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Common supervisor John Schneider and coach Pete Carroll have mentioned that they “intend for him to be with us,” however additionally they mentioned comparable issues earlier than dealing famous person quarterback Russell Wilson to the Broncos final month. Metcalf, 24, a free agent subsequent 12 months, is eligible for a contract extension and simply noticed Tyreek Hill change into thehighest-paid broad receiver in NFL historical past. Will he be an analogous payday?
Metcalfis within the ultimate 12 months of his rookie contract, making $3,986,000 in 2022. He hashas 3,170 receiving yards and 29 touchdowns since Seattle drafted him on the finish of Spherical 2 in 2019. Whereas there was no agency indication that the Seahawks have any intention to commerce him, hiscontract state of affairs and the franchise’s oft-stated philosophy of exploring each potential transfer means that Seattle will no less than take heed to provides.
So that is what we’re doing right here. We requested our NFL Nation reporters to function the overall managers of the groups they cowl and make sensible commerce provides for Metcalf.We requested that reporters make provides solely if their groups have official curiosity in Metcalf and have the cap house to signal him to a possible extension. We ended up with seven provides to current to Seahawks reporter Brady Henderson, who then evaluated the provides based mostly on what he thinks the Seattle entrance workplace would do.
Which groups made provides for Metcalf, and what may the Seahawks get in return? And is Seattle actually prepared to maneuver on from Metcalf? This is how oursimulated market performed out, beginning with why the group may transfer on and ending with a verdict:
Soar to a proposal:
Browns | Chiefs | Eagles
Falcons | Jets | Packers | Saints
Why Seattle may commerce — or maintain — Metcalf
The Seahawks are a group in transition. They’ve the salary-cap house to provide Metcalf a megadeal andwill be in even higher form subsequent 12 months, when Wilson’s contract comes off their books. Nonetheless,having the ability to afford the deal would not essentially imply they’d be prepared to pay the form of cash that Metcalf may command now that the broad receiver market has skyrocketed.Schneider appeared to indicate some reluctance when he talked in regards to the sticker shock from the latest mega offers for Hill and Davante Adams, which common $30 million and $28 million, respectively.
If the Seahawks give Metcalf an analogous deal, they’d be paying two receivers huge cash — they gaveTyler Locketta four-year, $69 million extension final 12 months — to play in an offense that Carroll prefers to not be centered across the passing sport. They may need to lean extra on the run post-Wilson.
There is a robust case for Seattle to pay no matter it takes to maintain Metcalf, nevertheless. He has completed with no less than 900 yards in all three of his NFL seasons, together with a franchise-record 1,303 in 2020. He could be the group’s finest participant, and he’s undoubtedly its finest draft decide previously six years, if not longer.
Metcalf is the kind of participant the Seahawks ought to be rebuilding round, a younger and gifted star who ought to nonetheless be in his prime by the point they get again to competition. In different phrases: One in all these provides higher blow them away or they should not even contemplate it. — Brady Henderson
Our commerce provides for Metcalf
Tim McManus’ supply:The Eagles would commerce 2022 third- and fifth-round picks (Nos. 83 and 154).
Contained in the supply:The modest supply right here displays that the Eagles may solely be in on Metcalf at a sure danger degree.They rated him as a top-15 prospect within the 2019 draft, however the neck damage that ended his ultimate season at Ole Misskept them from drafting him. They don’t seem to be going to surrender one among their first-round picks to amass him.
Philadelphia tried to commerce for Calvin Ridley earlier this offseason and made a run atChristian Kirk in free company, andMetcalf would give the franchise the impression receiver it seeks. The Eagles would have a stellar 1-2 punch at receiver with Metcalf and DeVonta Smith, with Quez Watkins and newly acquired Zach Pascal filling the third and fourth roles.Jalen Reagor, a 2020 first-round decide who has 64 catches in two seasons,could possibly be moved to get a much-needed contemporary begin.Jalen Hurts would have all of the targets he may ask for to be correctly evaluated in his second season because the full-time starter.
Jake Trotter’s supply:The Browns would commerce a 2023 second-round decide and quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Contained in the supply:The Browns must unload Mayfield anyway, and packaging him with a second-rounder may entice Seattle. Cleveland, which traded away its first-round decide within the 2022 draft to acquireDeshaun Watson, seemingly would solely deal subsequent 12 months’s decide in order that it may maintain its high decide (No. 44) this 12 months. The Seahawks may get a one-year take a look at Mayfield and add the decide to their trove for a possible rebuild.
Seattle could possibly be a good touchdown spot for Mayfield, who would seemingly mesh with coach Pete Carroll and the kind of offense he needs to run. The Seahawks may present Mayfield along with his finest probability to start out in 2022.
For the Browns,Metcalf andAmari Cooperwould give them an imposing front-line receiving duo.They’re on the lookout for a No. 2 wideout, however touchdown Metcalf would give them two No. 1-caliber choices for Watson.
