The NFL news cycle truly is a rollercoaster, with DK Metcalf rumors heating up and then cooling down several times over the past week.
ESPN's Adam Schefter seemingly put an end to the story by saying that conversations about a Metcalf trade had "not come up" and hadn't "gained any traction so far."
That may have been accurate at the time, but things change fast in the NFL.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport, Metcalf has requested a trade. Here comes the key part: the Seattle Seahawks "have agreed to explore options."
*Brian Gutekunst has entered the chat*
Packers have the perfect opportunity to trade for star wide receiver DK Metcalf
The Packers will undoubtedly face competition to get a deal over the line, but they have everything needed to emerge as a key contender.
Cap space? Check. The Packers have the financial flexibility to not only take on Metcalf's contract, but offer him a multi-year extension. Metcalf only has a year remaining on his current deal.
The Packers are NFC contenders and could make a Super Bowl run with a strong offseason. That's another selling point for Gutekunst to Metcalf.
Green Bay can make a strong offer to Seattle. A rumor from Seahawks reporter Corbin Smith indicated it could take a first-round pick and a wide receiver. It's unclear whether the Packers would part ways with the No. 23 overall selection, but they have the wide receiver depth to include Romeo Doubs or Dontayvion Wicks in the deal.
It can only help that Gutekunst and Seahawks GM John Schneider have a great relationship from their time together in Green Bay. The two have connected on previous draft-day trades.
Metcalf is the game-changing addition the Packers' offense needs. Gutekunst said the team needs greater "urgency" to start competing for championships again. Now, he has an opportunity to back up his statement with a blockbuster trade.
Other teams will inevitably have interest, and the Seahawks may prefer to find a trade partner outside of the NFC. But the Packers have the cap space, draft capital, and wide receiver depth to make a strong offer the Seahawks can't refuse. They can give Metcalf an opportunity to join a playoff team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Make it happen, Gutey!