Nov 3, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks huge receiver DK Metcalf (14) throughout warmups earlier than the sport towards the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Subject. Obligatory Credit score: Steven Bisig-Imagn Photos Seattle Seahawks huge receiver DK Metcalf requested a commerce Wednesday, in response to a number of stories.
The information got here hours after the Seahawks released fellow wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who had been with the crew since 2015. Seattle is giving Metcalf permission to seek a trade partner, signaling the crew is embracing a full-scale rebuild.
Whereas Lockett is free to signal with any crew, Metcalf might want to discover a commerce companion after enjoying six seasons in Seattle.
Listed here are a couple of groups anticipated to have an interest:
Los Angeles Chargers
Jan 15, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh at a press convention at The Bolt. Obligatory Credit score: Kirby Lee-Imagn Photos A 12 months faraway from shedding Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers may very well be ready to land one other prime receiver. Shedding Allen and Williams didn’t damage the Chargers, who went 11-6 whereas their former receivers struggled of their new properties.
The Chargers discovered a gem within the NFL Draft by choosing Ladd McConkey, who recorded 1,149 yards on 82 receptions and scored seven touchdowns as a rookie.
Los Angeles appears to be probably the most logical touchdown spot due to its versatile cap state of affairs and clear want for a gifted receiver.
Whereas Metcalf had a down 12 months by his personal requirements—catching solely 66 passes for 992 yards and 5 touchdowns—enjoying with Justin Herbert may assist get his profession again on an elite trajectory.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 8, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers huge receiver George Pickens (14) reacts on the sidelines towards the Cleveland Browns throughout the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Photos Till the Steelers land a large receiver, they’re certain to be concerned in most of these discussions.
George Pickens is a robust choice, however he has been inconsistent on the sphere, and off of it, his reliability stays a query mark.
By some means, the Steelers defied the chances and made the NFL playoffs final season, nevertheless it was not fairly. According to reports, they plan to supply Justin Fields a brand new contract in free company.
Fields and Russell Wilson cut up time at quarterback final season for Pittsburgh on account of accidents and inconsistent play. If Pittsburgh commits to Fields for an additional season, it could be smart to present him a real No. 1 huge receiver.
Las Vegas Raiders
Sep 29, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell (12) warms up earlier than a recreation towards the Cleveland Browns at Allegiant Stadium. Obligatory Credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Photos How a couple of reunion with Metcalf’s former head coach, Pete Carroll? When the Raiders hired the 73-year-old coach, they despatched a message to the remainder of the league that they’re aiming to solidify a tradition and compete briefly order.
Whereas they nonetheless don’t have an answer at quarterback—and are anticipated to launch Gardner Minshew to additional complicate the place group—the Raiders made Maxx Crosby the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL historical past.
Whoever traces up below middle subsequent season could have a robust protection and probably Metcalf as a key weapon.
