He divides opinion among the fanbase.
He thrills supporters with terrific plays one moment, then frustrates with boneheaded mistakes the next.
The inconsistent results are prompting some fans and pundits to consider moving on from him this offseason.
No, it is not Geno Smith. I am, of course, talking about DK Metcalf. The mercurial wide receiver has been the subject of growing trade speculation in recent weeks.
In order to judge what Metcalf may fetch in a potential deal, let us look at three elite receivers who were traded earlier this season.
Amari Cooper
Cooper has been chosen to the Pro Bowl on five occasions, with seven seasons of 1,000 receiving yards or more.
However, when the Cleveland Browns cleared house in October, Cooper only commanded a third-round selection and a pick swap with the Buffalo Bills.
DeAndre Hopkins
While in Houston, Hopkins was one of the top receivers in the NFL. Subsequent spells in Arizona and Tennessee provided mixed results, though he still surpassed the 1,000-yard mark each time he played a full season.
At 32-years-old, Hopkins was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for a conditional fifth-round pick in October.
Davante Adams
Adams was Aaron Rodgers’ favourite target in Green Bay for years, before he enjoyed further success in his time with the Raiders.
His top-tier production convinced the New York Jets to send a conditional third-round draft pick to Las Vegas, in the hope that reuniting Adams and Rodgers could ignite their stagnant offense.
Verdict
Metcalf’s physical attributes are undeniable. Most franchises would be delighted to have a 6’4” wideout who can run a 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds.
However, his career résumé falls well short of the three stars listed above. None of them commanded substantial returns when traded this season. It is unlikely Seattle would be able to get more than a third-round pick in any deal.
Metcalf is far more valuable to Seattle than that. He dictates the way defenses take on the Seahawks.
His strength as an elite deep receiving threat was limited by a knee injury this season, but the prospect of a fully-fit Metcalf paired with Jaxon Smith-Njigba is an exciting one.
Despite a high salary cap hit next year, the ‘Hawks would do well to keep DK in Seattle.
