DK Metcalf is the NY Jets' best chance to land a superstar WR

The NY Jets remain heavily involved in the wide receiver trade market as we inch closer to the 2022 NFL Draft, and one name that continues to pop up in rumors is Seattle Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf.

While there's been no direct indication to this point that Metcalf will be traded, that hasn't stopped the speculation. And when given the chance to put those rumors to bed on Tuesday, Seahawks general manager John Schneider took a different approach.

Schneider was asked about Metcalf's future when speaking to the media on Tuesday, and as opposed to insisting that his star wide receiver wouldn't be going anywhere, Schneider fell a bit short with his response.

He replied that the team's "intent" was for Metcalf to be on the roster in 2022. That's not exactly a ringing endorsement, and somewhat notably, it's virtually identical to what was said about Russell Wilson a few months back.

We all know how that situation turned out. Could Metcalf's future resemble what happened with Wilson?

If the NY Jets want a star wide receiver, their best bet is to trade for DK Metcalf

It certainly seems more plausible now than ever before that Metcalf will be traded this offseason, perhaps within the next month. The exploding wide receiver market is going to force teams like the Seahawks to make difficult decisions regarding their young wideouts.

Metcalf is due an extension this offseason, and with reports that he's looking for upward to $25 million or more per season, that might not be a number the Seahawks are willing to pay. The Jets sure would be, however.

General manager Joe Douglas has implied that the Jets are ready and willing to make a bold trade this offseason, and his actions to this point support that notion.

On top of being heavily involved in the markets for Calvin Ridley and Tyreek Hill, the Jets also notably backloaded their free-agent contracts this offseason. They have the financial flexibility to add a large cap hit — that's not incidental either.

The Jets could opt to turn to the 2022 NFL Draft in search of a wide receiver, and if they're unable to trade for Metcalf (or anyone else, for that matter), that's likely the route they'll take.

Even still, the draft isn't a guarantee. You aren't guaranteed to hit on a ready-made superstar wide receiver in the draft, especially when it might take a few years for that player to reach their potential.

Metcalf is approaching his prime right now. He's everything the Jets are looking for at the wide receiver position and more.

And unlike other dream targets such as A.J. Brown, Deebo Samuel, and Terry McLaurin, there actually seems to be a realistic possibility that he is traded.

If DK Metcalf does indeed become available, expect the Jets to do everything in their power to land him in New York, even if that's overpaying. Joe Douglas should and likely will be willing to break the mold for this move.