DK Metcalf's days with the Seattle Seahawks are numbered and the LA Chargers are the most logical destination for the Pro Bowl receiver via trade. Los Angeles tried trading for Metcalf before he was on the market last offseason and now have the chance to make it happen.
Metcalf seems to understand that the Chargers are the best fit for him as the star wideout sent a not-so-subtle message to the Bolts about his priorities. The Chargers are the only team in the league that fit all the criteria Metcalf reportedly has.
The Chargers won't be the only team in the Metcalf trade market and the Seahawks don't have to factor in the wide receiver's priorities in trade talks. The Seahawks should (and will) accept the trade that is the best for the franchise, not for Metcalf.
As great as the Chargers are for Metcalf, they may not be the frontrunners in trade talks with the Seahawks. According to Chargers Radio color commentator Daniel Jeremiah, the New England Patriots are widely expected to trade for the Seahawks wideout.
"Everybody in the league thinks that DK Metcalf is going to New England..
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Patriots emerge as frontrunners to swipe DK Metcalf from Chargers
If the Patriots are desperate enough for DK Metcalf then there isn't much the Chargers can do about it. New England has the cap space to pay Metcalf as much as he wants and also has the draft capital to outbid the Chargers.
Desperate teams overpay for players they want and the Patriots could put the Chargers in an uncomfortable situation. New England has the 38th pick in the draft and has several young wideouts on the roster to trade.
A package consisting of the 38th pick, Javon Baker and more late-round draft picks is far better than a package consisting of the 55th pick, Quentin Johnston, and more late-round draft picks.
The one way the Chargers can make the Patriots a nonfactor is by offering the 22nd pick in the draft. New England can't really beat that price as the team isn't going to trade the fourth-overall pick. That being said, trading the 22nd pick may not be something the Chargers are interested in doing.
New England does not check every box Metcalf wants to check as they are not a warm-weather team. At the very least, the Patriots have a stable quarterback situation and the ability to pay Metcalf as much as any team in the league.
Thankfully for the Chargers, there are other wideout options to pursue if a Metcalf trade does not pan out. Davante Adams can be signed without having to give up any draft capital and that is just the tip of the iceberg.
As great as Metcalf would be in powder blue, he may end up catching passes from Drake Maye next season.