Carlos Dunlap must be brought back by the Seahawks
Enough is enough.
This needs sorting now.
It’s quite incredible that a week into free agency, the Seahawks are nearing an inglorious hat-trick.
For the last two years, they’ve done an appalling job addressing their pass rush.
In 2019 they traded Frank Clark before the draft and insufficiently replaced him. They forced themselves to reach for L.J. Collier, when preferred options were off the board. They then took a huge gamble on Ziggy Ansah’s surgically repaired shoulder.
By the time the pre-season came around, they were starting Cassius Marsh, Barkevious Mingo and Jacob Martin as their top pass rushers.
The Jadeveon Clowney trade bailed them out somewhat — yet he basically ran a one-man show in 2019.
The Seahawks finished with 28 sacks, second fewest in the league behind only Miami (23). Their sack percentage was 4.5% — third worst overall.
They had only 126 pressures, sixth fewest in the league behind Detroit (125), Oakland (117), Houston (117), Atlanta (115) and Miami (96). Seattle’s pressure percentage was the fourth worst in the league (19.3%) behind Detroit (18.9%), Houston (18.1%) and Miami (16.7%).
It was a mess.
They entered the 2020 off-season saying fixing the pass rush was the key — stating retaining Clowney was a priority.
Yet the unpredictable nature of Clowney’s approach to free agency caught them off guard. They found themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. Do you move off Clowney, potentially missing the chance to re-sign him down the line? Or do you keep waiting, missing out on alternative options?
In the end they waited and by the draft nothing had been resolved. They took another gamble — trading up for Darrell Taylor. Pre-draft, league insiders had expressed concern about his injury situation. He hadn’t been cleared to perform at the Senior Bowl or combine.
Due to the global pandemic, nobody could do the necessary homework on the injury.
Feeling desperate, the Seahawks traded a third rounder to move up in round two to select Taylor. He didn’t play a down as a rookie and faces an uncertain future.
This time there was no Clowney trade. They started the 2020 season asking Benson Mayowa — usually a rotational lineman — to play a large bulk of the snaps and be their primary pass rusher. More responsibility was placed on Collier and Rasheem Green.
Inevitably, it didn’t work.
By the mid-way point in the season they were on a historic pace in terms of passing yards conceded. They had a 3% sack percentage, the most total yards conceded per game and a horrendous third down conversion rate.
They’d practically doubled their usual blitzing total in order to try and create pressure.
A tremendous strain was being placed on Russell Wilson who was having to carry the team, putting up his own historic numbers in the first six games of the season just to engineer a cluster of tight victories.
The Seahawks were winning but it wouldn’t take much for the piñata to shatter. A 5-0 start was followed by a 3-4 record.
They made a trade for Carlos Dunlap before the deadline. Suddenly, they had a pass rusher. The defense transformed. It wasn’t all down to the performance of Dunlap. He did, however, seem to bring everyone together.
Jarran Reed was back to his best. Mayowa returned to his rotational role which suited him. The extra blitzing was a complement rather than a necessity. Their sack percentage more than doubled — going from 3% to 6.4%.
It’s a stretch to say the defense was a ‘strength’. They beat up a lot of bad opponents and second and third rate quarterbacks. The unit wasn’t a liability any more though — which, based on the way the season started, was a plus.
The Seahawks cut Dunlap recently to save $14m. It’s understandable that they didn’t want to pay him that much. An extension rather than a parting would’ve been preferable. Yet here we are.
They simply cannot afford not to bring him back.
Nobody should deem it acceptable to face a third year in a row of drifting along, hoping a solution emerges down the line to fix the pass rush. That would be rank neglect.
Pointing to the brief flashes from Alton Robinson — who only played 29% of the defensive snaps in 2020 — isn’t enough. He needs to be a bigger part of the rotation, not the person you hang your hat on.
Taylor has to prove he can even practise before we can invest any faith that he’ll play for the Seahawks. Even if he does play this year — how much can you realistically expect from him?
We’ve seen enough of Green and Collier to know that, if we’re being honest, they’re both eminently replaceable.
The Seahawks have been aggressive in many ways over the last few months. They traded the house for Jamal Adams. They just gave the Raiders one of their few remaining draft picks to acquire Gabe Jackson and his $9.35m salary. They traded up for Taylor.
There’s absolutely no reason to muck about with Dunlap and try to save a few pennies.
There’s currently $67m in non-guaranteed salary on the roster that can be moved around to create cap space.
There’s no excuse not to create room and get something done with Dunlap. And then once you’ve got him back on board — you can play the market to bring in a #2. But only then. Not now, not with Dunlap still unsigned.
If he goes somewhere else, what’s the alternative? A 33-year-old Ryan Kerrigan? A 32-year-old Melvin Ingram coming off an injury?
A return for Clowney barely seems realistic given what happened last year and it’s already been reported he’ll take his time (again) as he recovers from a knee injury.
There aren’t any other options after that.
Plus you only have two draft picks in the top-130. If they still owned their #1 pick (#23) they’d be in the perfect spot to tap into the pass rushers in the class. By #56 — the options are much thinner. And you don’t want to force another pick, again, because you failed to act in free agency.
It’s confounding how this same issue has dogged the Seahawks for years. It’s a terrible review of the front office efforts, frankly.
It speaks to the misuse of resources that so much has been ploughed into other positions (linebacker, safety) rather than a key position such as defensive end.
Look at the rest of the division:
— The Rams have Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd
— The Cardinals have Chandler Jones and JJ Watt
— The 49ers have Nick Bosa, Arik Armstead, Dee Ford and Javon Kinlaw
The Seahawks have Collier, Green, Robinson and Taylor.
You’re not competing for any Super Bowls with that. It’s time to get this sorted — now. No more waiting for the exact right value. If you have to pay a bit more to get Dunlap back — so be it.
And as I’ve suggested all along — if you need to be bold and sacrifice an asset to do it, so be it.
You spent a first round pick on a middle linebacker a year ago. Why do that when you’re already paying your starter $17m this year and $20m next year?
In 2019 you traded down from the first round into the early second to select Marquise Blair. You made that call, nobody forced the Seahawks to select him. Then you trade an obscene amount for a blitzing box safety.
You could trade Jamal Adams and give his $9m salary to Dunlap and get back in the draft to fill other remaining holes and depth.
Whatever way they do it, something needs to be done now before it’s too late.
They have to create resource. At the moment, it’s not clear how they’re going to fill out the roster with no money and three draft picks.
They could of course restructure Russell Wilson’s contract right now without even consulting him. The Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes just did it. They choose not to though, despite the saving it would create. You can only assume they haven’t done this so they can leave their options open regarding a trade. That’s where this franchise is at.
They cannot continue with this annual game of musical chairs with the pass rush, or with the mystery surrounding Wilson’s future.
It’s time a little pressure was applied by people on the outside, so that pressure can be applied by those on the field.
If you missed my interview with Jake & Stacy on 710 ESPN on Friday, talking Seahawks and the draft, check it out below…
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Rob – when you say Seattle can’t go into the draft with their existing picks, are you saying it’s a situation you expect them to sort out? Or just one that you hope they sort out?
With the restructures, available, it seems more and more likely that they’ll eventually push that money around and fill out the roster with third wave free agents. Pete and Russ seem to be settling in for a shotgun marriage for the year, and despite the solid reasons for moving on from Jamal or Bobby I don’t see Pete pulling the trigger.
