Seahawks already lowering expectations for return value in DK Metcalf trade

The Seattle Seahawks may not get quite as great a return on a DK Metcalf trade as they expected. According to one NFL reporter, multiple sources have said Seattle is getting no buyers at that initial price.

Well, 12s, we've gone through another 24 hours with no seismic changes to the Seahawks roster. Let's congratulate ourselves; we made it to Sunday. Most of the roster moves were expected, sure. The four cuts on Monday were no surprise. The release of Tyler Lockett was expected by many, too. But that doesn't mean it still didn't absolutely suck, even if John Schneider is open to his return.

Then, just three days later, Geno Smith was traded to the Raiders. The 12 are still trying to adjust to that news. It initially seemed that the Hawks made a bad deal - a third-round pick for Smith - but it later became clear that Seattle's hand was forced by Smith's contract expectations. I won't say demands because he deserves a big payday. It's simply too much for the Hawks to pay, or at least that's how Schneider sees it. That's a different topic for another time.

Seattle Seahawks may take less for DK Metcalf than expected

Oh, I nearly forgot. Between the release of their second-leading receiver of all time and the trade of their starting quarterback for the past three seasons, word leaked that DK Metcalf asked to be traded. The Seahawks were reportedly very upset that the news broke within an hour of the Lockett announcement. I agree; it was a completely classless move and had to be by someone on Metcalf's agent team. There's no way he'd disrespect his friend and mentor

Back on topic. The Seahawks initially asked for a pretty steep price to acquire their star receiver. I think a first and third-round pick for a receiver of Metcalf's caliber was reasonable. Naturally, it matters exactly where those picks are.

There's a vast difference in value between those selections if we're talking about the Patriots - numbers 4 and 69 overall - compared to the Packers with numbers 23 and 87. Clearly, that description of "a first and third" depends on which team makes the trade with the Hawks.

According to The Athletic's Diana Mussini, that asking price has now dropped. Depending on the trade partner, that second-round pick could be close in value to another team's first.

I love the inclusion at the bottom that DK wants to play for a warm-weather team and wants $30 million a year. Yes, and he wants to be traded to a contender, too. And a stable quarterback situation. Well, he may want a Bentley thrown into the deal, too. Or a six-pack of Matt's hot dogs to go. But he doesn't have a no-trade clause. So, while John Schneider said the Seahawks would do their best to accommodate his wishes, the Hawks will make the deal that's best for the team.

As for what that deal may be, Russini wrote it would be centered around a second-round pick. That's an important distinction, as it could include a player of need for the Hawks or future draft capital. Moving Metcalf for a high second-round pick and a quality guard would be pretty enticing, for example.

Regardless, Metcalf could still go for that first and third Seattle first floated as the price. It all depends on where those picks fall in the draft. And if not, well, that's how you negotiate. If you want a new 65" TV for the den, you don't tell your SO, "Hey, I'd really like to get one of those 32" sets from Temu." No, you ask for the 80" 8K set, and then "settle for what you wanted all along.

More Seahawks news and analysis: