Seattle Seahawks: D.K. Metcalf’s new contract is a stepping stone
The Seattle Seahawks made good on their word about working on getting a deal done with rising start D.K. Metcalf. Let’s review the details and look toward Metcalf’s future with the team.
The Seattle Seahawks and D.K. Metcalf agreed to an extension last month. Thus making Seattle true to their word about getting a deal done with the new face of their franchise player. The deal is a 3-year extension for $72M, with $58M guaranteed and a record-setting $30M signing bonus. This contract makes him the sixth highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.
He genuinely wants to play in the Emerald City. Metcalf said he was bluffing Seahawks General Manager John Schneider about playing elsewhere. At the press conference to announce his signing, a reporter asked Metcalf, when the doctors told him about his neck injury in college if his goal was to make it to the NFL or to get a second contract with life-changing money.
His response, “My goal is to make the Hall of Fame. So, still not done.” It sounds like he’s not letting this money go to his head. His actions will reveal the truth behind his words.
Asked DK Metcalf when a doctor told him after neck injury his last year at Ole Miss if making it to the NFL was his goal, or this second contract at life-changing money was his goal then.
“My goal is to make the Hall of Fame. So, still not done.” @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/n4Af7o78Jo
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) July 29, 2022
Regardless, this is a good deal for him. The physically superior receiver gets a nice salary boost, in the short term, and then when he’s 28 years old and in his prime, he can get another big payday.
It’s a quasi-Darrell Revis move. Except D.K. isn’t making a big deal about wanting a new deal and saying he wants out of Seattle after getting a new deal. At least not yet.
I don’t see Metcalf going Revis on the Seahawks. However, with this short extension, he’s setting himself up to get another payday. Before age starts wreaking havoc on his body and athleticism.
Second Big Payday not Far Away
If Metcalf can at least maintain his current level of performance over these next four years, 3,170 yards and 29 touchdowns, this deal will be a win/win. Then again, If he’s able to increase his production, his next deal will most likely be bigger.
His yardage total is the most by any Seattle Seahawks receiver in their first three seasons. And those 29 touchdowns are only one shy of the franchise record. D.K. already produced Pro Bowl-quality results, and he will get even better as he matures.
Continuing in that direction, $30M per season will be the likely starting point in the next round of negotiations. He’s already the sixth-highest paid receiver. An even more productive Metcalf could be one of the top two or three.
After parting ways with Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, the Seahawks don’t have any major contractual obligations. Their current quarterbacks, Geno Smith and Drew Lock (usually the highest paid player on a team), are signed on the cheap. That’s also the case, should they draft a young stud-passer in the 2023 class. Whoever that is will be on a rookie contract when it’s time for Metcalf’s next deal.
It’s a problem for another day. Metcalf is on the team, and that’s what matters.
Emotional DK Metcalf says he just now is realizing his new $72M contract will be able to take care of so many people back home in Oxford, Mississippi. @thenewstribune pic.twitter.com/DtvPSq3X9V
— Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) July 29, 2022
Do you think Metcalf will be on the Seattle Seahawks when this contract expires? Let us know in the comments section below.