With the passing game continuing to be prioritized in the modern NFL, star receivers keep reeling in the cash with lucrative multi-year deals featuring extensive guaranteed money and massive signing bonuses.
Considering the cap should keep rising in coming seasons, at least in theory, front offices will be able to justify spending more on receivers given their immense value in today's game.
Since coming into the league as a second-round pick out of Ole Miss in 2019, Metcalf has tallied 372 receptions, 5,332 receiving yards, and 43 touchdowns, posting a trio of 1,000-yard seasons and eclipsing eight touchdowns three times.
Comparatively, Jefferson already has three seasons with at least 88 receptions, 1,400 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns on his resume, and Metcalf hasn't posted one season with such a stat line. Even missing seven games last year due to injury, he still topped the century mark for receiving yards and nearly caught 70 passes, averaging almost seven receptions per game.
Nov 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf catches a pass for a touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports / Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports But if Metcalf isn't producing numbers close to what Jefferson, St. Brown, or Tyreek Hill are for their respective teams, Schneider may have second thoughts about giving out a deal to a non-quarterback exceeding $30 million per year. At that stage, based on previous track record, it becomes debatable whether or not he can provide Seattle's offense the type of impact and value expected from that significant of a contractual investment.