For the Green Bay Packers, one trade window opened up while another trade window slammed shut on Wednesday.
Pro Bowl receiver DK Metcalf has requested a trade from the Seattle Seahawks, per Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Media, officially creating an ideal target as the Packers attempt to find a veteran pass-catcher for 2025. Meanwhile, edge rusher Maxx Crosby signed a record-breaking contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders, per Adam Schefter of ESPN, eliminating the All-Pro as a trade target for 31 teams.
Crosby could have been a splash addition for Brian Gutekunst, who has repeatedly talked about his team’s need to improve as a four-man pass-rushing unit in 2025. A relentless rusher who almost never comes off the field, Crosby is only 27 years old and already a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro. But he’ll be staying in Las Vegas for the foreseeable future, so cross him off the wish list.
While edge rusher might not be addressed via the trade market, receiver is still very much alive.
Metcalf, who is also only 27 years old, is now officially available, and NFL Media reported the Seahawks will entertain offers. Measuring 6-4 and 235 pounds with elite straight-line speed, Metcalf could be the physically dominating deep threat the Packers need to replace Christian Watson, who is entering a contract year and expected to miss some or most of the 2025 season while recovering from a significant knee injury suffered in the 2024 season finale.
Metcalf, who was a second-round pick in the 2019 draft, has one year left on his current deal and would likely need a new contract if traded from the Seahawks.
Metcalf was named an All-Pro in 2020 and a Pro Bowler in 2020 and 2023. Last season, he caught 66 passes for 992 yards and five touchdowns for the Seahawks. Metcalf has averaged over 15.0 yards per catch and over 9.0 yards per target during each of the last two seasons.
Would the Packers be willing to send a valuable draft pick and possibly a young player to Seattle to get Metcalf? Trading for veteran players isn’t necessarily Brian Gutekunst’s preference, given the draft capital and financial investment required. But Metcalf would fill a major need on the Packers offense, providing a No. 1-like option for Jordan Love while complementing the other weapons — like Jayden Reed and Tucker Kraft — nicely in the passing game.
The combination of team need and player is too good for the Packers not to explore a trade. Exploring a deal is easy, but completing is not, especially with competitors likely.
