It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers need to focus their recruitment on defense this offseason. Dan Morgan also needs to find a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver for quarterback Bryce Young.
And it just so happens that someone familiar with head coach Dave Canales could be available.
It’s been a dramatic offseason already. Players are being traded, including one wide receiver after the Washington Commanders secured the services of Deebo Samuel Sr. A younger option with longer-term upside is also seeking a new challenge elsewhere after a major development.
According to Ian Rapoport from the NFL Network, which was later confirmed by other respected insiders, D.K. Metcalf has requested a trade from the Seattle Seahawks. Not only this, but the NFC West club has agreed to explore options in pursuit of granting his wish.
Carolina Panthers must try to trade D.K. Metcalf after bombshell trade request
Morgan has been pretty prudent with his assets up to now. However, performers like Metcalf don’t tend to become available in their prime. They might not have enough, but the Panthers have to try.
Canales worked with Metcalf during their time together in Seattle. He’s caught balls from Young during the summer and praised the Heisman Trophy winner in interviews. This also represents a significant upgrade on anything Carolina has right now.
Adam Thielen could finally go back to his specialty over short-to-intermediate routes if Metcalf joined the ranks. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker both have potential, but they don’t compare to the former Ole Miss standout just yet.
This is a pivotal third season for Young after coming to life over the second half of 2024. Metcalf is better than any free agent or college prospect entering the pros this year. Putting him on the Panthers represents a mouthwatering proposition, but there are several difficult hurdles to overcome before it becomes something more concrete.
The Seahawks aren’t going to give Metcalf away. It’ll take a high-end pick or two this year and next, perhaps even a young wideout to help soften the blow of his departure. And the more teams that get involved, the higher the price could be when it’s all said and done.
Then there’s also the contract aspect to consider with the wideout heading into the final year of his deal.
Metcalf is making $31.87 million this season. Any team that acquires him would need to get that number down considerably with an immediate extension to ease their short-term burden. That bears more significance for the Panthers, who aren’t exactly rolling in money with $29.82 million available.
Adam Schefter from ESPN revealed that Metcalf’s preference is to join a contender. That hurts the Panthers’ chances slightly. However, selling the physically imposing pass-catcher on the project, Young’s resurgence and the expected defensive improvements could be enough if the compensation is satisfactory.
Seahawks WR DK Metcalf has requested a trade, per source. The request came today after a series of conversations over the past two weeks. Metcalf prefers a contender.
Morgan isn’t interested in rash gambles of mortgaging the franchise’s future. They were mistakes made constantly by previous regimes as Carolina descended to rock bottom. It might be a step too far at this stage of his rebuild, but there’s no harm in finding out for sure.
The Panthers have to try. Anything else reeks of having no genuine ambition whatsoever.