Seahawks GM bluntly gives the real reason for the DK Metcalf Trade

The Seattle Seahawks gained some ground before losing the division title last year to the Los Angeles Rams and crashed out of playoffs.

Seahawks GM bluntly gives the real reason for the DK Metcalf Trade

DK Metcalf, John Schneider (Images via SI/The Seattle Times)

The Seattle Seahawks and star wide receiver DK Metcalf have officially parted ways. After six seasons in Seattle, Metcalf was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who quickly signed him to a five-year, $150 million contract.

While Metcalf was a key playmaker, his future with the Seahawks had been in doubt for some time. Trade rumors had followed Metcalf for years, and his contract situation only added to the speculation.

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While he remained productive on the field, it became increasingly clear that Seattle was not going to meet his long-term contract demands. Once Metcalf officially requested a trade, the Seattle Seahawks had little choice but to move on.

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Seahawks general manager John Schneider recently addressed the situation, shedding light on why the decision was made. He explained that discussions with Metcalf had been ongoing, but ultimately, the receiver wanted a change of scenery.

There were discussions, DK and I were having a lot of personal discussions. I thought we could fix it, handle it, whatever it was, and at the end of the day, it was a no and he wanted to be traded. So we pivoted and moved forward. We want guys who want to be here, we want guys that believe in what we’re doing, and for whatever reason or another, he just wanted to move on and get a fresh start.

John Schneider told reporters

Schneider’s comments confirm what many had suspected—the separation was not just about money. While Metcalf remains one of the league’s most talented receivers, his desire for a fresh start made the trade inevitable.

The Seattle Seahawks are looking into Cooper Kupp to add star power to the dying WR room

The Seattle Seahawks are actively searching for reinforcements at wide receiver, with Cooper Kupp emerging as a potential target. After trading Pro Bowler DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as parting ways with Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks need star power.

Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp (Image via NFL.com)

Kupp has a connection to Seattle’s coaching staff, having worked with Seahawks pass game coordinator Jake Peetz during his tenure with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022 and 2023. This familiarity could play a role in Seattle’s interest.

Kupp finished the 2024 regular season with 67 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games. However, his production declined in the latter half of the season and into the playoffs.

Across 14 games, including the playoffs, Kupp saw 10 or more targets just four times and eight or more targets six times. Despite a dip in involvement, he remains a proven playmaker. The Seattle Seahawks aren’t alone in the pursuit of the wide receiver either – the Dallas Cowboys are also very much interested in Cooper Kupp.

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