The Seattle Seahawks are currently suffering a three-game losing streak, and it with it, comes plenty of frustration. Frustration from the team, frustration from fans, the media, etc. And with frustration, often comes wondering what to do next. What can be done to fix this team? Not just in the short term, but in the long run as well.
It is painfully obvious this team still has considerable holes, especially along the offensive line yet again. Seattle is, once more, in dire need of an infusion of talent that might only come via draft capital. As such, there are those suggesting the best way to get said draft capital would be to trade wide receiver DK Metcalf.
To that I say… absolutely not.
I understand the arguments in favor. Metcalf is likely to be incredibly expensive by the time his next contract comes due. He’s an elite player who will almost assuredly net Seattle plenty of quality draft picks. And with those draft picks, at least one could be spent on drafting his replacement…
…except, what if you aren’t able to find it? I do not think those who advocate for trading Metcalf truly realize what a unicorn he is. His size, speed and strength is unrivaled. Teams who trade away their generational wide receiver talents often regret it.
Take for example the Tennessee Titans, who traded away Metcalf’s former Ole Miss teammate, AJ Brown, to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a first rounder. Philadelphia’s offense was taken to another level with Brown and it helped fuel a Super Bowl run. The Titans used their first rounder to draft Treylon Burks, who has 699 yards and one touchdown in his career.
He is now in his third season in the league.
Offense may be down overall in the NFL, but this is still a league where the rules tilt heavily in favor of that side of the ball. The need for a dynamic, elite receiver is more important than ever. Even teams that are successful find themselves at a disadvantage without one. Take the 4-2 Buffalo Bills. They are an AFC Super Bowl contender who traded away Stefon Diggs this year. What did they just do? Acquired Amari Cooper, because they had a need at receiver.
Seattle wants to play physical football, like Macdonald’s old team in Baltimore. But for all the winning the Ravens do, I believe everyone (including most Ravens fans) would agree one of their primary weaknesses is they are somewhat limited offensively. Why? Because they do not have consistent down the field threats at wide receiver for their MVP caliber quarterback.
No, Metcalf is not perfect. What player is? If you want to critique his hands, his penchant for fumbling, and route running at times, fine. Go ahead. If this conversation was happening last year, I would have added his temperament, but he has been a model citizen on the field this year. Incredible improvement for him, and he should be commended for it. But to willingly move on from a 26-year-old who has 45 career touchdowns and has only missed one game in his career? A player who is clearly on his way to becoming one of the best receivers in franchise history? I simply cannot get behind this take.
DK Metcalf is a phenomenal asset for Seattle, and the organization is best served by keeping No. 14 in a Seahawks uniform for as long as they can.
