Stop if you’ve heard this before: the Patriots will likely be unwilling to meet the asking price for an elite receiver.
With DK Metcalf entering the final year of his contract, there’s speculation the rebuilding Seahawks could look to move him this spring. While Pete Carroll said this week they “intend” to keep Metcalf, the phrasing indicates Seattle may have no choice. As ESPN Seahawks reporter Brandy Henderson points out, intentions can change.
If that happens, the Patriots appear to be a perfect fit for Mercalf. They need an explosive, physical receiver who can make big plays, and Metcalf is a total stud. The 2019 second-round pick has caught 216 passes over his three-year career for 3,170 yards and 29 touchdowns.
Mac Jones would finally have his No. 1 weapon, a luxury gifted to nearly every other young franchise quarterback around the league.
But don’t get too excited. NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry relayed some intel about Metcalf on TV this week. It doesn’t seem like the Patriots would surrender the capital to acquire him.
“He is what they wanted, and he is what they continue to look for, is my understanding, which is size and speed at that position,” Perry said. “He is also fitting the suit of what they typically trade for, which is a young player on the last year of his contract, not yet expensive, might be on the way out with his current team and might not cost a ton in terms of draft capital. But, I think he would cost more than the Patriots would be willing to give up — that’s what the evaluator said to me today.”
That analysis tracks with a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler about how the Patriots were uncomfortable overspending for receivers on the free agent market. Historically, Bill Belichick has seldom extended himself for receivers.
Remember: the Patriots acquired Randy Moss for a fourth-round pick. Even though Metcalf’s price won’t reach the levels of Tyreek Hill or Davante Adams, he should garner more than that.
It’s a shame, too. The Patriots infamously drafted N’Keal Harry instead of Metcalf. Bringing Metcalf aboard would be a great way to make up for that mistake.