The New England Patriots have had a rough time trying to trade for an established wide receiver.
Per ESPN’s Brady Henderson, DK Metcalf “effectively nixed” a trade to the Patriots in the spring when the Seattle Seahawks were shopping him around to other teams.
The trade would have been contingent on Metcalf signing an extension, which Henderson noted the veteran receiver made it known was not something he would do with the Patriots.
Metcalf’s preferred landing spots were either the Houston Texans or Los Angeles Chargers, according to Henderson.
After Metcalf formally requested a trade from the Seahawks in March, NFL insider Jordan Schultz noted the Chargers “quietly but aggressively pursued” him in a deal the previous year but Seattle turned down the inquiries.
The Seahawks ultimately traded Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second-round pick in the 2025 draft. Metcalf also signed a five-year, $150 million extension with Pittsburgh.
New England’s failed pursuit of Metcalf marks the second consecutive offseason that a receiver has spurned the club.
When Brandon Aiyuk was going through his contract turmoil with the San Francisco 49ers, he rejected a trade to the Patriots prior to the start of the 2024 season even though they were willing to offer him a deal worth $32 million annually.
The Patriots did add to their receiver room this past offseason by signing Stefon Diggs to a three-year, $69 million contract. They also brought in Mack Hollins as a free agent.
Maye’s potential should make the Patriots an attractive destination for receivers in the near-future, but it’s not surprising to see someone with Metcalf’s skill set prefer a more established option at quarterback with an organization closer to playoff contention.
Metcalf began his Steelers career with 83 yards on four receptions in a 34-32 win over the New York Jets. The Patriots lost 20-13 to the Las Vegas Raiders, but Maye did throw for a career-high 287 yards in defeat.
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