JACKSON: Saints move for Metcalf wouldn’t add up

It can be very tempting to try to add an elite player to an NFL roster. That’s the chance that some NFL teams now have with Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf requesting a trade. While the idea of acquiring such a talented gamechanger is enticing, the New Orleans Saints should pass on getting involved.

Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Metcalf requested a trade from the Seahawks this week and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports that the asking price is sky-high. 

The Seahawks are seeking a first- and third-round pick for WR DK Metcalf, per sources.

Metcalf is also eyeing a new contract worth around $30M per year.

Multiple teams have inquired. pic.twitter.com/JX93XAvb52

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 6, 2025

The Saints Should Hold on to Their Draft Capital

A first and a third round pick is the same compensation the Tennessee Titans received in 2022 when they traded wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles. So, while the compensation is a big ask, it feels like a realistic one. 

If the Saints were able to move a single third round pick or even their lone second, the deal would make a lot more sense. But shelling out a combined first and third is a big ask for a team looking to stack cost-effective impact and assets.

While the free agent pursuit of former New York Jets wide receiver Davante Adams is one that we’ve advocated for, that comes down to asset control. New Orleans would only make that move if the contract was right for both sides. In doing so, they would also not have to surrender draft capital in the process.

The act of trading draft picks for Metcalf actively impacts the Saints’ ability to get younger while signing Adams preserves it and allows them to add an impact player on a short-term deal, should there be interest. Pursuing the older player actually helps them get younger in this instance.

If the Saints were to send a first and third, meeting Seattle’s ask, they are hampering their ability to add young talent on rookie contracts. Applying names might help put things in perspective.

This or That

Would a team be better off with DK Metcalf in exchange for a first and third round pick or Penn State tight end Tyler Warren and Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson with the same two picks?

Or what about Arizona wideout Tetairoa McMillan in the first round and Kentucky defensive tackle Deone Walker in the third as opposed to sending those picks to Seattle and landing Metcalf?

It’s clear that this year’s draft offers real opportunities to bolster talent and set up a team’s future without an enormous contract extension looming.

The Contract

Russini also reports that Metcalf would seek an extension of $30 million per year. While the Saints could swing that, as a $30 million average per year payment does not literally require a team to take on an even amount per year, funneling those assets into future growth may be more desirable.

New Orleans will need to make a decision on starting wide receiver Chris Olave’s fifth-year option by May 1. Plus, extensions beyond for he and fellow wideout Rashid Shaheed will quickly follow.

If there’s a chance to land a receiver on a rookie, controlled deal to help complement the two Saints pass-catchers, redirecting the expenses that would otherwise go to Metcalf could help to bolster other important units like offensive line and defensive line.

Metcalf is an extraordinary player. He checks all the boxes from a dominant height/weight/speed threat that the NFL adores. But the Saints simply don’t feel that they are in the position to make a move like this. At least not at the current asking price. Should that fall and the Saints could take advantage, the tune can change. But for the currently expected expenses, New Orleans should strongly consider sitting out.