The first wide receiver domino fell on Saturday, with the San Francisco 49ers trading Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders.
It could help the Green Bay Packers land DK Metcalf this offseason. Stay with me.
The Niners received only a fifth-round pick for Samuel, largely because the Commanders took on the remainder of his $17.55 million salary. San Francisco benefits from the extra cap savings but receives a lower draft pick.
Green Bay shouldn't expect to land Metcalf for the same price, but the Samuel trade is the latest of several surprisingly affordable wide receiver deals over the past year. It could undoubtedly help the Packers' negotiations.
Deebo Samuel trade could help Packers negotiate a better DK Metcalf deal
Former NFL Network host Andrew Siciliano posted eye-opening numbers from the previous year's wide receiver trades. Several big names switched teams, but only the Stefon Diggs trade included a pick as high as a second-rounder.
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— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) March 2, 2025
Stefon Diggs + 5th + 6th - 2nd
Jahan Dotson + 5th - 3rd + 7th + 7th
A recent rumor from Seahawks reporter Corbin Smith indicated that Seattle wanted a first-round pick and a wide receiver from Green Bay. Smith named Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks as potential candidates.
The Samuel trade could help lower the Seahawks' expectations.
Yes, Metcalf is coming off a far better season than Samuel (992 yards and five touchdowns compared to 670 yards and three scores), but he is only a year younger. Like Samuel, Metcalf is entering a contract year.
The Packers would have to make a stronger offer than the fifth-rounder the Niners accepted for Samuel, but it's reasonable to believe it should be far more affordable than a first-round pick and a player.
Another benefit of the Samuel trade? There's one fewer team in the mix for Metcalf. Washington no longer needs wide receiver help, and Seattle won't trade him to San Francisco, an NFC West rival.
Time will tell how the Packers will approach the wide receiver position. Metcalf makes a ton of sense for the right price, but Green Bay could also get the help it needs in the draft. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst will explore every option to upgrade the roster, and it won't be surprising if that includes a call to former colleague John Schneider.
Trading for Metcalf would undoubtedly cost more than the 49ers-Commanders compensation, but Samuel going for just a fifth-round pick could help the Packers get a better deal.