Seahawks Star Metcalf Requests Trade Amid Offseason Changes

SEATTLE — Seahawks star wide receiver DK Metcalf has requested a trade from the organization, preferring to join a playoff contender, a source confirmed to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The request was made on Wednesday, coinciding with the announcement of the release of fellow receiver Tyler Lockett, a move that was part of the team’s effort to improve salary cap flexibility.

General manager John Schneider expressed his disappointment regarding the timing of the news leak, which shifted focus on Metcalf instead of celebrating Lockett’s decade-long career with the team. “We wanted this to be a very special day. I felt bad for Tyler,” Schneider told Seattle Sports 710-AM.

Metcalf’s trade request comes as he enters the final year of his contract, which has roughly $18 million remaining. He is coming off a season where he recorded 66 catches for 992 yards and five touchdowns. Despite his impressive stats, the receiver has often been criticized for his sometimes undisciplined playing style, including committing 38 penalties since 2019, the most for any wide receiver in that span.

Schneider acknowledged that while he is entertaining trade offers, any potential deal would prioritize maximizing value for the organization. “The thing to understand here is that our responsibility to [owner] Jody Allen, the 12s, first and foremost is doing what’s absolutely best for the organization,” he said. “Hopefully both those things merge and it’s an ideal situation. Sometimes that happens, sometimes it doesn’t.”

Sources indicate that the Seahawks have already begun discussions with various teams regarding Metcalf’s future. Schneider emphasized the importance of resolving Metcalf’s situation before the upcoming NFL draft. “You definitely want to know what’s going on before draft time,” he added, indicating that they need to prepare for the possibility of his departure.

As the Seahawks navigate their salary cap situation, they are reportedly around $32 million under the cap after recent cuts, including Lockett and safety Jamal Adams. This financial flexibility allows them to explore both free agency and potential trades as they work to build a competitive roster.

Despite the imminent changes, Schneider noted his belief that Metcalf is a professional and would continue to be a valuable asset if he remains with the club. “He’s a great worker, he’s a pro, he shows up all the time, it’s just really important to him,” Schneider said.

The Seahawks drafted Metcalf in 2019, and since then, he has been a key player, recording 6,324 receiving yards and 48 touchdowns over six seasons, making him one of the franchise’s all-time leaders. However, with Lockett now gone and a push for necessary changes on the team, the upcoming decisions will be crucial for the Seahawks’ future prospects.