DK gave away the team's leverage, saying he wants out or a new contract. Rumor had it that LV or someone else was considering a first round pick, as that is what it was thought we wanted. Now, if JS decides to play hardball, DK would be shooting himself in the foot if he held out. He needs to prove his worth if he is to become a free agent next year. If I was JS, I'd rather have DK for one more year and the 3rd round compensatory pick in 2026 than a second round pick this year, but no DK. And to be fair, no DK salary. Second round WR's are 50/50 to even get a second contract. But we'll see what happens, now.
Side note, personally if they trade DK I’m thinking they keep Fant. He becomes that big “X” receiver. One year under his contract with Coach K actually using a TE could see what we’ve all suspected about Fant.
This is first I heard about the DK wanting out. We speculated and talked here. Thanks for the update. I’ve been the guy posting about Tyler and I’m glad you wrote that Tyler was a bargain after your “browbeating” him this season. :-). Clearly he’s not worth his 2025 salary. Glad, as you noted, he was cut in a separate announcement showing some respect to his career. Actually hard to comprehend with some of the great guys we’ve had (Blades, Douglas, DJax etc) he finished second all time. His toe tapping EZ and sideline catches will be missed. On to JSN.
I wonder if there's a universe in which we, say, trade DK to KC, swap first round picks and pick up one of their day two picks? Which is even-ish, if I've followed the trade value chart correctly. And then maybe some other figleaf...something in '26, but probably not a high something. I'm basically saying we give him away as a means to leverage another day two pick and make the deal look like more than it is. (Even if it won't fool SSJ.)
My hidden agenda is that every mock draft sim I run (not THAT many, honest) works better if I'm able to add one more day two pick. That seems the difference between happy and OK. I do realize the sims are not close to reality, but they do give me a little idea of relative abundance and scarcity.
The more pressing question comes, now we're down two of our top three receivers. Bobo gets a shot, we draft one early day three who's a possession receiver, pick up a TE on day two (such plans I've made...), but that still leaves us finding a veteran in free agency. Which shouldn't be hard.
Last thought: I do suspect one or more front offices might convince themselves that DK's numbers were down due to the "failed" Ryan Grubb offense, or declines in Geno Smith's skills, or wretched offensive line play or whatever. And it only takes one.
I look at all the attention DK is taking here when the Seahawks waited a day to release Lockett to give him his day for the team and fans to acknowledge what an amazing Seahawk and person he has been to the organization, and the city. It’s a shame so many people, myself included, are not acknowledging Tyler on this day, but looking at the effect the DK situation is having on the team. It’s hard to imagine this leak came from the team, after they set aside the day for Lockett, would DK or his people leak this? Of course. Like taking a penalty at a critical point in the game so that you can feel good about proving what a tough guy you are. Good riddance DK!
I'd prefer Dontayvion Wicks to Watson. He has been less injured, can play outside and inside, is younger, and has more years left on his rookie contract. I also think he is just better. He runs more of the route tree than Watson.
My only issue with Watson is that he's a 2026 free agent. If he's not mediocre, then Seattle's back in the "pay or not?" dilemma next year. Would like a player who has more time on his contract.
For sure. But if he's good-ish, we're paying a guy just entering his prime. If he's bad-ish, we may look foolish for a year, but saved money long term and got a mid round pick. He'd probably be the same mediocre guy he's been in Green Bay, but at least we're not trying to force him into a primary role. It could all go horribly wrong, or course, if Watson never figures it out and DK plays like a pro-bowler until age 33.
I'm sure you are already looking around the league for possible suiters with different player/pick possibilities. Like you point out, it's tough to gauge his value under the circumstances.
Ultimately the pick is what will pay the bills on this trade, so if a third rounder in 2026 is the best Seattle can get for DK Metcalf, the market really did shit the bed. If Seattle's not getting offers they like in the 2025 draft, I'm not sure how feasible this is but then they might as well wait to trade Metcalf until training camp. When a WR injury pops up, they can start to market him for a 2026 first round pick (and then settle for a 2 and a 5).
Very true. If there's no adequate value out there today, chances are good that an opportunity will present itself before the trade deadline. DK can hold out, but he's making good money to play in 2025, and the team holds all the cards up until that deadline. My suggestion of a 3rd was probably underselling him (or over selling Watson).