Are you confident they feel the urgency to replenish their draft stock?
I have no idea what they’re going to do. Everything seems to be be done on a whim these days. They’ve become a short-term, reactionary franchise rather than one operating a long-term plan.
But the simple fact is they have no depth and key positions need bolstering still. I don’t know how they can do this with what amounts to two draft picks and one throwaway seventh. And yes — I know they can trade down from #56. But picking zero times in the first two rounds isn’t a recipe for anything other than giving yourself a great chance to get nothing out of an entire draft.
As for trades, here’s what I think…
— People assume the Seahawks won’t move on from Jamal Adams. Here’s the thing though. If he wants too much money, then they’ll move off him. If they can’t agree on a price, they’ll trade him. Just as they did with Frank Clark. The key here is knowing what they’re prepared to pay. I’m not convinced they’ll be willing to go to $18m a year.
— Adam Schefter said on Friday Wilson could still be dealt. So there’s that.
— I don’t understand why you would draft a middle linebacker with your first pick in 2020 if you weren’t thinking about life after Bobby Wagner.
You are 100 percent right. If they part with Adams it won’t be a long term strategic decision, it will be driven by money. This trend may transcend sports. When a head person (e.g. PC) gets late in his career maybe decisions become more short term and tactical.
I would argue trading Adams would be a long term strategic decision.
You’re getting multiple players for the cost of him, some of which will be under great club control for years.
Keeping him, and paying him a massive salary, is thinking a hugely expensive blitzing box safety will help you win right now. It won’t with holes littered all over the roster.
It would be ideal to trade Adams and get draft picks. What I believe JS will do is trade down for more picks and trade better picks next year for lower picks this year. Not that this is a winning strategy.
Ah yes, the annual “the pass rush needs addressed” post. Hmmmm, didn’t you do this last year as well and didn’t you get a bunch of blow back about being negative and that the defensive backfield was going to be so good they’d make up for the shortcomings along the d-line, which was doubled down on after the Adams trade? The answer to my question is “yes” and look how it went before Dunlap last season (as pointed out), Adams or (too often) no Adams.
It boggles my mind that a man that runs a professional football teams and is considered a “defensive head coach” can just let this position group fall to the wayside like this. There’s a reason the Cardinals went out and got Watt, the 9ers drafted d-line in the 1st round several years in a row, etc. because pressure on the QB is imperative to winning Super Bowls. Ask Patrick Mahomes how his day went vs. Tampa a month and a half ago. That Bucs d-line had a LOT more to do with their win than Brady did.
Expecting more out of Green or Collier is a fool’s errand after they’ve now played 3 and 2 years respectfully. They are who they are. Expecting Taylor to come to the rescue is even more foolish ESPECIALLY considering this team drafted McDowell. C’mon Carroll, you supposedly aren’t stupid. If we as fans can see the problems the lack of pass rush created 2 years in a row and the improvement in it after Carlos arrived, surely re-signing him is a no brainer…….right? Pete? Hello, McFly?!
Yep
First guy through the wall always gets bloody.
It is gratifying to see some of the others in Seahawks coverage talking about the need for pass rush right now.
Although to be fair, I’m sure if the Seahawks shell out $3m for Mayowa, half of them will peel off and write that the Seahawks have addressed it.
Planning can include taking advantage of opportunities, in the “short term” if you will. Plans change in a moment on battlefields and in NFL player acquisitions.
That is not to say mistakes will not and have not occurred.
Thanks for keeping me informed of all things Seahawks Rob. Enjoy the site.
There’s nothing wrong with being opportunistic.
As long as it coincides with a long term vision.
Being entirely in the moment just leaves you with a roster without long-term pieces at key positions, no cap space and no picks, with multiple holes to fill.
Dunlap and Ingram would be an interesting pair. At the right price. I hope Ingram can prove he’s healthy and this can happen. He can be so dominant when he is healthy.
Trade Adams already!!! Give Blair a chance to play strong safety. That’s why we drafted him. Give him a shot already.
I would happily go Dunlap + draft pick in the top-35 (where there are some intriguing DE options)
But, you know… no picks
That would definitely be the cheaper option. Unfortunately watching how the hawks give playing time to their defensive draft picks. It makes me think that player wouldn’t have much of an impact this year.
Rob,
Why do you think they have become so reactionary and lacking what seems to be any long term vision?
I think part of it is trying to make up for previous errors in terms of roster construction. Some of it is desperation to get back to the top. Some of it is not anticipating how certain things are going to play out and adjusting incoherently.
Not Rob.
See the entire 2017 draft. If the average NFL career is something like 3.5 years and you have a draft where you come away with one special teams player and one RB you’re going to put yourself in quite a hole the following years
In 2017 they also came out with a starting corner who just got paid about $14m a year
Fair. But my counter is this:
Obviously there are misses. Obviously there are multiple players even in the NFL that are filling out a roster. However if in 11 picks all you retain is a center that needs to be upgraded, a RB that has to be on a snap count, and the other two decent players get contracts elsewhere it’s gonna be pretty hard to not find yourself making knee jerk reactions.
Sure, they could’ve used those picks better. But generally the feeling is three hits is a good draft. I think they got two hits and a couple of nearly hits.
The bigger issue is their philosophy to roster construction which has seen them fail to address key needs in FA and then force picks in the draft, on top of over thinking certain picks and being completely inconsistent in how aggressive/conservative they want to be.
Pete believes they are closer than they actually are.
I would like the Hawks to sign Dunlap and Mayowa. Clowney wants to much. If Clowney doesn’t get his price I could see him retiring.
Has he said what he wants this year? Because if you’re going off last season, he ended up signing with Tennessee for way less than what he originally hoped to get.
I’d be very happy if Seattle resigned him to a 2-3 year deal at around the $13m apy he got from the Titans.
FWIW, if I could pick the two vet DEs Seattle sign, it’d be Dunlap and Clowney. I think their strengths are complimentary and would make a fierce set of bookends for the DL.
Everybody needs a job, but not everybody loves their job. Football is a job, but not every football player loves football. It strikes me that Clowney could be such a player.
When the Hawks won their SB they had the highest paid OL in the league and an expensive / deep DL. So PC/JS know first hand you need a solid OL and pass rush to win an SB yet ever since they they have tried to go cheap on the OL and DL. It makes no sense and the results speak for themselves. You think they would know by now that it does not matter if you have the best MLB / Saftety in the league if you can’t rush the passer or keep them clean. On offense it has gotten to the point with the OL that your star QB has complained privately. It is not rocket science I just don’t get it.
My annual complaint is that they have no continuity on the offensive line. It seems like every year there are two new players, but the line remains the same – barely adequate. Now I can bitch about the defensive line too.
I think the bigger reason that we won the Super Bowl is the LOB. Not sure people remember them but we had Earl Thomas, Richard Sherman, and Kam Chancellor. I think part of the disconnect fans have from PC is that that’s the way he wants to build. He believes in having a great secondary first. I’m not saying he’s right except he did win a SB this way. Doesn’t seem to be doing very well recently though.
No, this rhetoric is wide of the mark Brik.
The Seahawks didn’t win because of the LOB. Or the D-line. Or the O-line. Or Marshawn. Or Wilson.
They won because they had one of the greatest, most complete rosters in NFL history.
Everything connected. There were no weak areas.
