DK Metcalf has officially requested a trade from the Seattle Seahawks and with a massive need at wide receiver, the LA Chargers have emerged as a frontrunner for the Pro Bowl wideout.
The Chargers naturally won't be the only team interested in Metcalf as top-tier wideouts do not grow on trees. From contending teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills to teams with cap space like the Patriots, the Chargers will have competition.
Competition drives prices up and Metcalf was already going to have a notable price on the trade market. As exciting as Metcalf would be on the Chargers, the reported asking price may give the Chargers pause.
The Seahawks are seeking a first- and third-round pick for WR DK Metcalf, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 6, 2025
Metcalf is also eyeing a new contract worth around $30M per year.
Multiple teams have inquired. pic.twitter.com/JX93XAvb52
Chargers may have to trade a first and third-round pick for DK Metcalf
There is no guarantee that Seattle will get the reporting asking price for Metcalf. Market interest drives the price and if there are no teams willing to trade this much then Metcalf will go for less.
It was always a possibility that trading for Metcalf would require parting ways with the No. 22 pick in the draft. That always felt like the ceiling of what the Seahawks would ask for, though. Trading the No. 22 pick and a third-round pick is not worth the squeeze for the Chargers.
If Metcalf was the only option it would be one thing but that is not the case. The Chargers have several wide receiver options to pursue, including the recently released Davante Adams. Adams may be past his prime, but signing him and keeping the team's draft capital is more palatable than trading a first and third for Metcalf.
Ideally, the price gets driven down to a point that is more palpable for the Chargers. In a perfect world, the Chargers would be able to trade the No. 55 pick and Quentin Johnston for Metcalf. That no longer seems like a possibility.
Time will tell if any team is willing to pay this elevated price for Metcalf. All it takes is one desperate team that is willing to splurge, and that may ultimately keep Metcalf away from Los Angeles.