These moves were both predicted by our seer/savant SSJ, so yawn....
But, the big news to me was Joe Thuney being traded to the Bears -- cuz that means Seattle could have gone for him (as Trey Smith was franchise-tagged). Stings to see him get away.
And, Maxx Crosby at 3/$105 with $91 guaranteed means what I thought is prob true: if anyone gets Myles Garrett it's going to be 3/$120 or 4/$150, something like that.
I don't have a bad word to say about Joe Thuney, but just seems like a pipe dream for Seattle given their consistent hesitation to make a big move for a veteran and the potential that Thuney is on the downswing of his career. But I hear ya.
My real hope was for Trey Smith but they tagged him, so Thuney was next.
But your point on him being on the downside is interesting. Maybe when you find the time you could figure out “the downside years” for every position, like you did w/WR’s — who if over 30 are major risks. Wondering what that age is for the other positions. Feels like OL can go longer but hard to say, would take some expert work.
Let DK and Geno find the best deal they can find on the open market and either match it or not. I think both of them think that they are worth much than they really are. Geno isn't worth more than he's being paid now. .Offer him the same deal on one year contract extension with negative incentives. ( X amount less for every red zone pick.)
Can Lockett be resigned on a team friendly one year contract?
With some of the veteran WRs being cut it's a buyers market. A late 1st round pick will be the best they can probably get for DK .
I think all of them will end up with Pete in Vegas. Why haven't the dumped Fant?
Now I'm eager to see if Pete takes advantage of bringing the leadership these players are known for to Las Vegas as he tries to get the Raiders to a much better competitive level.
DK is a good player but I have always thought of him to be overrated.
I also don't think it is a done deal that he will be traded. It is such weird timing that this comes out the same day that Lockett is released. Is DK pissed that Lockett got cut?
DK is now one of only a couple guys from pre RW trade. It may just be time for him to move on. The team has done a great job rebuilding after the RW trade and maybe DK doesn't feel a part of it. Who knows? Who cares?
Overall, whether we have DK or we trade him for a second? or a player and free up cap space. I don't think that changes the odds for next year's season all that much. JSN is the best receiver, and I think we will be able to get a Free Agent X receiver for the outside.
The key to next year is to sign Geno. DK staying or DK leaving I don't see changing a whole lot.
I suspect DK believes he now has more leverage to get what he wants now that Seattle has parted ways with Tyler. Asking for a trade now turns the screw a bit more.
We have had some amazing WR’s over the years. Largent, Galloway, Baldwin, Lockett. DK doesn’t seem to belong in that list as unique as he is.
I wonder if we could get a 1st round pick in 2026? I think that could be more valuable in a package to move up and take a swing at a quarterback. Assuming the oline gets fixed in the mean time and receivers restocked.
The more I think about this ... the more I like it.
This is the best outcome for the Seahawks. Trade DK for 2026 draft capital and use the cap space to sign an X free agent WR for 2025 (at least). And can obviously still draft one, but I side with drafting best player available and don't need to draft a WR if one isn't there.
I remember you predicting DK requesting a trade, so I’ve been expecting this. In fact I just tweeted a response to someone that you had predicted this. This is just one of the many reasons I subscribe.
It's like someone saying they have sources telling them that the Seahawks are going to release Lockett and then taking a victory lap when they release Lockett. This news was just as obvious, the only difference being that the person didn't even say that their sources told them DK requested a trade. It wasn't that close to the same news.
On a side note, JS sitting on his hands (as usual) while an All-Pro Thuney gets traded to the Bears for only a 4th rounder. The Bears have made moves to rebuild their o-line this off-season (Thuney & Jackson for a 4th & 6th respectively. Nice to see that there are actually GMs in this league that can identify their team's weaknesses and find ways to turn them into strengths!
There's no way JS was paying $16 million and a 4th rounder for a 33 year old guard. Who would probably want an extension before even playing a game for them.
That's the cost of doing business my friend. The extension would be a bargain and with the rising cap each and every year this is a no-brainer! Back to back all-pro season, check and check at his so-called "advanced age"
Technically Fant wasn’t injured until games. He was game 1 starter. So don’t see it as same but your point is fully accurate. Personally “minimum” contract with some incentives is what I would prefer. Want him around but in part because he was “good” when his competition was Taylor who royally sucked. So was he good or just looked good based on alternatives at the time??
