Month: February 2021 (Page 3 of 3)

I thought the appointment of Shane Waldron would quell the chatter for twelve months at least.

Yet here we are.

Super Bowl Sunday was the typical weekend arms race among the news breakers in the NFL to deliver a story.

And Russell Wilson was once again being discussed as a potential trade candidate.

It’s quite possible this was just a circumstantial thing. The league is currently awash with veteran QB trade rumours. Matt Stafford has been dealt, Carson Wentz will be dealt and Deshaun Watson wants to be dealt.

A whole host of teams appear to be scrambling around seeking a veteran solution.

Meanwhile teams with existing starters, such as Las Vegas, are reportedly seeking an upgrade.

I wrote an article in December chronicling the consistent Wilson trade rumours that have been present for three years. So it’s hardly a big stretch for a reporter to call either the Seahawks or Wilson’s agent Mark Rodgers to see, in this environment, whether anyone has approached Seattle wanting to do a deal.

Reporting that they have — and that enquiries have been rebuffed — isn’t a big deal in itself. A week ago Sam Farmer at the LA Times reported the Rams called Green Bay about Aaron Rodgers. These things happen.

Even so, part of me did wonder yesterday why this topic never goes away.

After all — Waldron was supposedly Wilson’s guy for offensive coordinator. That, in fairness, was more of a hunch from Brock Huard than a firm revelation.

It makes sense though for Wilson to covet someone from the Rams offensive system. His desire to score points, attack opponents and play with tempo chimed with Waldron’s words in his first press conference.

I also think, in fairness to Pete Carroll, it appears the team went above and beyond to find a fit that satisfied all parties. There’s always a chance Carroll steps in half way through the season like he did in 2020. Yet the hope has to be that he recognises his opinion on how the offense should run shouldn’t be the only viewpoint heard. To me, this hire suggests he acknowledges that.

At the same time, I don’t think one appointment fixes everything.

After all, Wilson turns 33 in November. In a few years time, there’s a reasonable chance he’ll be past his peak. And while he insists he wants to play to the age of 45 — Philip Rivers has just retired at 39. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that in seven years time, Wilson might be staring at the reality check father time too frequently delivers.

I think there’s a sense of urgency around Wilson these days. We saw that in his request for ‘superstars’ a year ago and the way he spoke about the offense in recent press conferences and interviews.

He’s extremely focused on legacy. He wants to win but he also wants to reach individual goals — likely including winning a MVP and being statistically one of the top QB’s ever to play the game.

To Wilson, the offensive ideology is important. Especially when he sees people he considers peers — Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers — playing in a style he probably craves. He also saw Tampa Bay surround Tom Brady with an assortment of weapons, including some old friends, to create a loaded arsenal. The Buccs deferred to their quarterback and essentially signed the guys he wanted.

While the appointment of Waldron is encouraging for quarterback and fans alike — you could possibly forgive Wilson for some scepticism that he and the new coordinator will be given the freedom to do what they want.

The NFL Network report was quite firm, stating “there’s no chance the Seahawks are dealing their star QB.” I suspect that is almost certainly true this year. Yet I couldn’t help but wonder if that’s the case, why the rumours persist?

After all, what’s in it for the source of the info? Why would the Seahawks reveal to the media that they’ve taken calls only to suggest there’s no chance of a trade happening? This just makes it a story again. Why would Wilson’s people (agent) reveal trade interest unless it was to spark some media attention to create a bidding war or apply pressure? And why would other teams anonymously reveal they’d called about Wilson if there was no chance of anything happening?

When it comes to this particular type of story, no news is often good news. The fact it’s resurfaced, potentially, isn’t positive.

And then I read this article by Jason La Canfora. I appreciate that whenever you mention La Canfora’s name, people tend to scoff. Nobody would ever accuse La Canfora of being CBS’ answer to Adam Schefter — but neither is he the bumbling buffoon many like to claim.

He has also, to be fair, broken stories relating to the Seahawks in the past.

His piece essentially calls on half of the league to call Seattle and make an offer:

“If I were an enterprising NFL head coach or general manager, especially one who worked in one of the more glamorous locales in this league, I would start peppering the Seahawks with trade suggestions about their quarterback.”

La Canfora goes on to suggest the Seahawks ‘might be willing to budge’ on a trade and that a deal ‘might not be as crazy a proposition as you think’. Apparently, ‘some enterprising executives are already sniffing around Wilson and trying to move the meter.’