The problem at the moment is they do have glaring, massively weak areas. Such as the D-line. And it doesn’t matter how good your secondary is (their secondary isn’t even that good) if you’re really bad in other areas.
It’s nothing to do with a disconnect with Pete and everything to do with the pass rush being shit.
Yea I can see that. Most teams that win have pro bowl talent at every level. I did say that he doesn’t seem to be doing well with how he wants to build the team, meaning starting with the secondary. I completely agree that signing Dunlap is priority #1 right now.
I think my comment that he won a SB that way makes it seem like I’m siding with him. I’m just saying that’s the approach he took to get there, so he’s gonna stick with it even if it leads to our downfall.
It’s sad that the beginning of the new season has now become my most dreaded time of year for football.
If they don’t get a solid #2 pass rusher, on top of Dunlap, then Dunlap is going to have a much harder time than last year. The NFC West is retooling and healthier this season. Without help at the other end of the line, he will be double teamed on a routine basis. Whatever announcement they hopefully make on Dunlap, it better be followed by another announcing his bookend.
The Rams have added at QB, retained their best EDGE and their only losses so far are an ageing Michael Brockers and a safety.
The 49ers have retained their left tackle and signed a center. The Cardinals have signed JJ Watt and traded for Rodney Hudson.
The Niners & Cards have their quota of draft picks.
All the Seahawks have really done so far is upgrade at left guard and tight end. They have no pass rush. The center position remains a question mark. The cornerback position is a question mark. They’ve lost depth across the board. They have no draft picks.
It’s not good.
Not to mention the continued question mark over how much long the franchise quarterback will be here.
At best, I look at Russ as a one year rental Next year will be a major retooling year for this team. I can’t envision Russ stepping back and saying, “Yes, I trust Pete to make the right choices with all that cap space.” The important cap freeing move to note is if they skip reworking Russ’s contract. If that happens, then Russ’s immediate and long term future are up in the air.
Well if they extend Jamal Adams and don’t make any moves this year, there won’t be much cap space in 2022
I’d like to say I’m excited to see the plan continue to unfold…
…But really I’m dreading history repeats and there is no plan ?!
Another excellent article and point Rob. Maybe he wanted to see if he could get big $ like JJ or other pass rushers in FA, and didn’t the first week. They must re-distribute the salary around as you mentioned, backload his contract, give him a big signing bonus, whatever it takes. He made the pass rush and everyone else so much better, he was a perfect fit and a natural with this team. Thought I heard you on a recent video quote Einstein on making the same mistake over and over again is the definition of insanity. We can stop the insanity by signing Dunlap.
Saw a pretty good bio of Kam going into his HS and college history more than I previously knew.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27DxSDM9-CQ&ab_channel=FlemLoRaps
Is Russell Wilson going to the Miami Dolphins?
“The Miami Dolphins wield a lot of power in the 2021 NFL Draft, with the Nos. 3 and 18 overall picks, two second-round selections and another choice at 82nd overall.“
The Hawks would Pick Trey Lance #3 overall, get a DE at 18, a Center with an early #2 a SAM LB, Guard and RB or maybe a CB. Then they have a boatload of money to spend next year, with both experience and depth. You could finish off by resigning Dunlap. You could also extend or trade Wagner and Adams this year OR next year after a tag.
Well, I have a few thoughts here.
Firstly, I don’t think Wilson will be open to going to Miami. There’s a very deliberate reason why he picked the four teams he did. All four had offensive minded Head Coaches. The Dolphins are run by a conservative, Belichick disciple. They have just appointed two no-name co-offensive coordinators.
Jason La Canfora reported this week that Wilson isn’t extending his list of teams. I don’t see why that would change for Miami.
Secondly, taking Trey Lance at #3 would be a huge reach IMO. He might have the size, the personality and the look of a franchise star. But he’s wildly inexperienced, has technical flaws and his accuracy is not great. It’d be like taking Jordan Love at #3. He lasted to #26 last year.
Short of Chicago coming back in and offering a better package, with the prospect of someone like Darnold being in the mix, Wilson won’t be dealt. The problem is — that won’t be because the two parties have come together and everything is fine. It’ll be because a divorce isn’t viable right now. And then we’ll be living through this saga all the way until next year.
A mess.
It’s a shame really, because Miami is actually a spot he should really consider. Up and coming coach, eastern time zone (media world), good young roster and draft assets galore this year, which enables them to be able withstand the lack of draft picks in the coming seasons. Chicago is actually a terrible choice because they would have to give up so much, and would be a disaster afterwards and as competitive as Seattle is currently.
I think offensive vision is arguably as important as anything to Wilson though
He wants to go somewhere where they’ll do what Andy Reid’s doing, or something similar
Miami — it’s more of the same
Oh I totally agree, I just think he’s being short sighted, and potentially blinded by numbers and power than actually winning. Hell, call up Flores and ask if he’ll bring in a Reid guy.
That’s easier said than done though isn’t it? ‘Hey Brian, can you just go and appoint a random member of Reid’s staff in March to run your entire offense? And fire the two guys you’ve already appointed’
And I don’t think it’s short-sighted at all really. He’s clearly got a vision on what he wants and a lot of that is philosophy/offensive vision. I think it’d be more short-sighted to go ‘anywhere’ just because.
Totally valid, but you have to wonder what Flores is willing to do with a vet qb of Russ’ caliber, agreed he’s not changing coordinator in March. He’s a Belichick guy, Bill would adapt to whatever makes the most sense with the talent on board. He shifted from a game manager qb to slinging it all over the field. I wonder if Flores could be as adaptable. Obviously just spitballing here, because I agree with you, Russ has a vision of offensive control and style in mind.
I just don’t think considering Miami, for the reasons stated, is short sighted though. Now the Jets, sure, that’s short sighted.
When there is this much ego, this much $$$ and stakes involved I can see at least having a conversation if Wilson would really still like to exit.
Let’s say that Miami was VERY interested in Wilson (I would say most teams would be) and tentatively would be willing to part with what the Seahawks would want. At that point ask Wilson if there’s anything he would want that would make him happy going to Miami. He then might demand either bringing in an OC of his liking OR the explicit understanding that he is the Captain of the Offense and will call it as he wants.
Miami might very well balk at those demands, but I can at least see having the conversation. It could also help the Seahawks and Wilson get a better lay of the land on goals for a trade near or long-term.
I remain genuinely confounded that from almost all quarters Darnold is cited as a possibility, with often no mention of Minshew, unless possibly as an afterthought. Darnold threw plentiful interceptions at USC, and has abysmal stats with the Jets, admittedly an abysmal team. Minshew was brilliant at WSU, accurate whether throwing long or short, beating a number of teams that had greater overall talent. He was thrown into an action unexpectedly at Jacksonville and performed well, igniting the team and fan base. However, the Jaguars were as dire as the Jets, and with injuries to some key weapons, and a degree of erratic play by the rookie, the winning stopped, and the mania diminished.
During his second, disappointing year, he still showed promise. He was criticized after the season for not disclosing an injury which likely hindered his play. YET … his 2 year TD/int ratio stands at 37/11. Have you had the chance, Rob, to watch highlights from his Jacksonville starts, if not yet the game film from his starts, including his last season opening-game start against the talented Colts? IMO, Minshew has seriously flashed on numerous occasions, including entire games; comparatively, Darnold has given off only faint glimmers, a good pass now and then.
