. A receiver want, because the Seahawks swung and missed on Dee Eskridge earlier this decade, will emerge if Metcalf is dealt.
A commerce at this juncture can be an attention-grabbing transfer, as Mike Macdonald‘s OC search concerned questions on who may coax extra from the 6-foot-4 pass-catcher. Macdonald had seen Metcalf as too typically a decoy underneath Ryan Grubb. It might value Seattle $21M in lifeless cash to commerce him, however an extension would assist cut back a $31.88M 2025 cap hit. Solely Geno Smith is tied to a better quantity on the Hawks’ payroll.
Metcalf is due an $18M base wage in 2025. Whereas Washington didn’t have an extension ready for Samuel, he has submitted uneven work on his second contract. Metcalf being a extra dependable participant with out a comparable damage historical past would swing a door open wider for a payday to come back instantly — if the Seahawks transfer him.
