The Green Bay Packers are unlikely to give up a first-round draft choice to acquire wide receiver DK Metcalf. This isn’t due to a lack of value in the player himself, but rather because any trade’s cost must consider his contract status.

Metcalf is entering the final year of his contract, with an $18 million salary, and he’s expected to command a substantial extension of about $30 million annually. However, circumstances have shifted. Following Geno Smith’s departure, the Seattle Seahawks seem more willing to trade Metcalf, which includes a reduction in their asking price.

Initially, as reported by The Athletic’s insider Dianna Russini, the Seahawks wanted a first-round pick. Currently, they’re requesting a second-round selection. The Packers are anticipated to have the 54th overall pick in the second round.

This might still be steep, given Metcalf’s anticipated extension, but a later second-rounder is reasonable for a seasoned player—especially since it would allow the option to trade down in the first round to regain draft assets.

Another potential avenue for the Packers might be offering a third-round pick (projected to be the 87th overall) along with a young wideout like Romeo Doubs. This still represents a significant investment, but surrendering the equivalent of a second-round pick for a player of Metcalf’s caliber is plausible.

Throughout his six-year NFL career, Metcalf has never recorded a season with under 900 receiving yards. On the Packers’ current squad, no receiver has achieved 900 receiving yards in a season in the league.

Additionally, Christian Watson is expected to miss a large portion of the regular season due to his ACL injury, and Metcalf would not only serve as a replacement but also provide an enhanced deep-threat option for Jordan Love. The Packers have been linked to Metcalf’s trade talks from the outset, a rumor that gained traction after the receiver formally requested a trade from Seattle.