The Seattle Seahawks had the worst of both worlds in 2024. Not only are they the only 10-win team to miss the playoffs, but they will choose 18th in the 2017 draft, the lowest pick of any non-playoff organization. Things are fine in Seattle, but not fantastic. The Seahawks may be seeking for a quarterback replacement for Geno Smith, who fared relatively well despite racking up 15 interceptions in his 34th season. Smith has one year left on his contract, which has a salary cap hit of $44.5 million, and Seattle can save $31 million by cutting or trading Smith this summer.
If the Seahawks opt to pursue greater value at the position, it may lead to multiple roster changes. One of the most likely situations is that Seattle trades standout wide receiver DK Metcalf, who is entering the last season of his three-year, $72 million contract and will want an extension. ESPN’s Benjamin Solak anticipated that the Seahawks would deal Metcalf to the New England Patriots in exchange for the fourth choice. “After trying (and failing) in the Tee Higgins market, the Patriots will put together a solid trade for a veteran receiver,” Solak wrote on Monday, Jan. 6. “The names DK Metcalf and DJ Moore make the most sense. The Patriots will not mind giving up draft resources for immediate contributions.
They intend to trade out of the No. 4 overall choice anyhow. Metcalf, a two-time Pro Bowler, has averaged over 1,000 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his six-year career. He remains a legitimate No. 1 option entering into his campaign at the age of 28.
That being said, whoever eventually extends Metcalf will almost certainly have to pay him like one of the league’s top five receivers, and putting him in that category is a stretch. As of Wednesday, the Seahawks were more than $11.35 million over the 2025 salary ceiling, while the Patriots had the most cap room in the NFL, with more than $133.5 million to spend.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba improved dramatically in his second season, catching 100 passes for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns, and he has the potential to be the team’s leading receiver. Furthermore, the fourth pick in the draft would allow Seattle to solve any of several needs, most likely with the best performance at his position, who would play for the next four to five years on an affordable rookie contract.
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