The Seattle Seahawks last season found a long-term answer in their young WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba. And veteran DK Metcalf thought it was time to move on. That’s how most analysts out there are seeing Metcalf’s trade request. Not only did they part ways with QB Geno Smith, the Seahawks accepted WR Metcalf’s trade request as well. And as soon as DK’s trade request talks started making rounds, the team traded their two-time Pro Bowler to the Steelers for a second-round draft pick.

So, after four days of finding a new home in Pittsburgh, the 27-year-old shared a long farewell post for his former team and teammates. Seahawks and DK fans better grab a tissue because parting notes can often be tearjerkers. “Thank you for taking a kid from Mississippi and making him feel at home in the Pacific Northwest. From the city to the organization to the 12s, you’ve been more than just a fanbase,” wrote Metcalf, pouring his heart out to Seattle.

And for his teammates, the WR wrote, “You’ve given me so much, including the chance to play the game I love alongside some incredible men who will forever be my brothers. To my teammates—you’ve pushed me, believed in me, and let me be me both on and off the field.“

The Ole Miss alum has been donning the Seahawks’ colors for six years. That’s quite a journey DK had with Seattle. The WR also gave the Seahawks staff their flowers, calling them the real MVPs. “To the staff—the ones behind the scenes who make this place run, y’all are the real MVPs. You made every day special, and I can’t thank you enough.“

Now, after six years, DK will be gracing the gridiron with a different team. The WR will be joining George Pickens in the team’s WR room. And there’s a high chance the Steelers will make Metcalf their starting WR this season. The Steelers got DK on board with a five-year deal worth $150 million.

But they were not the only team eyeing Metcalf.

DK Metcalf sweepstakes: Who else wanted the star WR?

DK is 27 and in his peak years, so it’s natural that if he was available for trade, multiple franchises would want him. As per reports from Matt Schneidman of The Athletic and Phil Perry of NBC Sports, the Packers and Patriots were in the mix. The two teams were interested in acquiring the WR but did not make an offer after his trade request was made public.

The possibility of the Packers signing DK seemed higher since their GM, Brian Gutekunst, worked with Seahawks GM John Schneider when John was a scout. But the Seahawks GM brushed off rumors, saying that the trade for this reason was “never a realistic possibility.” 

Then the Pats were also reportedly lurking in the shadows. New England is rebuilding their entire team from scratch. And Metcalf was a great option to help young QB Drake Maye. The team was looking for WRs, but as per reports, never approached DK. The Pats were more interested in Chris Godwin. But Tampa Bay kept him, offering him a three-year extension worth $66 million. So, eventually, DK Metcalf took a flight to Pittsburgh.