NFL executives believe DK Metcalf may be available in a trade

The NY Jets have made it abundantly clear with their actions and words that they're in the market for a star wide receiver this offseason. Could their next target to pursue be Seattle Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf?

After striking out on the markets of Calvin Ridley, Amari Cooper, and Tyreek Hill for a variety of reasons, the Jets still find themselves searching for a true No. 1 wide receiver. Metcalf could be just that — but is he even available?

The Seahawks have insisted to this point that they have no intentions of trading Metcalf, but a recent report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler states that while Seattle has publicly stated this, that hasn't stopped NFL executives from checking in.

According to Fowler, the consensus seems to be that the Seahawks would be "willing to move on at the right price or that Metcalf would welcome a change."

The NY Jets and others believe a DK Metcalf trade is a real possibility

Metcalf's name has frequently popped up in trade rumors over the course of the last month or so following the Russell Wilson trade. The Seahawks are in the midst of a bit of a rebuild, and combined with the exploding wide receiver market, there's some sense that they might hesitate to pay Metcalf.

A second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Metcalf has had three consecutive 900-plus-yard seasons to begin his NFL career. And at just 24-years-old, he's only scratching the surface of what he's capable of.

There's no telling the impact that Metcalf would have on the Jets' offense and the development of Zach Wilson. The Jets will be aggressive in pursuit of Metcalf, provided Seattle is willing to listen.

The Jets were one of two finalists for Tyreek Hill and nearly struck a deal before the Miami Dolphins swooped in and swayed his decision. If the Jets were willing to offer picks 35, 38, and 69 for Hill, it's fair to assume they'd be willing to offer a similar package for Metcalf.

There's a lot of smoke when it comes to DK Metcalf trade rumors right now. Only time will tell if this trail of smoke actually leads to an open flame.