The Seahawks started their offseason looking to address positions of need and weaknesses through free agency — the most important and telling part of the year for every franchise.
Coming off a 9-8 record in their successful 2022 campaign, the Seattle Seahawks have, yet again, managed to silence all the criticism that they receive prior to every season.
At the helm of that success was quarterback Geno Smith. Outside of his first two seasons with the New York Jets, Smith has since been classified as a mediocre backup quarterback in the NFL.
That all changed in 2022. Before earning himself a massive payday this offseason, Smith signed his fourth-straight one-year deal with the Seahawks ahead of the 2022 season, assumed by many to backup Drew Lock following the Russell Wilson trade. Smith’s impressive play throughout the offseason and preseason ended up earning him the starting job, leading to the revival of his career.
Much like Smith’s turnaround, the Seahawks surpassed all expectations from fans, analysts and critics last season and look to make a second-straight playoff appearance under their new franchise quarterback.
The Seahawks started their offseason looking to address positions of need and weaknesses through free agency — the most important and telling part of the year for every franchise. Free agency saw notable defensive players such as linebacker Cody Barton and safety Ryan Neal, as well as defensive linemen Poona Ford and L.J. Collier all depart from the Seahawks, creating areas of concern for head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider.
Moreover, key players including linebacker Jordyn Brooks and defensive tackle Bryan Mone both suffered season-ending ACL injuries alongside star safety Jamal Adams, who tore his right quadriceps tendon, continuing his struggles of remaining healthy. For the Seahawks’ front office, defense has quickly become the primary need this offseason.
So far, Schneider has delivered. The transaction that I’m sure the 12s are ecstatic about is the reunion with Super Bowl-winning linebacker Bobby Wagner, an original member of the “Legion of Boom” — Wagner signed a one-year $7 million deal. Wagner is entering his 12th NFL season, but still has a lot to offer, as his veteran presence and leadership paired with his consistent production will be beneficial to a developing defense.
“It’s such a win-win for everybody. … It was good to get (Wagner) back on our side. Over the years that we spent together, there’s a real relationship that’s a life-long relationship,” Carroll said to team press at the NFL Annual Meeting, “(Wagner’s return) is going to be a real positive thing (for the Seahawks).”
Adding depth to their linebacker room, the Seahawks brought in Devin Bush on a one-year “prove it” deal worth $3.5 million. I personally love this move as the Seahawks look to find a replacement for Brooks. Seattle is getting a young, sideline-to-sideline linebacker with some upside to him despite struggles from his ACL tear back in 2020.
Going forward, the focus still remains on defense. The Seahawks will look to improve their run defense as they ranked 30th in the league last year, allowing an average of 150 rushing yards a game to their opponents. To do so, the front office brought in another former Seahawk, defensive tackle Jarran Reed, on a team-friendly two-year $9 million deal.
Shortly following, the Seahawks and defensive end Dre’Mont Jones agreed to a deal that is worth $51.5 million over three years. In his four years with the Denver Broncos, Jones was a solid piece in the front seven. I expect this signing by the Seahawks to help resurge their defensive line as a Jones and Darrell Taylor pairing will bring much-needed explosion off the edge.
Rounding out their major free agent acquisitions, the Seahawks continued to stick with their motto of low-risk, high-reward players. This time they looked to gain insurance in their secondary. As the health of Jamal Adams remains in question and the recent loss of Ryan Neal has left room for more depth at safety, Julian Love signed with Seattle on a two-year $12 million contract. A former Giant, Love fits perfectly in Carroll’s ideal mold for safety, athletic and physical.
I believe that the Seahawks have done more than an adequate job at retooling this roster and addressing their areas of need through free agency, ultimately solidifying themselves as a true threat in the NFC.
12s, keep an eye out for the new haul of defensive players and their contributions next season — they will keep the Seahawks competitive going forward.
Contact Eric Hayrapetian at Eric.hayrapetian@gmail.com
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