The Patriots went into the 2025 offseason with their roster needs very clear. Besides bulking up the defensive and offensive lines, which is crucial, the offense was bound to be treated with the utmost importance, mainly due to the rise of quarterback Drake Maye during his rookie season in 2024.
Ensuring that he is surrounded by improved talent and, hopefully, a superstar wide receiver has been the expectation of this offseason, even more so now that Mike Vrabel has been hired as the next head coach. With an estimated $129 million in cap space, this year is the time to sign blank checks and get the right players in the door, even if that requires trading for some big names.
That's why when it was announced that Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf requested a trade earlier this week that the Patriots were one of the first teams expected to be making a call. He is one of the players that Bill Belichick infamously passed on in the 2019 Draft and made the team regret it ever since.
Now that he's available, the Patriots have the chance to right a former wrong. But the problem is the Seahawks' alleged asking price, even if the belief is that Vrabel and Co. should do what it takes to get a guy like Metcalf on the roster.
The Seahawks' asking price in a trade for D.K. Metcalf is too much for the Patriots to pay
One of the Patriots' biggest hurdles in recent years has been finding a WR1 who can make the quarterback's job a whole lot easier. Since Julian Edelman retired after the 2020 season, it has been impossible for the team to overcome, leading them to be a top candidate to trade for a big name this offseason to finally get the talent they need.
So being in on Metcalf for a trade seemed inevitable, especially since he is exactly the kind of player that the offense needs and would immediately elevate Maye's performance.
The problem is what the Seahawks are hoping to get in return. It's possible they don't want to trade Metcalf, which explains the high asking price, or they truly believe that is what he is worth. No matter the answer, however, the Patriots cannot afford to pay that.
The Seahawks are seeking a first- and third-round pick for WR DK Metcalf, per sources.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 6, 2025
Metcalf is also eyeing a new contract worth around $30M per year.
Multiple teams have inquired. pic.twitter.com/JX93XAvb52
Giving up their 2026 first-round draft pick is risky, given how high they have been in the first round over the last two years. That is a steep price for any player, even for someone of Metcalf's caliber.
A third rounder would be no problem, especially this year since the Patriots have two picks due to trading Matthew Judon last year. Even this year's (or next year's) second rounder wouldn't be too crazy, but anything higher is not worth it.
This should essentially rule him out of contention and the Patriots should focus on other players like Tee Higgins or maybe even Brandon Aiyuk. Both would also have a high asking price, but that's a conversation that will need to be had if and when their perspective teams reveal their demands.