Why did DK request trade from Seattle Seahawks? Bump's take

For the past few months, there’s been lingering uncertainty over star wide receiver DK Metcalf’s long-term future with the Seattle Seahawks.

Reports: Seahawks star WR DK Metcalf requests trade

With Metcalf expected to enter negotiations for a contract extension this offseason, pundits floated the possibility of a trade if the two sides couldn’t reach agreement on a new deal.

That possibility now looks like a reality.

In a bombshell piece of news Wednesday morning, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter both reported on social media that Metcalf has requested to be traded from the Seahawks.

Schefter wrote that the request came after “a series of conversations over the past two weeks.” Rapoport wrote that Seattle has “decided to explore” a trade and that “both sides will dig into it.”

What prompted Metcalf to request a trade? Former NFL wide receiver Michael Bumpus attempted to answer that question Wednesday on Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy.

‘It started with money’

Bumpus thinks the biggest factor was likely the financial side.

Metcalf currently has one season left on the three-year, $72 million contract extension he signed in July 2022. According to OverTheCap, his $24 million per-year average currently ranks 13th among receivers.

Metcalf likely wants a contract that keeps pace with the booming wide receiver market, which was reset last summer with massive extensions for Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson and Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb. There are now six wideouts with contracts worth at least $30 million per year, led by Jefferson ($35 million) and Lamb ($34 million).

“It started with money,” Bumpus proposed. “And they’re saying, ‘Look, DK, we have to invest in this offensive line. We have to make sure that the defense is on point. We’ve got to get depth in other places. This is what we’re going to offer you.’

“They slide the piece of paper across the table like they do in the movies. He looks at the amount, he looks at his agent and (he) shakes his head.”

49ers DB takes weird shot at JSN after reported DK trade request

The offensive fit

Bumpus also pointed to Metcalf’s potential role in Seattle’s offense.

The Seahawks hired a new offensive coordinator in Klint Kubiak, who brings a Shanahan-style scheme to Seattle that’s expected to place more emphasis on running the football and incorporating tight ends in the passing game.

Metcalf also saw his status as the Seahawks’ undisputed top receiver come to an end last season, with 2023 first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba surpassing Metcalf by leading the team in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

“(Metcalf) and his agent are (likely) looking at Kubiak’s offense and how he’s going to be used,” Bumpus said. “And I guarantee you they saw a place where the tight end and JSN shined a bit more than the outside guys. And in this offense, I think that will be the case.

“And the Hawks probably didn’t do enough to kind of put those thoughts aside or to reinforce belief in DK and his abilities and them being able to get him the football.”

‘Never just one thing’

Ultimately, Bumpus said it was probably a combination of factors that prompted Metcalf to request a trade.

“It’s never just one thing,” Bumpus said. “It’s unfortunate. The Hawks were never going to do this on their own, but as soon as a man sits down and you can’t come together when it comes to a number and he wants out, you’ve got to start exploring.”

Bumpus said he doesn’t hold anything against Metcalf.

“DK has to do what is best for him,” Bumpus said. “I am not mad at DK, not one bit. He should be trying to get $30 million (per year). He should be trying to get 100-plus targets a year. He should be trying to be one of the best receivers in the game. He’s 27 years of age. He’s got a few more years of elite play in him.

“Go ahead and chase that money. Chase your money, chase your situation and go ahead and be great.”

Listen to the full conversation on Bump and Stacy’s Four Down Territory segment at this link or in the audio player near the top of this story. Tune in to Bump and Stacy weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.