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The new trade-happy NFL depends on teams willing to give up significant draft capital for established talent and teams willing to trade significant draft capital for that talent.
Because the Seahawks use the dreaded “I” word in reference to receiver DK Metcalf, they may be willing to accept picks for the player’s contract (and shirk the obligation of inevitably paying huge sums). So who would be willing to say “eff the picks” to get Metcalf?
Enter the jets. They tried to land receiver Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs, so they’re willing to make that kind of move. Jets GM Joe Douglas made it clear this week that his team is generally ready and will be ready to step in should an opportunity arise.
So it makes sense that two teams that did business with Jamal Adams would do something for Metcalf. However, the roles are reversed. In 2020, the Seahawks gave up a pair of first-round picks for Adams. Now Seattle would be the team to tear it down in hopes of rebuilding it as the Jets try to outrun the trio of AFC teams who can be described as clear non-competitors in 2022.
The signals are there. Less than a month after coach Pete Carroll said the team had “no intention” to trade Russell Wilson, Carroll told Metcalf, “We intend for him to stay with us.” Similarly, GM John Schneider said this week, whether Metcalf will get an extension: “Yes, that is our intention.”
Intent is a present state of mind. Intent can change quickly. And if the Jets are willing to offer the Seahawks for Metcalf what they would give the Chiefs for Hill, that might be enough to get the Seahawks to accept New York’s best offer.