DK Metcalf landing spots: Cowboys, Raiders, Chargers best fits for Seahawks WR
DK Metcalf no longer wants to be sleepless in Seattle.
The Seattle Seahawks receiver requested a trade, looking to find a home in a different NFL city. Now the work begins to find Metcalf a destination that works for both sides. Seattle has reportedly lowered their asking price, while Metcalf is said to be seeking a warmer climate and a contract worth around $30 million per year.
With Tee Higgins already franchise-tagged and seemingly remaining with the Cincinnati Bengals, it leaves Metcalf alone as the top receiver available this offseason.
As teams prioritize the trade market with the draft and free agency thin on receiving talent, Metcalf and the Seahawks could be in a nice position to cash in.
Here's a look at the teams that could come calling for the receiver's services.
DK Metcalf landing spots
Los Angeles Chargers
As the Chargers enter their second offseason with Jim Harbaugh at the helm, it's time for the franchise to start loading up again. Last offseason was about turning the page. They cut ties with Keenan Allen, Mike Williams and Austin Ekeler while shifting their philosophy to building the trenches and finding their new identity under Harbaugh.
Ladd McConkey was a breakout star for the Bolts, but adding Metcalf would take the offense to another level. Normally, it's their SoFi Stadium roommates, the Los Angeles Rams, adding star talent. Now, the Chargers could acquire a key piece from the Rams' divisional rival.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are tired of being in the NFL's basement. In an effort to get out of it, the team has opted to gamble on trading for Geno Smith and bringing Pete Carroll back to the sidelines. Part-owner Tom Brady has been front and center all offseason long, but this Seattle-themed party can't be overlooked.
They reportedly turned down a package deal of Smith and Metcalf for Maxx Crosby, instead inking the star to a new contract extension. Still, the connections run deep enough that a trade for the Seattle receiver should remain possible. Like the Chargers, the Seahawks wouldn't have to worry about directly competing with the Raiders. For a team in desperate need of talent, Sin City should keep Seattle on speed dial.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have their work cut out for them this offseason in order to leap back into contention. Zack Martin's retirement opened up another hole on the offensive line, and the glaring needs at running back, receiver, defensive line and linebacker remain.
Restructuring the contracts of Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb opened up $56.6 million in cap space, giving Dallas plenty of flexibility to wheel and deal all offseason long. With a weaker free-agent class, it's unclear where the Cowboys would allocate that cash. Trading for Metcalf to play opposite Lamb would certainly boost their offense while freeing up those draft picks to be spent on other areas of need. Considering Metcalf is familiar with Brian Schottenheimer from their days in Seattle, Dallas has more than enough to be in the conversation.
Jacksonville Jaguars
With a new head coach and a mountain of cap space at their disposal, the Jaguars are still looking to take the next step. Brian Thomas Jr. shined as a rookie in 2024 but could use a running mate in the receiver room. Liam Coen and James Gladstone can make a splash by acquiring Metcalf, especially considering his reported desire to play in a warmer climate.
In an AFC South that is typically wide open, the path to the playoffs becomes much clearer. Jacksonville ticks off all the boxes, on paper, for Metcalf – path to winning, flexibility for a new contract and a warmer climate. They also recently hired Shane Waldron, a former Seahawks' offensive coordinator. Metcalf could easily step into the top receiving spot, forming a great tandem with Thomas as the team looks for Trevor Lawrence to ascend into one of the league's top quarterbacks.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are still scratching and clawing their way back to relevancy. Coming off a 5-12 season, the signs were there at times for Dave Canales' team, but it still wasn't enough. Bryce Young took some steps in the right direction in his second season. Now Carolina has to add around the quarterback and find out what they have in Young.
Whether Metcalf would want to play for the Panthers remains to be seen, especially with their roster resembling more of a blank slate than a playoff contender. However, sometimes other factors can make a situation more desirable. It's unclear if that'll happen in Metcalf's case, but the Panthers still need to make the call.
New England Patriots
The Patriots notably don't check off the warmer weather box on Metcalf's list, but they have more money to spend than any other NFL team and possess a massive hole at receiver. As we saw with Myles Garrett and the Cleveland Browns, money can quickly bridge those gaps. Money wouldn't be the only thing the Patriots have to offer though. Drake Maye is looking to take a leap heading into his sophomore season and New England will be ready to add pieces around him. However, that will have to come through the trade market rather than free agency.
Metcalf could also look to one of his college teammates for insight on New England. Former Ole Miss receiver and current Philadelphia Eagle A.J. Brown played for Mike Vrabel when he coached the Tennessee Titans. Brown has since spoken positively of Vrabel but could offer more information to Metcalf on his former coach that might sway him one way or another.