A lot of the article goes over ground we’ve often covered on here:

“Here’s what I know about Wilson: He burns to win. Every year. He has been beat up too much behind suspect blocking. He has a decade at least of play ahead and wants to maximize his opportunity to win consistently.”

Essentially, the clock is ticking even if he has ambitions to play on for another decade.

La Canfora suggests the Saints are exploring his availability, having made some initial ‘exploratory calls’. If you’re willing to take your Seahawks-tinted specs off for a moment — can you think of a better way for Wilson to continue his career? Playing for Sean Payton, the man who enjoyed so much success with Drew Brees — one of Wilson’s role models?

The problem the Saints have is it’s hard to imagine how they could possibly make an attractive offer. They own a late first round pick. Unless you consider Taysom Hill a hot commodity (I don’t) they wouldn’t be able to provide the Seahawks with a quarterback alternative to start in 2020. Once they had acquired Wilson, any future first round picks would be at the back-end of the first frame.

So while it might be an attractive thought for Payton and Wilson, it seems unrealistic. I’m sure four first rounders, Cam Jordan and Michael Thomas might be enough for the Seahawks to take on scrambling around for a quarterback solution but how realistic is a deal like that?

La Canfora goes on to say the Raiders have interest. I’m not sure working for a taskmaster like Jon Gruden would be particularly appealing but the Raiders do have two quarterback assets in Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota. However, like the Saints, the Raiders can only offer picks in the latter half of round one.

Miami has always felt like a viable destination due to the location and their draft stock, including the #3 pick. They also possess a young quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa — although personally I think it’d be a hard sell to take him on.

Again, La Canfora reports they have had their interest ‘piqued’.

What follows is a run down of every team needing a quarterback and why they should call the Seahawks. And in the end it was hard to tell whether this was a mere riding of the coattails of the NFL Network report or a warning that actually, this issue isn’t as dead in the water for 2020 as first thought.

Certainly the suggestion that teams have interest and are preparing to test Seattle’s resolve — minus any suggestion that the Seahawks wouldn’t listen — was worth contemplating, even if just for a moment.

The talk also inspired Mike Florio to chime in. Florio, as we’ve often mentioned, clearly uses Wilson’s agent as a source. Mark Rodgers has appeared on PFT Live and Florio often reports from the perspective of Wilson’s camp.

He rightly points out the contract ramifications in place for 2020 that make a Wilson trade unlikely. Yet that hasn’t stopped the Eagles or Rams attempting to make similar moves in much worse cap situations than Seattle.

He also repeats the line:

Some in league circles believe Wilson eventually will play for another team

A decent amount of smoke has been billowing around Wilson and the Seahawks since 2018. Eventually, we might discover the fire.

It’s tempting to dismiss everything as a non-story given the contrasting angles each reporter has taken. For the NFL Network, there were rebuffed talks. For La Canfora, a deal could happen. For Florio, it probably will happen just not this year.

I think Wilson’s position in all of this is pretty easy to work out. If he feels like he’s being given every opportunity to achieve everything he wants to in Seattle — individually and as a team — then there’s no issue. He wants a big say in how the offense functions. If he doesn’t believe that’s the case, he’ll likely be open to plying his trade elsewhere.

The interesting question is more how the Seahawks view this situation.

Pete Carroll is a few years away from retirement. Taking on a questionable situation at quarterback could spoil any chance of a happy ending.

Yet he may also look back to 2013 when the Seahawks won a Super Bowl while paying their quarterback $500,000. That quarterback had no expectations on how the offense should be run and no real thirst to be the MVP. Without having a $35m salary taking up a chunk of the salary cap, they were able to create a deep, talented roster.

It’s also clear that what Carroll truly craves is to finish his career doing things the way he wants to. That was the driving force behind the 2018 reset. It’s why they traded Michael Bennett just over 12 months after extending his contract — taking on a huge dead cap hit and essentially paying him to play for the Eagles instead.

There may come a time when what Carroll wants and what Wilson wants repels, creating a situation where a trade simply has to happen. Frankly, I’m not sure Carroll — approaching 70 — would want his closing moments in Seattle to feature an ugly divorce with a legendary player. He may well fall on his sword if it ever came to that. Or maybe not. Who knows? But I do think he’s also determined to end his career the way he wants to. In many ways he has earned that right.