To be clear, I don’t want ANYONE replacing Wilson. But I wonder if Darnold is over-valued by some because he started for legendary USC, not the underdog school – the “wrong” Washington program for most Washingtonians – located in the wheat fields of eastern Washington; and because Darnold was a high number 1 pick, not a 7th rounder?
Do scouts and evaluators ever get it wrong? Is the 37/11 ratio, four comeback wins, and four game winning drives orchestrated by Minshew for a dumpster-fire team somehow not significant? If so, why not? Finally, I’d note that Nick Saban had lined up Minshew for a coaching spot at Alabama, had he not been recruited to WSU to play his senior season. Minshew is recognized as having a keen football IQ.
Well, I’ve said more than enough, and I’ll let it rest. To be clear, I only want #3 taking snaps for the Seahawks – but the continued frequent mention of Darnold over Minshew mystifies me. Cheers.
Rob,
Another well written, well thought out piece.
One question, given the Seahawks have 3 picks and are going to need to jump into Free Agency in a big way – why weren’t Russell and Bobby’s contract restructured on day one?
If nothing else wouldn’t it be a sign to potential free agents that Seattle is open for business?
Not Rob, but, I don’t think they knew what they were doing. They were still entertaining a trade offer from Chicago on day 2/3(?) of free agency. They have been caught in limbo two off seasons in a row.
“I don’t think they knew what they were doing”
Did you ever think you or anyone else would say that 10 years into the Pete Carroll regime? Just freaking sad.
I have absolutely no idea why they haven’t worked to create cap space yet
But on these two in particular I imagine it’s because there are question marks about their long term futures and restructuring would make them immovable
This is the only reasonable explanation.
If they anticipate trading Russ and Bobby, a restructure would just end up costing them more down the road.
I think this is the most damning evidence that the trade talk is real.
Restructuring Russ is the obvious move right now, to free up much needed money… It’s a huge signal of their intentions that they haven’t done it.
Agree with this thought completely. They are trying to keep their options open for moving on from both next year (if not sooner).
That is one of the things that makes sense to me that everyone seems to be struggling with. Everyone saying ‘just free up some cap and get it done’…. Who? None the names Cha lists below scream – give that guys a raise/extension. There are guys you could justify, I suppose.
For some reason, they’ve been very reluctant to offer any long term deals. It almost feels like they know where this thing is headed and have planned for a major overhaul next year, or at least keep open that option.
My hope would be that they have a handshake agreement with Dunlap to have the option to beat any deal he and his agent can dig up.
They also seem to be trying to protect their comp picks (which I agree with). Signing CC over Fournette, trading for Jackson. Bringing back Pocic. Those are all in line with keeping the comp picks. I think the plan has to be getting Dunlap back.
We’ve lost 5 (Shaq, Moore, Hyde, Hollister & Dorsett) and added 2 (Everett & Witherspoon). Dunlap wouldn’t factor in, which makes me think he’s their top priority left to sign.
It makes no sense.
Not only would you open up 2021 cap room, you’d address 2022 needs right now.
As of this moment the Seahawks don’t have the following guys/positions locked for 2022:
Tyler Lockett (#2 WR)
Duane Brown (LT)
Brandon Shell (RT)
Jarran Reed (DT)
Quandre Diggs (S)
Jamal Adams (S)
Michael Dickson (P)
Almost entire O-Line & D-line is gone, and I wonder what is the strategy and does continuity matter?
I think the strategy is that they knew they are not going to win it all so just ride RW to 10 wins season and
max their pocket.
They have to open up cap space to make some of these deals official. Everett and Pocic are both unofficial right now. They can sign Dunlap wjthout creating cap space if they want to just wont be official. I agree though, what are they waiting for.
Rob,
I agree they need Dunlap back. The way I see it in my head is a Jamal Adams trade = $9Mil free cap space and a top 35 pick. That = Carlos Dunlap plus a DE in the draft.
Looking at the top DE’s, who would you feel comfortable with them drafting as an “answer” to this problem and what range would we have to be in to attain them?
Do you think Azeez Ojulari, Kwity Paye, Dayo Odeyingbo, Jayson Oweh, Jaelen Philips, Gregory Rosseau, Ronnie Perkins, Payton Turner, Joe Tryon all fill that need? That is a decent list for top 50 names IMO especially in a strong offensive draft which could see them pushed down some.
Olujari — yes, 100%
Jaelen Phillips — quite possibly
Kwity Paye — might need time but possibly
Turner, Tryon I’d be more inclined in R2
Rousseau is really, really raw and doesn’t really win in the ways you want to see for the next level. Perkins — odd body shape for the position, poor agility testing. Oweh has a day one physical profile and day three tape. Odeyingbo is awesome but he has an achilles injury.
Any idea what round Odeyinbo will fall to given his serious injury?
Impossible to project
Reading an article on the Ringer a couple days ago about the slow WR market to open FA (before Juju and Galloday finally got deals) and this sentence really stuck out to me:
“…cornered the top of the tight end market and overpaid. But this wasn’t the case for every position group. Most premier linebackers and safeties either remain unsigned or agreed to deals below their projected average annual value…”
So the rest of the league doesn’t see LB and S as the place to spend top $. As Rob has discussed a million times now, Seattle has chosen to invest heavily here. Not only does this show questionable roster strategy, but suggests that any market for trading these two pieces away, might be pretty tame.
Agree with the first part. However — I suspect if Bobby Wagner and Jamal Adams were on the open market, they would get massive pay days.
I concur, but they aren’t on the open market, and therefore cost salary and picks. The rest of the league is remembering picks are extremely valuable! (Not that we know for sure if either has even been offered/considered in a trade)
Yes but in the case of Wagner you’re acquiring a player on $13m this year and $16m next. And you could lower both with a new deal. So it’s not exactly a terrifying prospect.
With Adams he’d need a new deal — but in the right scheme he could be fantastic
You’re encouraging me now, let’s deal. Get it done!
I can see some poor franchise giving Jamal a big contract. But do you think Bobby would fetch anything close to $18M/year in the open market at his age (even as a pro bowler)?
Maybe not $18m but he’s not exactly going to be hanging around on the market either
I can see both being valuable on the open market, but I cant imagine anyone wanting to trade much for Wagners contract. Not sure how much we can get for Adam’s. But I think these are moves they need to try and make
This guy followed your lead and recommends us drafting Brevin Jordan in a video for Gerald Everett. Double up he said and make it a strength. Everett is only on a 1 yr. deal and this is Dissly’s last year of his rookie contract as well. Also has a video about our new guard Gabe Jackson where he looks pretty good, especially in pass pro. Wondering who’s going to play left guard if Lewis and Jackson have always only played right guard? Hope we draft Meinerz or Moore to play G/C and one of them will beat out Pocic by mid-season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjW4X9xkmyA&ab_channel=TopBillin%27
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay55At8glEc&ab_channel=TopBillin%27
Yeah, it’s a great idea to double up and have Brevin Jordan
But that would be creative and exciting and the kind of thing you could do if you actually had draft picks
Yes we need to get at least 2-3 more picks. Still have a ton of slots to fill just to get to 53, and can’t depend on a LOT of UDFAs and practice players.
News about Brockers signing from Yahoo. Not bad, Seahawks should be able to get Dunlap in this range.
Michael Brockers
Jeff Risdon
Fri, March 19, 2021, 1:38 PM
More content below
More content below
Detroit Lions
Michael Brockers
Now that he’s in Detroit, Michael Brockers is fixing to stay a while. The new Lions defensive tackle, acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams this week, has agreed to a new multi-year contract extension with the team.