Michael Rothstein’s supply: The Falcons would commerce 2022 second- and fifth-round picks (Nos. 58 and 151), together with a 2023 fourth-round decide.
Contained in the supply:The Falcons desperately want broad receivers — their present starters areAuden Tate and Olamide Zaccheaus– and younger expertise as theybegin to rebuild after the Matt Ryan period led to March. This deal wouldtake away some capital for 2022 that would damage within the brief time period, however they’d nonetheless maintain the No. 8 general decide to get one other premier starter.
Including Metcalf would give the Falcons a confirmed receiver who is simply 24 years previous and the kind of quick, big-bodied receiver that coach Arthur Smith likes.It will give new quarterback Marcus Mariota a high goal to throw to, and the mix of tight finish Kyle Pitts and Metcalf could be a chore for any group to cease.Whereas an extension would seemingly must be a part of this deal, it may additionally imply Pitts and Metcalf could be a dynamic pairing for the following half-decade, no less than. This tradewould give Smith one other versatile participant to work with as he tries to assemble the offense in his picture.
Adam Teicher’s supply:The Chiefs would commerce 2022 first- and third-round picks (Nos. 30 and 103).
Contained in the supply:After buying and selling Tyreek Hill, the Chiefs not have a No. 1 broad receiver. They do have two picks in every of the primary 4 rounds on this draft, although, and will afford to half with these picks.
Nonetheless, it is mindless to commerce Hill for an enormous package deal of picks as a result of he needs a large contract extension after which flip round and provides away most of these picks for an additional receiver who needs an extension. In that case, the Chiefs ought to have simply stored Hill and given him the extension he wished. They could possibly be within the Metcalf sweepstakes as a result of he would make them higher, but there’s solely up to now they’d go.
Kansas Metropolis’s high 4 broad receivers could be Metcalf after which, in some order,JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Mecole Hardman. These wideoutswould flourish with the addition of Metcalf, and the group would have rather more depth than it had final season.
Rob Demovsky’s supply:The Packers would commerce 2022 first- and fourth-round picks (Nos. 28 and 132).
Contained in the supply:The Packers have two first-round picks and want to switch Davante Adams– quick. Whereas they nonetheless may draft a receiver excessive, even with the No. 23 general decide they acquired from the Raiders within the commerce for Adams, they understand how arduous it’s for a rookie receiver to make a right away impression — particularly with a quarterback as exact and demanding as Aaron Rodgers. Coach Matt LaFleur mentioned Inexperienced Bay wants somebody to take the highest off of coverages, and Metcalf could be an ideal match.
It will basically imply the Packers lastly used a first-round decide on a receiver, though not within the precise draft. They have not drafted a receiver in Spherical 1 since Javon Walker in 2002. It may be the right spot for Metcalf, going from top-line quarterback in Russell Wilson to probably the greatest in Rodgers.
The Packers do not at present have a No. 1 wideout. You may argue that they do not actually have a No. 2, both. The largest concern could be their wage cap. They’ve about $15 million in cap house this 12 months. Metcalf’s cap variety of $3,986,000 would not be a problem, aside from the truth that he’ll need a new deal that may pay him greater than $20 million per 12 months.
Mike Triplett’s supply:The Saints would commerce 2022 first- and third-round picks (Nos. 16 and 98).
Contained in the supply:New Orleans already made one aggressive transfer so as to add a second first-round decide in a commerce with the Eagles. On this situation, the Saints would parlay that into filling their most obvious want for a premium go catcher. The offense completed thirty second within the league in passing yards final season. The Saints have receiverMichael Thomas and quarterbackJameis Winston getting back from main accidents, however they nonetheless want so as to add no less than yet one more premier pass-catcher through commerce, free company or the draft.
The Saints have room for a No. 2 receiver alongside Thomas, whereas fellow wideoutsTre’Quan Smith, Marquez Callaway and Deonte Harty may fill the opposite spots. The wage cap is a matter for the Saints, however we all know they’re prepared to stretch it for the fitting participant after their pursuit of Deshaun Watson. Spending this a lot on Metcalf would make it more durable for them to fill wants at security and offensive sort out, however these aren’t as urgent.
Including Metcalf would make the Saints’ offense a little bit of a thriller — in a great way. We’ve seen longtime offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. adapt his offensive id fairly a bit through the years based mostly on personnel.
Wealthy Cimini’s supply:The Jets would commerce 2022 first- and third-round picks (Nos. 10 and 69).
