The Jacksonville Jaguars hired Shane Waldron in the offseason to serve as their passing game coordinator. While his hiring raised eyebrows, he will give the Jags another voice in their coaching staff. Moreover, he could help them lure wide receiver DK Metcalf, who no longer wants to play for the Seattle Seahawks.
Just days away from free agency, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported that Metcalf asked the Hawks to trade him.
#Seahawks star WR DK Metcalf has requested a trade from Seattle and the team has decided to explore it, per me and @TomPelissero.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2025
There is likely to be significant interest in the Seattle star, and both sides will dig into it. A big-time WR who may be on the move. pic.twitter.com/5U40T159EX
Just recently, Jeff Howe of The Athletic broke the news that the Seahawks were interested in listening to offers for Metcalf. But plans always change, and it looks like they are open to dealing the two-time Pro Bowl nod if he no longer wants to play in Emerald City.
Metcalf has made it clear he wants to join a contender, but he could end up going to the team that makes him an offer he and Seattle cannot refuse. Either way, he will most definitely have a market for his services. Since being drafted in 2019, he's hauled in 438 receptions for 6,324 yards with 48 receptions. Teams in need of help at wide receiver could most definitely use one that has averaged 1,000 yards per season throughout his career.
This begs the question, should the Jaguars reach out to Seattle? You bet.
Related story: Updated draft picks and cap space for the Jaguars in 2025
Why trading for DK Metcalf makes sense for the Jaguars
DK Metcalf is set to have a cap hit of $31 million next season. If the Seahawks trade him, they could designate it as a post-June 1 move and free up $18 million in space with $13 million in dead money in 2025. The team that acquires the veteran receiver would be taking on his non-guaranteed $18 million salary for next season. He also has a $4 million option but it's uncertain when it's due and whether his new club would pick it up.
If the Jacksonville Jaguars want Metcalf, Shane Waldron could help with their recruiting pitch. After all, he was the offensive coordinator for the Seahawks from 2021-2023, and his familiarity with him could help the Jags get done. On top of that, they have the resources to get a deal done.
The Jags currently have $38 million in space, but that amount should go up to $48 million once the Christian Kirk release becomes official. The same day the Hawks announced they were moving on from Metcalk, Ian Rapoport reported that Jacksonville was moving on from Kirk.
Aside from taking on Metcalf's salary for 2025, the Jaguars would probably need to give him a long-term contract or at least a pay bump next season. The cap shouldn't be an issue, and neither should Seattle's compensation.
That's right, apart from having to pay for Metcalf's services, Jacksonville would need to compensate the Seahawks. Unless another team offers a second or a first, a package containing third and fourth-round picks in 2025 could be enough to lure the former Ole Miss Rebel.
A third and a fourth would make sense because the Jaguars have selections in both Rounds 3 and 4 in this year's draft. And in exchange, the Jaguars would get a receiver who could draw coverage away from Brian Thomas Jr. and a big target in the red zone.
All things considered, that looks like a win-win for everyone involved.
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