Brockers came to Detroit with two seasons left on his three-year, $24 million contract he signed with the Rams last offseason. He was scheduled to receive a salary of $6.5 million in 2021 and $7.5 million in 2022, but none of that base salary was guaranteed. The 2022 season was a team contract option, as well.
Now Brockers will receive a new three-year, $24 million contract from the Lions. A full $11 million of the new deal is guaranteed.
Brockers, 30, is now locked in with the Lions through the 2023 season.
Oops, didn’t mean to reprint the entire article. The 3 years for 24 million with 11 million guaranteed is most relevant.
Thanks for the info about the Brockers deal. Would hope that we could get Dunlap with a similar deal, but Brockers is a good run stopping DT and not a pass rushing DE like Dunlap.
Here are some interesting stats from 2020 by name, # games, sacks, combined tackles, and solo tackles:
Carlos Dunlap 10 or 15 games?, 6 sacks , 32 and 20.
Frank Clark 15 games, 6 sacks, 29 and 21.
Brockers 15 games, 5 sacks, 32 and 20
Clowney 8 games, O sacks, 19 and 14.
A little bit of apples and oranges, but it does show that a good DT can make a few sacks.
Also of interest is that Dunlap had 18 QB hits vs Clark’s 15 QB hits.
The Saints are losing a 6th round draft pick this year for not following Covid protocols. Expecting good old Danny O’Neil (wanker! lol) to be gushing over Pete’s handling of the situation for about half of his show tomorrow. Thank God I don’t listen.
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31100559/new-orleans-saints-forfeit-6th-round-pick-2022-draft-covid-19-violations
The standard joke going around Seahawks twitter is ‘can we have those picks for having a near perfect record then?’
Wonder what they’d have done to us: take our 7th pick or our 4th?
Nah, the NFL would look at the Hawks and say we’ve done more than enough self-inflicted punishment to our own draft stock.
They fined Pete Carroll $100,000 for not wearing a mask. I wonder if he paid that fine?
Usually they determine the fine, and then “go up” from there until they have a pick to forfeit.
So the 4th.
Outstanding write up Rob. I’d been hoping for a Dunlap extension right up until the day they cut him. To me a Dunlap extension should have been the 1st thing done this offseason. Mainly for the reasons you addressed in your article. Unfortunately here we are again. A Dunlap signing seems like a no brainer, but this team seems to have no direction when it come to handling that position for the last 3 years.
You definitely surmised the reason for our frustration over the last couple offseasons. Here’s hoping they don’t screw around with the pass rush until it’s too late again for the 3rd straight year.
A question about Bobby. How realistic do you think a trade to Jacksonville for picks 65 & one of their 2 5ths (145 or 170) would be.
I been thinking since the offseason started he’d be a great fit there; but wanted your thoughts.
Word is the Seahawks had a handshake agreement with Dunlap to release him and let him explore the market as a concession for him reworking his contract after the trade.
I’m guessing the Hawks approached him about an extension and he reiterated he wanted to see what he could get.
But it appears it was a miscalculation on his part. He might have made more if he had worked down from his $14m number with Seattle.
He is a solid player, I expect he will get 11-12 million/year on a three year contract. But he may get lucky and get more dollars from a team that has money.
I just have a bad feeling we’ll see him sign with Baltimore, KC, or the Bills by the beginning of the week.
I’m not sure. The Jags are still paying Myles Jack. I would’ve thought the Carroll tree DC’s would be more likely destinations
Good article as usual Rob! I agree about Dunlap or someone! I feel like last year was collier rookie year, I feel like he will have a big year this year, along with Robinson! I have never been sold on green! I am pumped about Taylor, they said he practiced the last two weeks and might have played if they beat the Rams! I think they have some pieces to be excited about but do agree they need a legit pass rusher brought in hopefully Dunlap!
You are a lot more optimistic than I am on Collier and Taylor
I’d be more inclined to believe in Collier if he was one of the youngest rookies in his draft class. However, he was one of the oldest and some people still think he “needs more time?”
Yep – dude was 24 years old as a rookie and his game exclusively relied upon strength…oh and he wasn’t good until he was just flat out older than everybody he played against in college. Absolutely horrendous pick – easily my least favorite in recent memory. Even worse than Penny, IMO.
And they just forced the pick when the better DE options were gone.
Forget the amazing options at WR, or the two excellent center’s available. It’s not like those two positions are needs now…
Yes, that’s why the whole narrative of JS planning “2-3 years in advance” in his roster building, is total BS.
The last few years has been one desperate/reactionary move after another.
I think Pete probably inspires a lot of this too, to be honest
Don’t get me wrong I agree with what your saying, I expect collier to make a huge jump this year…I’m not as hard on penny cuz he hasn’t got his shot yet to be lead horse, he started playing good before he blew out his knee, we don’t really know what we have in him! Also Taylor this will be his rookie year…I’m hoping for 6-7 sacks!
Why???
Why???
I just have a gut feeling he is going to pan out! He was pretty good in college, explosive! I know I know he has a rod in his leg😬but I feel like what they were saying what he looked like in practice at the end (fast and explosive) I’m just excited to see him play! Optimistic I guess!
Well I hate to say it but he might never play
Your optimism is cute to an extent but there’s no reason currently to bank on anything from him
Ouch the arctice by John P Gilbert detailing our offseason Free-agent signings from 2015-2020 just makes me even more concerned about tge remainder of our 2021 offseason. We basically put 0 resources into multi year deals. Unless we get Dunlap on a 1 or 2years max deal he’s likely gone. I was think 3 years 30M would be reasonable. Based on the 5 years of history it’s looking like another year of bargain hunting 1year DEs for 2021. To read that article after Robs post was just depressing. I guess I’ll keep my hopes there’s a change in thought from PC & JS pertaining to 2021 Free-agent signings; so far though it’s the same pattern as the previous 5 years.
Just keep in mind the article was extremely narrowly focused to signing free agents from outside the org.
Dunlap wouldn’t fit into that category.
As well, the Seahawks just traded for Gabe Jackson with 2 yrs and $19.2m on his deal. That cap hit is right up there with Thuney and Linsley got the first 2 seasons of their deal.
They signed Duane Brown to an extension like 8 or 9 months after trading for him.
That doesn’t fit into his article either.
It does allude to a trend of only retaining their own on multi year deals. Once a player becomes ‘their own’ he can stay. If he’s an outsider it’s a one year deal. Hence the lack of big time draws. The acquisition by trade of a player with multiple years remaining on their contract has had the opportunity of no dead cap hit if cut, thus far none have been cut, and those who’ve been acquired have been ‘disgruntled’ with the team they’re departing. Now Jackson may be the exception in that he wasn’t ‘disgruntled’. He strikes me as a guaranteed get because they were not having any luck acquiring a guard. Perhaps they were offering Zeitler a one year deal too. But Jackson can be cut with no dead cap anyways too. I tend to think he won’t be cut or extended unless another player overtakes him.
All this does lead to a feeling of despair of sorts. I think extending Dunlap for two years between 14-16 mil before he was cut would’ve been worth it. Guaranteeing the 14 mil he was owed. Essentially a three year 30 mil deal with 14 mil guaranteed. Spread that out over two or three years with a base salary of 2 or 3 or 4 this year would’ve still been an extremely conservative move lowering his cap hit and kept a leader on the d line… as well as demonstrating that retaining players not purely on Seahawkian terms is possible, therefore this team is a destination for more reasons than Pete culture..