Contained in the supply:Seattle may ask for the Jamal Adams deal (two first-round picks and a third-rounder), however why would the Jets permit themselves to be fleeced after fleecing the Seahawks? Certain, the Jets may hand over one other premium decide for Metcalf — they’ve two first- and two second-round picks — however they may simply draft a high receiver at No. 4 or 10. It would not make sense to surrender the fort for Metcalf, pretty much as good as he’s.Primarily based on the generally used commerce worth chart, this proposal exceeds what they provided the Chiefs for Tyreek Hill: 1,545 factors to 1,227 factors.
The Jets want a WR1, pure and easy. They want a difference-maker to assist speed up quarterback Zach Wilson’s improvement. They have not had a 1,000-yard receiver since Brandon Marshall in 2015.
If this deal went by, the Jets nonetheless would have a first-round decide (No. 4) and two second-rounders (Nos. 35 and 38) to deal with different wants. Assuming Metcalf will get a long-term extension as a part of the deal, the group in all probability could be capped out, rising the significance of these picks. His arrival would additional cloud the way forward for Denzel Mims. It additionally may impression Corey Davis, whose $13.7 million cap cost is okay for now however will not be if he is the third-best wideout.
In idea, Metcalf, Elijah Moore and Davis could be the highest three receivers, with Moore able to taking part in inside and outdoors. Braxton Berrios can share responsibility within the slot. They might add one other receiver after the primary spherical.
The decision: The Seahawks go on all seven provides.
Henderson: This did not find yourself being as straightforward of a call as I initially thought it might be, with one supply piquing my curiosity upon nearer inspection.My start line was two first-round picks or one thing of equal worth, as a result of if I am Schneider and Carroll, how may I even contemplate something lower than that after giving up extra within the Jamal Adams commerce?
Sure, Adams had one other 12 months left on his rookie deal, however Metcalf performs a way more precious place. Primarily based on my reporting, I might guess that they’d view one thing within the neighborhood of two firsts because the minimal for Metcalf. The Seahawks do not have to commerce him and might drive a tough cut price.
The Falcons’ and Eagles’ provides did not come near that start line. Laborious go on each. Hopefully for Philadelphia common supervisor Howie Roseman’s sake, his electronic mail obtained caught in Schneider’s junk folder.
The Browns’ supply was additionally a nonstarter, even with Mayfield. Sure, the Seahawks are on the lookout for Wilson’s long-term alternative and Mayfield has confirmed greater than Drew Lock, who’s at present slated to be their beginning quarterback. The group, nevertheless, is increased than you may suppose on Lock’s potential and needs to provide him a one-year trial run to see if he’s worthy of long-term consideration.
The issue with the Cleveland commerce situation is that buying Mayfield through a commerce would imply inheriting his assured wage for 2022, which is almost $19 million. That is an affordable value for a quarterback who has proved to no less than be beginning caliber — and whose struggles in 2021 could possibly be partly attributed to a shoulder damage. Seattle in all probability would not need to purchase Mayfield at that value as a result of it might successfully lock him in as its QB1 for this season, throwing its finest probability of getting a real analysis of Lock out the window. A second-round decide in subsequent 12 months’s draft is not practically sufficient to offset the difficulty of Mayfield’s wage.
Of the 4 provides that included a first-round decide, the Jets’ was simply the very best. And it appears to be like higher the extra you dig into it.
In response to the Jimmy Johnson and Wealthy Hill commerce worth charts, the mixed level complete for decide Nos. 10 and 69 is roughly equal to that of a mid-first-round decide this 12 months plus one other mid-first-rounder in 2023. That is whenever you issue the overall rule of thumb that picks lose one spherical of worth for yearly they’re pushed out.
If evaluating them solely to picks on this 12 months’s draft, Nos. 10 and 69 could be roughly equal in worth to 2 picks within the early-to mid-20s. Both method, the Jets made a powerful supply even when it technically would not embody two first-rounders.
I do not suppose it is sufficient for the Seahawks, although. Metcalf is simply too good, too younger and too promising to surrender for that return. He is additionally too well-liked amongst Seahawks followers, and that needs to be a consideration for Schneider and Carroll on condition that they only moved on from two of the very best gamers in franchise historical past in Wilson and Bobby Wagner. Parting with their most fun participant could be one other intestine punch to the 12s.
Now what for the Seahawks?They’re going to take their possibilities on getting a deal completed with Metcalf, which might be simpler mentioned than completed, given the place the market has gone. Their M.O. has been to attend till the summer season for these kind of extensions, but it surely could be of their finest curiosity to maneuver shortly on condition that three different receivers from the 2019 draft are additionally eligible for big-money offers: A.J. Brown, Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin. Metcalf has extra mixed yards and touchdowns than all three and will command extra money than them if these offers get completed earlier than his. That may additionally give him incentive to attend.
Apparently, Metcalf’s agent, Tory Dandy, additionally represents Brown and Samuel. The Seahawks have relationship with Dandy, which may assist. However that does not imply they will see eye-to-eye on a quantity. If not, they may all the time revisit the commerce risk later this offseason.
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