For now though — it does feel like this is a relationship where both parties are maybe wondering if this marriage is working. With the help of councillor Shane Waldron, they might be able to form a stronger bond than ever. Or we might see an acrimonious divorce.

Either way, I don’t think we should shirk this topic because it’s inconvenient.

And as I’ve often said this off-season — something has to give. The Seahawks have numerous holes, no cap space and hardly any draft picks.

The idea of having a fairly quiet, uneventful off-season isn’t realistic. They pretty much have to do something. We’ll have to wait and see what it is.

It could still be a Jamal Adams trade, as Brady Henderson notes here:

“When the Seahawks acquired Adams last summer, they figured they could trade him this offseason as a last resort if they couldn’t get a deal done. That means they have lots of incentive to figure out his future before the draft.”

For more on this topic, watch our latest podcast:

***Update***

Jason La Canfora tweeted the following late on Monday:

I’m hearing Russell Wilson’s camp has grown increasingly frustrated by the Seahawks inability to protect the 8 time Pro Bowler. He has been sacked 394 times in 9 seasons. This situation warrants serious monitoring.

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 9, 2021

A lot of people will outright dismiss this. Yet it’s important to try and figure out what’s going on here.

‘Wilson’s camp’ usually means Mark Rodgers. The fact he’s talking to the media again should be cause for concern.

Rodgers was with Wilson when he won the Walter Payton ‘man of the year’ award. Unlike other journalists, La Canfora was in Tampa Bay as part of CBS’s Super Bowl coverage.

It doesn’t take Poirot to work out what’s happened here.

I’m sure that Wilson and co seek improvements to the O-line and this could be an attempt to direct Seattle’s off-season plan.

Yet this is also an expression of dissatisfaction.

As Florio, another person who uses Rodgers as a source, adds:

Wilson’s concerns sweep much more broadly than a complaint about the quality of the team’s offensive line. It’s the overall offense. It’s the early exits from the playoffs. It’s everything that has kept the Seahawks and Wilson from getting back to the Super Bowl.

Eventually people are going to have to stop being in denial about this and accept that the ‘no smoke without fire’ proverb is starting to appear apt.

Whether this is a pre-emptive strike to steer personnel decisions in 2021 or the start of a drawn out campaign to position himself with another team this year or next — it’s increasingly clear that all is not well.

It feels like the team is in a fight to align its vision with the quarterbacks, while also matching his ambition. And if that doesn’t happen — watch out. Because Wilson has been especially clear on what he expects.

Part of me wonders how much of this is about timing. With Drew Brees retiring — and the Saints reportedly making advances — it’s completely plausible that Wilson craves to follow in the footsteps of a player who inspired him so much while playing for Sean Payton — a Head Coach he perhaps would rather play for at this stage in his career.

That’s speculation on my behalf, of course. But if Wilson wants New Orleans — they might make a different move this off-season that makes it impossible 12 months down the line. If this is a now or never moment, would it be all that surprising if Wilson tries to make it happen?

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The Super Bowl is here. The NFL has masterfully navigated a global pandemic to deliver a full season.

There have been challenges along the way. It feels like a lifetime ago since the initial outbreak in Tennessee, followed by the issues in Baltimore.

At the time there was plenty of talk about cancelling the season or needing extra bye weeks. Reaching the playoffs and seeing them pass through uneventfully felt like a total long shot — yet that is what happened.

So it’s surprising that given the league did such a good job getting football on for 2020 — that they’re doing such a confusing job regarding the NFL draft.

They’ve cancelled the combine. For some reason they’re quite capable of creating protocols for 32 teams and thousands of individuals to co-operate for a football season — yet the challenge of creating a comparatively tiny bubble for a few hundred people over the course of a week is a step too far.

Thus, the NFL has washed its hands of creating a safe, managed environment where full testing and medicals can be delivered — only to push the problem onto the college teams.

Now schools are scrambling to create pro-days. In some circumstances, such as on the west coast, teams are considering putting on pro-days in different states.

How safe are these pro-days going to be, compared to a carefully managed environment at Lucas Oil Field? Why force teams and players to potentially travel all around the country for pro-days, when the combine is one venue over one week?

And while the likes of Alabama and Ohio State will be just fine — what are the smaller schools going to do? How will they manage?