Sounds like yet another article listing what the Seahawks ‘always do’ (we’re well aware by now)
There should be more articles suggesting what they should do instead
You know somethings up when I write a somewhat critical article, post it on twitter and nobody tells me to F off
I think the curtain has been pulled back for most of the fans. I think they are starting to see just what kind of trouble the hawks have got themselves into. As usual you were ahead of the curve.
Now that people are starting to believe you, I wonder if the traffic on your site will start to pick up.
Rob, what really irritates me are the Seahawks fans claiming that Schneider is going to turn these three picks into more by just trading down. Sorry… but if you’re starting out in the late second you just don’t have the value to recoup many selections at that point. We could maybe pick up another 5th if we’re lucky? Unless some big trades happen (Wagner, Reed, Adams) and get picks back… this roster is going to have some depth issues this year. And the next, no questions about it. Why not trade Jarran Reed and sign Atkins to replace his interior pressure production? Right now… we’re looking at terrible resource management and Schneider’s recent track record is not strong enough at all to excuse the situation we are in.
Exactly. And not picking at all in the top-60 isn’t something to brush off either.
Another DL off the board.
I love how everyone thinks the Jets are so dysfunctional and could never be a real destination point for Russ. New coach, new culture, fleece the Hawks, sign young WR for their QB, get a fast LB in JDavis, sign Rankins and Lawson on the DL, while having QWill and Becton as anchors in the trenches. Not saying they’re perfect but I’d rather have signed Rankins, Lawson and C Davis then what we’ve done so far.
And they have 5 picks in the first 3 rounds, including 2 in the 1st round. That’s the best/biggest way to get better and they have the resources to do it. Whether they capitalize or not is another question, but at least there is a chance unlike teams who have limited picks.
The Jets are toxic
They are Bengals/WFT level in that regard. It comes from ownership
And I’ve said it numerous times… the word on the street is the Shanahan lot wouldn’t want a Russ-type QB. They are all about working within structure
Rob, Personally, I really feel bullish on both New York teams improving this year. I have faith that Saleh can create an elite defense there with the players they have so far. Quinnen Williams, Marcus Maye, and CJ Mosley gives him a pretty solid defensive core. Add Carl Lawson, Rankins, Lamarcus Joyner and some of their depth players at DT are really good. John Franklin-Meyers and Folorunso Fatukasi are underrated defensive tackles. They need another pass rusher, but overall they have potential to make a big leap under Saleh.
I don’t necessarily disagree.
But Russell Wilson still isn’t looking at that and thinking… ‘get me to the Jets’
They would want a QB who can process and read defenses quickly, stay in structure and use all quadrants of the field instead of a guy like Wilson
I remember pre-draft he was billed as Aaron Donald-lite. Hasn’t quite lived up to that, was the 35th ranked DT in 2020 per PFF.
My exercise for today: Drafting – using -just the 3 picks currently available – in the coming draft —->Trying to at least address IOL, DL/EDGE & CB. If we are lucky the draft falls like this. These 3 picks will be just a bit difficult to land. A couple more picks, even if just mid-round picks, would provide much more “wiggle room” to move around but maybe these guys are there when the Seahawks pick somehow? Hard to figure out what to do with only 3 picks other than prioritizing needs and drafting at those positions. NOTE: Rankings (xxx) after each name is their “current ranking” on the NFL consensus big board.
(#1-pick, my top positional priority need is OL.)
—-ALT#1: OG-Ben Cleveland(103), Georgia, 6′ 6 3/8″, 354 lbs., 9 3/4″ hand, 33″ arm, 79 1/8″ wingspan, 4.85/40, 30 bench (must have just had a poor bench day.) Physically, His dad may have been a “Big Foot”.
—-ALT#2: OG/OC-Quinn Meinerz(92), UW-Whitewater, 6-3/320, 32“-Vert, 111-Broad, 4.86/40, 4.47-Short shuttle, 7.33-3-Cone, Keep in mind his + versatility, an OG that played OC at Sr. Bowl.
—-ALT#3: OC-Josh Myers(83), Ohio St., 6-5/312. (due to OC need, but I’d really might prefer QM here.)
—-ALT#4: OG-Aaron Banks(127), Notre Dame, (If all of above are gone, still a pretty good OG left.)
(#2-pick, my second positional priority need is a pass rusher, either DL/DE/EDGE/LEO.)
—-ALT#1: DE-Payton Turner(116), Houston, 6-053/270, 84“-wing, 35“-arms, 10-1/4“-hands
“He’s the only edge in the class who boasts run-defense and pass-rushing grades over 90.0. He racked up 31 pressures in his final five games this season after knocking off the rust. Per PFF”. = NICE, but unlikely to fall all the way to a Rd-4 pick. ***may need to throw in a pick from next year to trade up just a bit?
—-ALT#2: DL-Milton Williams(150), Louisiana Tech, 6-3/284, 31.5“-arms, 4.62/40, 39“-vert, 34-bench, 121“-broad, 4.25-short shuttle, 6.87-3Cone. WOW DL #’s, I’d guess he’s probably gone Rd-3/4-ish, maybe?
—-ALT#3: DE-Ade Ogundeji(197), Notre Dame, 6-043/256, 85-3/8“-wing, 35-1/4“-arms, 9-5/8“-hands
MAY be available later in round 4/5. Perhaps more of a developmental prospect type with some + upside.
—-ALT#4: DE/LEO?-Janarius Robinson(235), Fla. St., 6-5/266, 87“-wing, 35-3/4“-arms, 11“-hands. Perhaps much more of a developmental pass rusher with ++ length? But, it may be unlikely that he falls to Rd-7?
(#3-pick, my third positional priority need is a CB-(outside):
—-ALT#1: CB-Benjamin St-Juste(129) Minnesota, 6-3/200 (Pro-day is on 4/01/21, looking forward to it.)
Likely requires a round 3/4 pick, if the Seahawks find a pick there somehow. Although this CB likely won’t fall all the way to Rd-7 territory (he’s likely the best of these CB’s). Somethings got to give to get him.
—-ALT#2: CB-Keith Taylor(162), Washington, 6-3/191, Another developmental long CB. speed=? could fall?
—-ALT#3: CB-Tay Gowan(166), Central Florida, 6-2/185, Another developmental long CB. could fall?
—-ALT#4: CB Robert Rochell(217), Height: 5’11 1/2″, Weight: 193, Arm: 32.5, Vertical: 43, Broad: 133“ Bench: 9 reps, 40-yard: 4.39, Short shut: 4.08, 3-cone: 6.83 (good #’s, = a + trait developmental long CB?)
Rochell would appear to be a fair possibility with a Rd-6/7-ish pick – with a little help.
This draft is severely restrictive, more picks are obviously necessary to get in on more of the decent talent. My most realistic preference from the above guys seem optimistic, but MAY be possible with a little help.
(1) OG-Cleveland -or- OG/OC-Meinerz, (I would applaud this pick for either guy – addresses need.)
(2) DE-Turner -or- DL-Williams, (I would applaud this pick for either guy, it’s a DL upgrade starting point.)