Disappointed in the Lockett release, but not surprised at DK wanting to be traded. I wonder if he wants to go to the Raiders…maybe he and Russell will offer Pete a deal to take them both 🤣🤣. The team has made such huge changes that I hardly recognize them anymore.
I’ve always felt DK sees himself as an elite top receiver and is probably looking for 35 million to start negotiations, The Seahawks are probably miles away from that. If we can get a mid 2nd and a 5th for him we’re better off than paying $35 million a year on an extension. He’ll be a free agent next year and the best we’d get if he plays out his contract is a 3rd round compensatory pick. if we keep him and he plays out his contract, we take a $31 million cap hit this year, negating the cap space we’re creating.
I don't think there's a chance we get a 2nd for him. Maybe a 3rd, more likely a 4th. He's not that much younger/better/different than Deebo and he was only worth a 5th. A 3rd round comp pick looks pretty good at this point. Assuming he plays on the last year of his deal. $21 million in dead cap if we do trade him before June 1st. We take the $31 million cap hit this year anyway. It's a $7.125 million cap hit next year for the void years.
Absolutely correct! If Deebo went for a 5th, we would be lucky to get a 3rd for DK, 4th seems more reasonable as you mentioned. In addition, whoever trades for DK will need to sign him to an extension so that may affect the trade compensation as well.
Mike Lombardi says that Samuels has lost his explosiveness off the line—that he isn’t the same player. Assuming that DK’s return to health is complete, comparing the two is apples and oranges.
Apples and oranges can go both ways. Deebo's cost is one year, $17 million. Metcalf is only requesting a trade because the Seahawks wouldn't pay him what he wants. Let's say he wants a 3-year, $93 million contract ($31m/year, slightly more than AJ got in 2024), $54m fully guaranteed. That is a lot more than renting Deebo for $17m and hoping he's still got something in the tank.
Okay, so, $93 million...what does that do to DK's trade value?
Let's pretend that the Chiefs would trade pick 31 for DK if he *didn't* want a contract. How much do you chop that down if you're the KC GM and you know that DK wants $93m?
If DK Metcalf was 25, I would say maybe it doesn't get chopped down at all.
DK Metcalf is going to be 28 this year. KC isn't dumb, they traded Tyreek when he was 28. They might sense that they're getting 2-3 years of DK for $60-$80m. They might not part with that first anymore, so how much do you chop it down because of the contract?
We can leave Deebo out of it entirely. My point with Deebo's 5th round pick is only that the market wasn't OVERRATING a receiver on the market. Keenan Allen coming off of a career year got a 4th round pick and he also didn't come with a contract request. He came with a solidified one-year cost. Unfortunately, DJ Moore was included in a package, so we have no idea what he was worth.
There aren't any apples to apples.
Jerry Jeudy was traded when he was only 25 and he wanted a new contract, so his comparison might be the best. But that trade only netted a 5th and a 6th.
Like I say, there's no huge comparison to make here. But the market is too deep, DK is not too young, DK wants money, and Seattle probably doesn't want to go back and bring back DK. For my money, this trade nets a late second (Ravens at 57? Lions at 60?) or a third, but I would rather try and get a 2026 second round pick locked in with a 5th round pick in 2025. In a dream world, the Seahawks get a 2026 second round pick from a bad team like the Patriots, the Raiders, the Jaguars, the Jets, etc., and hope it's in the top-35 next year.
DK gave away the team's leverage, saying he wants out or a new contract. Rumor had it that LV or someone else was considering a first round pick, as that is what it was thought we wanted. Now, if JS decides to play hardball, DK would be shooting himself in the foot if he held out. He needs to prove his worth if he is to become a free agent next year. If I was JS, I'd rather have DK for one more year and the 3rd round compensatory pick in 2026 than a second round pick this year, but no DK. And to be fair, no DK salary. Second round WR's are 50/50 to even get a second contract. But we'll see what happens, now.
Side note, personally if they trade DK I’m thinking they keep Fant. He becomes that big “X” receiver. One year under his contract with Coach K actually using a TE could see what we’ve all suspected about Fant.
