Many selections made by NFL normal managers are sometimes questioned, largely as a result of the general public doesn’t have full perception into what occurs behind the scenes inside a franchise. Trades and the discharge of gifted gamers can generally appear puzzling — particularly when these gamers are fan favorites.
Earlier this offseason, the Seattle Seahawks traded extensive receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who shortly signed him to a four-year, $132 million extension.
Whereas Metcalf had publicly expressed frustration and requested a commerce, one insider revealed that this wasn’t a current concern — his discontent had reportedly been constructing for greater than only one offseason.
DK Metcalf Wished Out of Seattle A number of Occasions in Current Years
Since being drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, DK Metcalf had been the go-to weapon at extensive receiver. Recognized for his trademark physicality courting again to his collegiate profession, in addition to his on-field intelligence, Metcalf was broadly anticipated to stay with the franchise on a brand new long-term deal.
In keeping with ESPN insider Brady Henderson, the Seahawks had no preliminary plans to commerce Metcalf initially of the offseason. Nonetheless, the participant’s ongoing want to play elsewhere compelled the group to rethink — finally main Seattle to discover commerce companions that have been additionally keen to supply Metcalf a brand new long-term deal.
“That revelation sheds gentle on Seattle’s resolution to deal Metcalf to the Steelers for the No. 52 choice and a swap of late-round picks. The Seahawks didn’t plan on buying and selling him initially of the offseason, however they needed to weigh Metcalf’s extended unhappiness along with the inherent danger of signing a participant to an enormous third contract,” Henderson revealed.
Metcalf’s most well-liked locations have been the Los Angeles Chargers and the Houston Texans — each offenses led by younger, strong-armed quarterbacks who might absolutely maximize his ability set. Nonetheless, contract calls for turned a major hurdle for many groups, lots of which had different priorities heading into the offseason.
Pittsburgh’s transfer got here as a shock, particularly because the group at present doesn’t have a top-tier quarterback below contract.
With Justin Fields and Russell Wilson departing in free company, the Steelers’ quarterback room now consists of Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, making a large contract for a large receiver coming into his third deal an surprising transfer.
Even so, Pittsburgh’s offense was in want of assist. The group ranked twenty fifth within the PFSN Offensive+ Metric and had George Pickens as its solely dependable extensive receiver choice. Now, whether or not a veteran or a rookie quarterback is introduced in to steer the offense, a strong basis at receiver will probably be in place.
One other AFC Workforce Tried Buying and selling for Metcalf, However He Declined
The New England Patriots had been trying to find a large receiver for the previous two seasons. In 2024, earlier than the season started, they have been one of the aggressive groups pursuing Brandon Aiyuk. Nonetheless, Aiyuk declined the commerce, making it clear he didn’t wish to signal an extension with the Patriots.
In keeping with Henderson, the identical scenario unfolded with DK Metcalf, who knowledgeable the Seattle Seahawks that he had little interest in taking part in for New England, successfully shutting down any risk of a deal.
“The Patriots have been excited about buying and selling for Metcalf, however he successfully nixed that risk by making it identified that he didn’t wish to go to New England, in keeping with a supply acquainted with the discussions.”
New England finally discovered its veteran receiver in Stefon Diggs, who signed a three-year, $69 million take care of the franchise, together with $26 million assured.
Nonetheless, it’s attention-grabbing to notice that even after drafting Drake Maye, there appears to be a hesitation amongst high receivers in the case of committing to a long-term take care of the Patriots.