(3) CB-St-Juste -or- Rochell (with a little luck, or perhaps more realistic, use a next years pick to move up for St-Juste otherwise Rochell may be their best hope in Rd-7 – but could still require a small trade up.)
3-picks just aren’t enough to do much better than the above, even if the specific players I’ve highlighted
differ from others viewpoint by positional need or by specific players in similar ranking areas. It’s very obvious that more ammo is needed very badly. With just an additional 2-nd & 3-rd round pick that would help a lot (Use the 2-nd & trade down the 3-rd for more picks?). A 2011 style FA signing of 100‘s may be a way to beat the bushes for a few unknown nuggets? But, I’d hate to rely on that. A trade for more picks HAS to be coming doesn’t it? More DL, CB, WR and perhaps OL picks (and/or FA acquisitions) – will still be needed to properly compete next year.
Rob or anyone, the lewan career forecast was brought up a few weeks ago, is it still in use? I don’t find anything new with it.
Doesn’t seem like anyone pays it any attention any more
Hmmm
Everyone knows and agrees the best way to build a team is through the draft.
That being said, why would any ownership ever allow its front office to go into a draft with only TWO picks in the top 250+ selections?
Seriously. Think about that. The Seahawks have pick #56, #130, and then don’t pick again in the top 250. Then they have one measly pick (252) in UFA territory in the final round.
The only way I’d ever sign off on something like that if I was an owner would be because we traded the farm for a franchise QB. That’s it. Not because we’re trying to piece pieces together to form a functional roster on a team that lacks legitimate talent to be considered a Super Bowl frontrunner.
Schneider and Carroll are busy throwing these draft picks away like a doctor prescribing band aids when a serious analysis needs to be made in regards to issues much more serious than a band aid.
I’m cautiously optimistic this won’t be the case come draft time. In 2019 they had 4 picks at this time and ended up making 11 selections, of course that year they at least had their natural first to begin with so a similar turn around seems unlikely.
I’m not sure how they’ll do it, but I’d wager they’ll get at least another pick in the top 2 rounds and Schneider is arguably the best in the business when it comes collecting picks on the day.
People always say Schneider turned 4 picks into 11 picks. That’s not true.
He traded their best pass rusher in a deal to get another 1st round pick. I mean, we could weaken our roster and get Wilson to Chicago for the #20 and their 3rd rounder. And then turn #20 into a few trade downs and end up with 11 picks. But would the roster be better? No.
This organization used to have almost my full confidence. They don’t anymore. The only reason they still have jobs is because it’s virtually impossible for teams with a franchise QB to finish with 4-12 type records. It happens – yes, look at D. Watson this past year, but it’s rare and the biggest reason is Russell Wilson historically taking 6-10 teams and making them 9-7 type teams.
Great points
Maybe so, but that gave them 5 picks which he turned into 11 on draft day, that’s still an incredible return. If they can get another highish pick I trust Schneider to produce a decent number of picks (what they do with them is another question).
I also think people forget that that trade seemed perfectly sensible at the time. It was a great Dline class and they were facing a series of difficult cap decisions on big players. The problem is, again, what they did in that draft next, but fwiw without the Clark trade they don’t get DK.
“I trust Schneider” is a phrase I cannot relate to especially after last offseason.
TBH currently Russ is what toxic about this relationship.
You have issues and want to play in a different system? Good.
You have locations you’d like to go? Good.
Those franchises want nothing with you or they can’t make a decent offer?
OK then you need to broaden the list or shut up and be a good soldier for Pete. If there’ll be drama mid-season about RW it’ll be on him.
We can’t expect PCJS to trade him for peanuts.
I really doubt Russ will be traded. Cowboys are out, Saints structured contracts so players who could be good for a trade are less tradeable. Raiders seems like willing to roll with Carr and the Bears probably made their best offer. They don’t really have good players that could be traded and doubt they’d be willing to give up something like 3xR1, 3xR2, 2xR3…and that would be the minimum to get.
So unless Russ would be open to go to the Jets, MIA, JAX I don’t think a trade is a real possibility.
Russ wants to have his cake and eat it too. It’d be so much cooler if he’d just make the Seahawks offense his own and succeed in it. I mean to some degree he has, but complaining makes him look weak. I keep thinking of him like Aaron Rodgers, they’re both great but just somehow can’t win alone and they both whine when it doesn’t work out for themselves. And the solution is money and control.
I have this gnawing feeling Russ isn’t as good as he thinks he is and to make matters worse he thinks he’s better than we all think he is.
I think the rest of the league has the same gnawing feeling you do.
You wrote that the “Saints structured contracts so players who could be good for a trade are less tradeable”.
Strangely Ramczyk, Lattimore and to a lesser degree Williams were not restructured and could be traded with a cap relief of 30 mil.
I don’t know if there is any interest, but the Saints could definitely still trade for Wilson.
As could the Bears on day one of the draft when their 2024 picks are in play.
Ohh I thought Saints extended Ramczyk and Lattimore. There were articles that they’re working on something. But then probably just rumors
https://www.seahawks.com/news/seahawks-sign-te-gerald-everett
Right now I don’t think John Schneider is to happy with the Bears General Manager Ryan Pace.
Chicago offered two starters as part of the Russell Wilson trade. Kyle Fuller who has been released. And Akiem Hicks who the Bears are trying to trade. Nice job Pace. Pace was trying to get Russell Wilson for two players that Pace was trying to get rid of.
BTW. Ndamukong Suh is still a free agent. Any takers?
Agreed. That trade proposal is a joke, plus the fact that they restructured Khalil Macks deal before the trade indicates that he was never a serious trade piece.
Somebody correct me if I am wrong on my timeline, but didn’t the trade seem imminent right up until the time Chicago restructured Mack.
That is the exact moment I said to myself, ‘This trade isn’t happening’.
Chicago didn’t restructure Mack before the trade. They restructured him after they knew the deal wasn’t going down.
I 100% agree Dunlap needs to be back and hopefully sooner than later. That being said how high would we go? If Dunlap is asking for Watt money and is holding firm we just cant give that to him. We have no choice to wait him out.
No, you move on and sign someone else
Agree with Rob. We got burnt last year with Clowney. We don’t need to make the same mistake. Rob what is your thought on trying to get Ndamukong Suh and either Carlos Dunlap/Justin Houston.
Listen — for the right price I’d happily take Clowney back. He and Dunlap are the only two remaining options for a proper starting DE who isn’t old or coming off injury
I just don’t think Clowney and the Seahawks are very likely to work together again after last year
Suh would be a luxury. They need a DE, CB, WR3, RB2, SAM
Quick heads up — I’m doing another live stream on Monday at 2pm PST
My guest will be Jeff Simmons from Real Hawk Talk
If you can join in live please do and send some questions in via the YouTube live chat
Otherwise you can watch back on demand — I’ll post the video on the blog
Very cool!
Awesome, I like Jeff a lot, he’s got a pretty level head about most things.
Cool, look forward to listening. What would be REALLY awesome is for you and Brian from Real Hawk Talk to sit down and discuss/debate the Seahawks. I hope that happens one of these days….
After watching the moves that JS has made over the past few years I’ve come to the conclusion that he isn’t really that good as a GM. He has put this team into a hole the past 4 years and hasn’t really done anything to add true talent to this team. We can blame Pete for meddling but ultimately it comes down to John being an effective GM, which he hasn’t.