This is first I heard about the DK wanting out. We speculated and talked here. Thanks for the update. I’ve been the guy posting about Tyler and I’m glad you wrote that Tyler was a bargain after your “browbeating” him this season. :-). Clearly he’s not worth his 2025 salary. Glad, as you noted, he was cut in a separate announcement showing some respect to his career. Actually hard to comprehend with some of the great guys we’ve had (Blades, Douglas, DJax etc) he finished second all time. His toe tapping EZ and sideline catches will be missed. On to JSN.
I wonder if there's a universe in which we, say, trade DK to KC, swap first round picks and pick up one of their day two picks? Which is even-ish, if I've followed the trade value chart correctly. And then maybe some other figleaf...something in '26, but probably not a high something. I'm basically saying we give him away as a means to leverage another day two pick and make the deal look like more than it is. (Even if it won't fool SSJ.)
My hidden agenda is that every mock draft sim I run (not THAT many, honest) works better if I'm able to add one more day two pick. That seems the difference between happy and OK. I do realize the sims are not close to reality, but they do give me a little idea of relative abundance and scarcity.
The more pressing question comes, now we're down two of our top three receivers. Bobo gets a shot, we draft one early day three who's a possession receiver, pick up a TE on day two (such plans I've made...), but that still leaves us finding a veteran in free agency. Which shouldn't be hard.
Last thought: I do suspect one or more front offices might convince themselves that DK's numbers were down due to the "failed" Ryan Grubb offense, or declines in Geno Smith's skills, or wretched offensive line play or whatever. And it only takes one.
All the best to our former players.
Ack. Meant to add that DK may not see a future in Kubiak's offense. I don't know enough to know that, but it's another piece in play.
I look at all the attention DK is taking here when the Seahawks waited a day to release Lockett to give him his day for the team and fans to acknowledge what an amazing Seahawk and person he has been to the organization, and the city. It’s a shame so many people, myself included, are not acknowledging Tyler on this day, but looking at the effect the DK situation is having on the team. It’s hard to imagine this leak came from the team, after they set aside the day for Lockett, would DK or his people leak this? Of course. Like taking a penalty at a critical point in the game so that you can feel good about proving what a tough guy you are. Good riddance DK!
I'll take Christian Watson and the Packers 2026 3rd round pick for DK.
I'd prefer Dontayvion Wicks to Watson. He has been less injured, can play outside and inside, is younger, and has more years left on his rookie contract. I also think he is just better. He runs more of the route tree than Watson.
You know I was just thinking that too after seeing recent posts about GB talking to JS.
My only issue with Watson is that he's a 2026 free agent. If he's not mediocre, then Seattle's back in the "pay or not?" dilemma next year. Would like a player who has more time on his contract.
For sure. But if he's good-ish, we're paying a guy just entering his prime. If he's bad-ish, we may look foolish for a year, but saved money long term and got a mid round pick. He'd probably be the same mediocre guy he's been in Green Bay, but at least we're not trying to force him into a primary role. It could all go horribly wrong, or course, if Watson never figures it out and DK plays like a pro-bowler until age 33.
I'm sure you are already looking around the league for possible suiters with different player/pick possibilities. Like you point out, it's tough to gauge his value under the circumstances.
Ultimately the pick is what will pay the bills on this trade, so if a third rounder in 2026 is the best Seattle can get for DK Metcalf, the market really did shit the bed. If Seattle's not getting offers they like in the 2025 draft, I'm not sure how feasible this is but then they might as well wait to trade Metcalf until training camp. When a WR injury pops up, they can start to market him for a 2026 first round pick (and then settle for a 2 and a 5).
Very true. If there's no adequate value out there today, chances are good that an opportunity will present itself before the trade deadline. DK can hold out, but he's making good money to play in 2025, and the team holds all the cards up until that deadline. My suggestion of a 3rd was probably underselling him (or over selling Watson).
These moves were both predicted by our seer/savant SSJ, so yawn....
But, the big news to me was Joe Thuney being traded to the Bears -- cuz that means Seattle could have gone for him (as Trey Smith was franchise-tagged). Stings to see him get away.
And, Maxx Crosby at 3/$105 with $91 guaranteed means what I thought is prob true: if anyone gets Myles Garrett it's going to be 3/$120 or 4/$150, something like that.
Ok Big John, go get it done.
I don't have a bad word to say about Joe Thuney, but just seems like a pipe dream for Seattle given their consistent hesitation to make a big move for a veteran and the potential that Thuney is on the downswing of his career. But I hear ya.
