NFL analyst says what Seahawks fans hope to believe about DK Metcalf

How much of an impact will trading wide receiver DK Metcalf have on the Seattle Seahawks in 2025? Likely, a lot, but the hope is not as much as feared. Maybe Cooper Kupp, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and rookie Tory Horton can pick up the slack of not having Metcalf leave. Perhaps, something else Seattle did is even more important.

This is what ESPN NFL analyst Peter Schrager believes in a recent list of top offseason additions around the league. He does have Metcalf going to the Pittsburgh Steelers as the fourth-best move, but Sam Darnold being signed by Seattle is higher than that at number two.

The best way to spin that for the Seahawks is that what Seattle did this offseason might improve the team. Moreover, Seattle trading quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders doesn't appear on the list at all. Does this mean Schrager won by replacing Smith with Darnold? It seems so.

ESPN NFL analyst likes Seattle Seahawks signing Sam Darnold more than trading DK Metcalf

To be fair, though, Schrager does have ancient Aaron Rodgers as number one on the list, and there is no way he should be that high. He hasn't been anywhere near his peak form in a few years, and there is no reason to think that suddenly changes in 2025 with the Steelers.

That aside, though, Seahawks fans should hope Schrager is correct overall. Darnold being a better move to Seattle than Metcalf was away would imply that the Seahawks' wide receivers mesh well with the new quarterback, and that means the loss of Metcalf is limited.

Plus, if Darnold is good in 2025, that could mean he was a steal in free agency. His new three-year deal with the Seahawks will pay him a maximum of $100.5 million, which averages to $33.5 million a season. That annual salary ranks 18th among NFL quarterbacks, so if Darnold is playing like a top-10 QB, the Seahawks are winners.

Darnold's initial success would also allow 2025 third-round selection Jalen Milroe to sit and learn a bit longer, much in the same way Jordan Love did for the Green Bay Packers. Love sat for three seasons behind Aaron Rodgers before he became the starter. Darnold isn't as good as a younger version of Rodgers, but he is signed for three seasons.

Ultimately, though, in an offseason that has seen several sites slam the Seattle Seahawks for signing Sam Darnold in the first place, any positivity is welcome. And the quarterback being the second-best move in the NFL is a great thing. And maybe the DK Metcalf move won't be overly impactful.