There is no oversight on what they are doing, no long range plan that they are adhering to. We are rudderless and it has been obvious for the past 3-4 years. Somehow Carlos Dnlap will slip through our fingers, just like all the other key FA signings we needed to make but didn’t. for the sake of a few dollars.
Failure on John and Pete…and Jody.
“Somehow Carlos Dnlap will slip through our fingers, just like all the other key FA signings we needed to make but didn’t. for the sake of a few dollars.”
Completely agree Tom. Exactly what I see happening too. Really want us both to be wrong. But hey if we’re not, we’re gonna have 53rd ranked on a shiny new 18 per year contract!
i think russell wilson is/was our “long-term plan”
JS is a very “good” GM… let’s not get too far over our skis.
Then you haven’t been paying attention. Russ is gone this year or next, and for reasons he believes in.
“…no long range plan that they are adhering to.”
Disagree, I think RW3 is/was their plan along with a strong D. Poorly executed, sure.
“After watching the moves that JS has made over the past few years I’ve come to the conclusion that he isn’t really that good as a GM.”
Again, let’s not get too far over our skis.
Clowney= I’m sick and tired of waking up sick and tired….
Hey all, what draft simulators do you guys use? I remember one lots were using last year, but can’t remember the name of it.
https://www.profootballnetwork.com/mockdraft/
Perfect. Thanks Rob.
Brooks isn’t a MIKE.
Yes he is
He is but when you have Wagner you take what ever scraps you can get
“It’s time for this to get sorted out – now.” Rob’s bringing out the dad voice lol.
Listened to your interview on 710 and was impressed. Well done.
I agree that they need to bring Dunlap back. Having an established guy like that makes everybody better.
Having said that, I’m jacked to see Darrell Taylor. I watched a couple of his games from 2018 (vs Kentucky and Georgia) and was extremely impressed. I can see why PC/JS liked him. Strong motor, chippy, passionate, explosive. If he’s able to return to form, and the Hawks resign Dunlap, watch out.
Also watched a bit of Blair from his time at Utah, and that dude is a bamf if I’ve ever seen one. Violent player. I’d love to see him patrolling center field and attacking downhill from FS. I also think that would preserve him a bit. He doesn’t have the frame to hold up in the box.
Personally, I have no expectations for Darrell Taylor. If he plays football again it’ll be a bonus.
My expectations regarding how effective he plays have certainly been tempered given his lengthy recovery from injury. But I’m looking forward to seeing him take the field regardless of his form right off the bat given his immense potential.
Anyone who watched tape on Taylor is justified to be excited. Buuuut, last years long recovery from injury and his apparent lack of faith in his recovery and seeming unwillingness to get back on the field are huge red flags. At this point I’m not even sure he plays.
An article in SI saying pretty much all the things we have said already about not compounding a mistake of a trade by extending Adams.
https://www.si.com/nfl/seahawks/gm-report/seahawks-cant-use-acquisition-cost-as-justification-for-extending-jamal-adams
Keep getting on board media and fans
Oddly, he suggests letting Adams play out the year and then franchising him, rather than the more likely scenario of trading him this off-season.
The author doesn’t even suggest trading him now to get back into this year’s draft.
Also calls him a ‘great pass rusher’
Maybe the SI author thinks Jamal is a good player.
It just has to be as simple as this…
Set a limit
If he won’t agree
Trade him
Since trading Adams is the only way (Wilson aside) to truly get back into this draft, I’m not sure there is any price we should keep him at.
Let’s say we get him to sign a “bargain” deal at 15 million/year.
Do we really feel good about that going forward?
Not for me
He’s simply a luxury they can’t afford with so many holes elsewhere
And he’s not good enough to justify having that luxury. He isn’t elevating this team to contention
D-Jax has signed to the Rams, and it looks like T.Y Hilton will be returning too the Colts.
Salary cap, Schmarly cap
He’s not that good anymore
He’s good when he’s healthy. But he’s missed plenty of time over the past 5 years.
I’m sure Freddie Swain will be…. errrr….
Nah they needed a #3
Any reason Freddie Swain shouldn’t be able to give us at least the production that David Moore did, but for cheaper?
I’m sure Freddie Swain is more than capable of filling the role of replacement level, non-difference maker WR3… yes.
Seattle is getting pretty weird about how they spend.
Save 1.5 million between Moore and Swain.
But spend nearly 5 million more on Everett over Hollister?
Hope Everett still has room to grow at 27 but currently his production is near enough to Dissley that I’m not sure the cost is worth it. Again glad to be wrong and hope he breaks out as some “move,” TE this year.
Past is past but would have much rather taken the Everett cost and the Moore savings and brought in a good to great WR3 to make Russ happy and keep the gears going if Lockett/metcalf were to miss any time.
Seattle isn’t spending $5m more on Everett. They spent $3,259,000 on Hollister last year.
He means Hollister has just signed for a little more than $1m in Buffalo
Giants aggressively trying to sign Adoree’ Jackson
Gerald Everett and Gabe Jackson deals became official today. Most likely Jackson agreed to a new two year deal to lower his $9.6m cap hit.
This was a deep free agent DE class and we have signed no one. We cut Dunlop. It really is confusing. Why not stretch him, keep control? Just lock him in and figure it out already.
Just being patient waiting for Avril and Bennet to sign, should be any day now
ultimately, i hope we trade adams and draft four players:
P1: Quinn Meinerz
P2: Ben Cleveland
P3: Milton Williams
P4: Benjamin St. Juste
bonus players: Javonte Williams, Tommy Tremble
Just not sure they will draft a guard this year unless he is a center/guard. I would throw WR in that mix as well as that is probably the second glaring need after DE.
They should honestly trade LJ collier for like a 5th round pick, dude is that bad
Do you think if the Hawks traded Jamal Adams that it would piss Russell off even more? He stated multiple times last year the team needed more “superstars”.
They can get a star with the money saved, and possibly with one of the draft picks they get for him.
Russ can see they already have Blair and Neal to replace him.
I doubt RW would give a toss
If it lands us a 3rd weapon and promising Oliner I’m sure he would take it in a heartbeat
Now I understand… we were trying to sign Fournette to play LG…😂
https://twitter.com/overtime/status/1373732523419832327
Am I being too optimistic in thinking there’s a chance that an agreement in principle is in place but Dunlap is one of those vets that is happy to wait on signing until some of the offseason workouts and maybe even first part of training camp is done?
I know that’s less than ideal as it leaves the door open for him if a team suffering a serious injury at the position and being desperate enough to pay an extra few million in July/Aug then they are now but maybe Dunlap is factoring that in as well?
I can’t remember a single case of a veteran having an agreement in principle where a contract simply isn’t signed until the hard graft is done… and then they sign on.
Some veterans wait the situation out when they have hardly any market and then decide later in the year to sign. But not players like Dunlap.
The simple fact is he’s just an unsigned FA. And the Seahawks should’ve changed that over the weekend.
Maybe I am clutching at straws somewhat – just trying to work out a reason why this hasn’t happened yet! It makes too much sense and it’s clear no one else has blown the Seahawks offer out of the water or he would have signed elsewhere. With you Rob, just get him signed!!
Nah.. we are good. we will soon get ability to trade 2023 draft picks, that and 2022 picks can get us few 1 year rentals to contend now… go Hawks
The narrow answer is they don’t see Dunlap as much different than a few other options still out there.
The broad answer is they’ve been sacrificing a championship window for a few years now by being penny wise and pound foolish.