My real hope was for Trey Smith but they tagged him, so Thuney was next.
But your point on him being on the downside is interesting. Maybe when you find the time you could figure out “the downside years” for every position, like you did w/WR’s — who if over 30 are major risks. Wondering what that age is for the other positions. Feels like OL can go longer but hard to say, would take some expert work.
Let DK and Geno find the best deal they can find on the open market and either match it or not. I think both of them think that they are worth much than they really are. Geno isn't worth more than he's being paid now. .Offer him the same deal on one year contract extension with negative incentives. ( X amount less for every red zone pick.)
Can Lockett be resigned on a team friendly one year contract?
With some of the veteran WRs being cut it's a buyers market. A late 1st round pick will be the best they can probably get for DK .
I think all of them will end up with Pete in Vegas. Why haven't the dumped Fant?
Sad to see Lockett go, but it’s time.
If we get a ‘25 3rd round pick or second round ‘26 pick for Metcalfe, I think that would be a decent return.
Now I'm eager to see if Pete takes advantage of bringing the leadership these players are known for to Las Vegas as he tries to get the Raiders to a much better competitive level.
And they need receivers. But likely be a smallish one year contract
DK is a good player but I have always thought of him to be overrated.
I also don't think it is a done deal that he will be traded. It is such weird timing that this comes out the same day that Lockett is released. Is DK pissed that Lockett got cut?
DK is now one of only a couple guys from pre RW trade. It may just be time for him to move on. The team has done a great job rebuilding after the RW trade and maybe DK doesn't feel a part of it. Who knows? Who cares?
Overall, whether we have DK or we trade him for a second? or a player and free up cap space. I don't think that changes the odds for next year's season all that much. JSN is the best receiver, and I think we will be able to get a Free Agent X receiver for the outside.
The key to next year is to sign Geno. DK staying or DK leaving I don't see changing a whole lot.
I suspect DK believes he now has more leverage to get what he wants now that Seattle has parted ways with Tyler. Asking for a trade now turns the screw a bit more.
We have had some amazing WR’s over the years. Largent, Galloway, Baldwin, Lockett. DK doesn’t seem to belong in that list as unique as he is.
I wonder if we could get a 1st round pick in 2026? I think that could be more valuable in a package to move up and take a swing at a quarterback. Assuming the oline gets fixed in the mean time and receivers restocked.
Yes I suspect the trade request is a negotiating tactic. He’s happy to stay if he gets paid.
The more I think about this ... the more I like it.
This is the best outcome for the Seahawks. Trade DK for 2026 draft capital and use the cap space to sign an X free agent WR for 2025 (at least). And can obviously still draft one, but I side with drafting best player available and don't need to draft a WR if one isn't there.
Even as Geno's biggest fan here, I am all for finding the successor.
I thought Joe's article about loading up for 2026 was really a smart idea.
I would be ALL FOR a 2026 1st and wouldn't even be disappointed in a second.
The freed up cap space will be able to address 2025 season and the 2026 draft pick gives us more ammo for a QB target (who will sit behind Geno).
Great call Bill!
I remember you predicting DK requesting a trade, so I’ve been expecting this. In fact I just tweeted a response to someone that you had predicted this. This is just one of the many reasons I subscribe.
It's like someone saying they have sources telling them that the Seahawks are going to release Lockett and then taking a victory lap when they release Lockett. This news was just as obvious, the only difference being that the person didn't even say that their sources told them DK requested a trade. It wasn't that close to the same news.
Good point.
Thanks for the memories Lockett!!
On a side note, JS sitting on his hands (as usual) while an All-Pro Thuney gets traded to the Bears for only a 4th rounder. The Bears have made moves to rebuild their o-line this off-season (Thuney & Jackson for a 4th & 6th respectively. Nice to see that there are actually GMs in this league that can identify their team's weaknesses and find ways to turn them into strengths!
There's no way JS was paying $16 million and a 4th rounder for a 33 year old guard. Who would probably want an extension before even playing a game for them.
The last thing we need is another broken-down IOL.
That's the cost of doing business my friend. The extension would be a bargain and with the rising cap each and every year this is a no-brainer! Back to back all-pro season, check and check at his so-called "advanced age"
If that’s the “cost of doing business” then I’d rather the Bears pay that cost instead of Seattle.
