Seahawks Face Wide Receiver Overhaul: Lockett Out, Metcalf Reportedly Seeks Trade
The Seattle Seahawks are potentially heading for a significant transformation in their wide receiver corps this coming year. In a flurry of rapid-fire announcements, the news broke that veteran receiver Tyler Lockett is expected to be released, while star wideout D.K. Metcalf has reportedly requested a trade.
The departure of Lockett, a mainstay in the Seahawks offense for a decade, was anticipated by some, given his age (approaching 33) and the team’s need to manage its salary cap. However, the reported trade request from Metcalf, a cornerstone of the Seahawks offense and a physical specimen, came as more of a surprise to many observers.
Metcalf, drafted in the second round out of Ole Miss in 2019, has been a consistent performer since entering the league. He impressed scouts with his rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine. Throughout his first six NFL seasons, Metcalf has consistently surpassed the 900-yard receiving mark. He has also exceeded 1,000 receiving yards in three of those seasons, coming remarkably close in 2023 with 992 yards in 15 games.
The 27-year-old Metcalf signed a $72 million contract extension prior to the 2022 season, a deal that is set to expire after the upcoming year. Given the situation, it is understandable that the Seahawks might be considering the possibility of extending Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who is entering his third year.
Smith-Njigba, often referred to as "JSN," enjoyed a breakout sophomore season, quickly establishing himself as a primary target in the Seattle offense. He led the team with 100 receptions, 1,130 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. These impressive statistics outpaced Metcalf’s 66 receptions, 992 receiving yards, and five touchdowns.
The free agent market for wide receivers this year is considered deep, potentially offering a wealth of decent options for teams in need. However, many of these available receivers are further along in their careers, which could drive up the asking price for a young, proven talent like Metcalf. Furthermore, a multitude of teams across the league would undoubtedly benefit from acquiring a receiver of Metcalf’s caliber.
The Seahawks’ potential interest in extending Smith-Njigba is understandable, considering his promising performance. However, the decision to potentially trade Metcalf is a calculated risk with significant implications for the team’s offensive capabilities.
Adding another layer to the situation, the Seahawks might also be considering the future of their quarterback, Geno Smith. Smith is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next year and will be 36 years old at that time.
After a period where his career appeared to be nearing an end, Smith has been a revelation for the Seahawks since taking over as the full-time starter in 2022. In those three seasons, he has led the team to a 27-22 record, boasting a 68.5% completion percentage, 12,226 passing yards, 71 touchdowns, and 35 interceptions. Smith’s journey to becoming a starting quarterback again was arduous, marked by years as a backup from 2015 to 2021 after struggling as the starting quarterback for the New York Jets earlier in his career.
Lockett’s departure marks the end of an era in Seattle. During his 10-year tenure with the Seahawks, he established himself as one of the team’s most reliable and productive receivers. He caught 661 passes, 61 of them for touchdowns, accumulating 8,594 receiving yards. From 2019 to 2022, Lockett consistently reached the 1,000-yard receiving mark each season.
The Seahawks finished the past season with a 10-7 record but narrowly missed the playoffs for the second consecutive year. These potential roster changes at wide receiver, along with the upcoming free agency of Geno Smith, signal a period of transition for the team as they aim to return to the playoffs and contend for a Super Bowl title.
The decisions regarding Lockett, Metcalf, and Smith will undoubtedly shape the future of the Seahawks offense and the team’s overall trajectory in the years to come. How Seattle navigates these crucial personnel decisions will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
