Recapping Seahawks Free Agency Situation

Two weeks have passed since the start of free agency and it’s fair to say that the NFL owners and its players are in unchartered territory regarding free agency. The movement of players and their new contracts has left many fans dizzy with excitement, optimism, and in some cases heartbreak.  Seahawk fans are no exception. Here is a look at what the Seahawks have done so far in free agency and what it means for the upcoming season. Keep in mind the NFL draft will be from April 28th- to April 30^th.

FREE-AGENT  UPDATE

Outside of losing Russell Wilson and Bobby  Wagner the Seahawks retained their most pivotal and prized free agents. For many  Hawks fans losing two of the biggest beloved players in the club, history is an unbearable pain that only time can heal. For now,  those that cover the team can move forward.

DEFENSIVE BACKFIELD SET

The Hawks’ re-signing of free safety  Quandre Diggs was a no-brainer but given the Wilson and Wagner drama, nothing was a no-brainer for the Seahawks. Diggs signed a three-year $40 million contract meaning  Diggs will get $28 million in the first two years.  Given his consistency, he led the team in interceptions, earned his second consecutive pro bowl selection and leadership skills this was a fair contract for both sides.

WHAT IT MEANS

The move is a sure sign the Seahawks are serious about competing in 2022. A healthy Jamal Adams and Diggs give’s the Seahawks one of the best if not the best back end of any defense in the league.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Despite being 34 years old defensive tackle, Al Woods played his best football last year according to  Head coach Pete Carroll and earned a new contract. Woods’s role in last year and more importantly this year is to eat up space and occupy space so that Jordy Brooks and Cody Barton can quickly get to the ball career.  A telling stat on Woods performance was the Seahawks being ranked against the run last year.

 The  Seahawks are hoping the fourth time will do the trick. The team re-signed Quinton Jefferson for a fourth stint with the team. Jefferson played with the Seahawks in  2016, 2017, and in 2018-2019.

 Given  Jefferson’s numbers with the Raiders last year, this could be the best version of himself. Jefferson started all 17 games played for the Raiders in 2021 and set career-highs in tackles (47), sacks (4.5), and quarterback hits (16).

WHAT IT MEANS

Woods will need to have another big year with Cody Barton being the heir apparent to Wagner. Barton has played the able backup, but no one really knows what to expect from the former Utes linebacker game in and game out. Jefferson will bring some experience and veteran savvy when it comes to getting to the quarterback. Something the Seahawks ranked at near the bottom in the league last year. Look for the Seahawks to have Jefferson play on the inside to create a disruptive pass rush presence.

ANOTHER WAY TO ATTACK THE QUARTERBACK

With the transition from a 4-3 to a 3-4  front seven the Seahawks signing of Uchenna Nwosu was a lot of sense and pretty much a necessity for a team desperately looking for a way to pressure opposing quarterbacks. The 6 foot-2 251 Nwosu a 2018 second rounder by the L.A. Chargers set career highs in tackles at 40 (24 solo),  5.0 sacks, one interception, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, and 17 quarterback hits.

CORNERBACK SHUFFLE

After spending his first two years with Seattle D.J. Reed bolted for the New York Jets after receiving an insulting offer from the Seahawks. This according to  Reed. As with all free agency discussions, no one really knows except those that know. What is known is that the Seahawk’s cornerback situation is shaky at best. With that somewhat bleak outlook, the Seahawks re-signed Sidney Jones IV and  brought in Artie Burns

Prior to last year, Jones had started 14 games in four seasons. Last year Jones started a career-high 11 games ad showed his versatility after replacing Tre Flowers and rookie  Tre Brown after his injury. While he is not a spectacular player  Jones is what the Seahawks are looking in a cornerback,  fundamentally sound with a knack for the ball when it’s in the air and close by.

The Seahawks added Artie Burns to the mix a versatile cornerback.

Burns was a former first-round pick (25th)  out of Miami by the Pittsburg Steelers in the 2016 draft. After four years with the Steelers Burns moved on to the Bears. After missing the 2020 season with a torn ACL Burns rebounded in 2021 starting five games and playing in 11.

REUNION  TOUR

Adding to the Seahawks reunion tour is the return of Justin Coleman who put up career numbers in 2017, and 2018 and nickel back for the Seahawks. Coleman parlayed the two years into a big contract with the Detroit Lions for two years. Falling short of expectations Coleman spent last year with the Dolphins and was released at season’s end. Coleman is hoping a return to the Seahawks will bring back his groove which the Seahawks could use.

TIGHT END POSITION  SOLIDIFIED

WILL DISSLY RETURNS TO  NOAH FANT

Another no-brainer signing for the Seahawks. Despite the back-to-back season-ending injuries in his first two years, Dissly rebounded with a solid season in his third year. Last year Dissly had similar numbers which weren’t spectacular but enough for the Seahawks to re-sign him to a three-year $24 million contract. The Wilson trade brought tight end Noah Fant which made Gerald Everett expendable. Dissly is an excellent blocker with above-average hands which will complement Fant who started 16 games with  68 receptions for 670 yards for the Broncos last year.

WHAT IT MEANS

The release of Everett means the Seahawks are set at tight end with Fant the clear starter, Dissly the backup and Cody Parkinson willing to take on all newcomers for the third spot.

KYLE FULLER GUARD/ CENTER

The battle for the center position between Fuller and Ethan Pocic never fully materialized due to nagging injuries to both players. The signing of  Austin Blythe a versatile interior lineman could cause some position shifting in the offensive line. A   Colts seventh-round draft pick in 2016, Blythe moved to the Rams in 2017 where he started three of the last four years with the Rams. A move to  Kansas City Chief was less prosperous and he was released after starting just four games for the Chiefs last year.

OFFENSIVE BACKFIELD

The biggest wildcards for the Seahawks will be in the offensive backfield. Drew Lock was part of the Wilson trade and during his first press conference with the media, last week Lock said all the right things. Until training camp and maybe up to the preseason no one will know whether the Seahawks will get good or bad  Drew.  The return of Rashaad Penny for a one-year contract was a safe bet for all. Penny returns to familiar surroundings and is determined to continue on an astronomical six-game stretch to end the season. The Seahawks get a full season to assess whether Penny’s injuries woes are behind him.