IF the Hawks are going to acquire a center, I’d rather it be Drew Dalman from Atlanta. He’s a free agent, is really good, and is only 26.
Nwosu - availability is key. We have had too many players we signed that are always injured starting with Harvin , Faint etc.
If DK wants out we may be able to get a 2nd. He is healthy and on the field.
I do wonder if he has an issue with Geno. They don’t look happy with each other on the sidelines.
Technically Fant wasn’t injured until games. He was game 1 starter. So don’t see it as same but your point is fully accurate. Personally “minimum” contract with some incentives is what I would prefer. Want him around but in part because he was “good” when his competition was Taylor who royally sucked. So was he good or just looked good based on alternatives at the time??
I do like the fact he is a swing tackle which is much needed. If he is healthy and cheaper why not ?
Disappointed in the Lockett release, but not surprised at DK wanting to be traded. I wonder if he wants to go to the Raiders…maybe he and Russell will offer Pete a deal to take them both 🤣🤣. The team has made such huge changes that I hardly recognize them anymore.
I’ve always felt DK sees himself as an elite top receiver and is probably looking for 35 million to start negotiations, The Seahawks are probably miles away from that. If we can get a mid 2nd and a 5th for him we’re better off than paying $35 million a year on an extension. He’ll be a free agent next year and the best we’d get if he plays out his contract is a 3rd round compensatory pick. if we keep him and he plays out his contract, we take a $31 million cap hit this year, negating the cap space we’re creating.
I don't think there's a chance we get a 2nd for him. Maybe a 3rd, more likely a 4th. He's not that much younger/better/different than Deebo and he was only worth a 5th. A 3rd round comp pick looks pretty good at this point. Assuming he plays on the last year of his deal. $21 million in dead cap if we do trade him before June 1st. We take the $31 million cap hit this year anyway. It's a $7.125 million cap hit next year for the void years.
Absolutely correct! If Deebo went for a 5th, we would be lucky to get a 3rd for DK, 4th seems more reasonable as you mentioned. In addition, whoever trades for DK will need to sign him to an extension so that may affect the trade compensation as well.
Mike Lombardi says that Samuels has lost his explosiveness off the line—that he isn’t the same player. Assuming that DK’s return to health is complete, comparing the two is apples and oranges.
Apples and oranges can go both ways. Deebo's cost is one year, $17 million. Metcalf is only requesting a trade because the Seahawks wouldn't pay him what he wants. Let's say he wants a 3-year, $93 million contract ($31m/year, slightly more than AJ got in 2024), $54m fully guaranteed. That is a lot more than renting Deebo for $17m and hoping he's still got something in the tank.
Okay, so, $93 million...what does that do to DK's trade value?
Let's pretend that the Chiefs would trade pick 31 for DK if he *didn't* want a contract. How much do you chop that down if you're the KC GM and you know that DK wants $93m?
If DK Metcalf was 25, I would say maybe it doesn't get chopped down at all.
DK Metcalf is going to be 28 this year. KC isn't dumb, they traded Tyreek when he was 28. They might sense that they're getting 2-3 years of DK for $60-$80m. They might not part with that first anymore, so how much do you chop it down because of the contract?
We can leave Deebo out of it entirely. My point with Deebo's 5th round pick is only that the market wasn't OVERRATING a receiver on the market. Keenan Allen coming off of a career year got a 4th round pick and he also didn't come with a contract request. He came with a solidified one-year cost. Unfortunately, DJ Moore was included in a package, so we have no idea what he was worth.
There aren't any apples to apples.
Jerry Jeudy was traded when he was only 25 and he wanted a new contract, so his comparison might be the best. But that trade only netted a 5th and a 6th.
Like I say, there's no huge comparison to make here. But the market is too deep, DK is not too young, DK wants money, and Seattle probably doesn't want to go back and bring back DK. For my money, this trade nets a late second (Ravens at 57? Lions at 60?) or a third, but I would rather try and get a 2026 second round pick locked in with a 5th round pick in 2025. In a dream world, the Seahawks get a 2026 second round pick from a bad team like the Patriots, the Raiders, the Jaguars, the Jets, etc., and hope it's in the top-35 next year.
I have had the impression he’s been less than thrilled here since Russell left.