Jim Nagy and his Senior Bowl crew have just completed a week in Mobile where thousands of people were tested — with only one positive result:

Grateful to announce there was only one positive Covid test out of 3,635 administered tests during 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl week. All players and NFL team personnel submitted a negative test within 48 hours of arrival and were tested every day in Mobile. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/XCdeM3kwiV

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) January 30, 2021

The Senior Bowl was a major success story. It was an example of what can be achieved through planning and preparation.

Yet we’re led to believe the NFL couldn’t put on a similar event in Indianapolis with the same level of testing and precaution.

Instead, the buck is passed to the college teams. Travel away, scouts. Go and get the information you need at several different locations instead of one.

What exactly is the plan here? How is this approach safer than a micro-managed combine?

Is it a money thing?

Is it aesthetics?

Wouldn’t it take one press release to break down why a combine would be safer than a series of more-important-than-ever pro-days?

And what are the consequences for the players? Are they now under pressure to attend a pro-day, regardless of the circumstances? Are they going to see their prospects hampered by an inability to test on a level playing field?

Surely the sensible thing to do is to delay the draft until the summer? Allow for the vaccine to be administered across the country and hopefully see cases fall. Perhaps even work to get players vaccinated in advance of the event?

That way the teams get a full run at the draft process. They can get the information they require to make educated decisions.

The players will have a true and proper opportunity to impress.

The league can have a serious draft instead of a shot in the dark.

It won’t happen because it seems like the NFL likes the little window it has in April when the eyes of the world focus on a fantastic event that captures the imagination of so many fans and dominates the headlines.

These are unique times though — and some adjustment is necessary.

The NFL deserves praise for the way it has provided a full 2020 season.

But the next big challenge is already here. What on earth is going on with the salary cap, with many teams in dire straits ahead of the new league year? And how do you intend to put on a draft when testing and medical checks are going to be harder than ever — with schools around the country under immense pressure to put on pro-days?

A small delay could make a big difference.

The alternative is to simply host a carefully managed combine with strict protocols. Sadly, it appears that ship has sailed.

The best thing the NFL could do is pick up the phone, call Jim Nagy and seek advice on how to put on a successful event in the current climate.

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This is the fifth part of a guest-post series written by Curtis Allen

#5 Running Backs

Roster Notes

Players under contract for 2021: Rashaad Penny, Travis Homer, Deejay Dallas

Players under contract for 2022: Travis Homer, Deejay Dallas
Restricted Free Agents: none

Unrestricted Free Agents: Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde, Nick Bellore (ST), Alex Collins

Exclusive Rights Free Agents: none

Practice Squad/Futures Candidates: none

Salary Cap Notes:

2021 Cap Commitment: $5.2 million (2.96% of $178m cap)

Franchise Tag

The 2021 numbers have not been finalized yet, but we can look at the 2020 numbers for a good idea of approximately what they will be:

Tag for Running Backs in 2020: $10.278m exclusive, $8.5m transition

5th year option on Penny

A new, much more complicated procedure was signed into effect with the new CBA in 2020 for the 5th year option for first round picks and this impacts Penny. There are more tiers of pay now, based on snap percentage and Pro Bowl appearances.

Penny is eligible for the lowest tier (the average salary of the #3-25 players at his position) to determine his 2022 option salary. According to OTC currently, that average stands at around $6.76m now, so call it $7m.

The 5th year option must be picked up by May 3 and if it is, it also makes the fourth year fully guaranteed, which converts about $1m salary from non-guaranteed to guaranteed. Meaning, picking up the 2022 option increases Penny’s potential cap hit for 2021 by another $1m or so if he is cut or traded in 2021.

Available Free Agents

2020 Season Overview

The running backs had a 4.4 yards per rush average on 327 attempts in 2020. That is the lowest number of attempts since the injury-disaster season of 2017.

Why?

One big factor is the early season splurge of passing. Another reason for the low attempts was injuries to the unit.

The top four running backs on the depth chart missed 21 games of play this year. Add in Rashaad Penny’s 13 missed games and you have 34 total missed games between the five runners.

The offense paid the price. Without a stable run game, consistency was difficult. They had a stretch of games where Russell Wilson was the leading rusher and another where they had a mix of street free agents and rookies starting. They manufactured rushing touches to David Moore.

Chris Carson missed four games in 2020 and was used very lightly in two other games. That is six of 16 games he could not make it a full go, after a 2019 where he appeared in 15 games but had a serious injury late in the season and missed the playoffs.

Carlos Hyde had a particularly difficult season. Added to the team in late May as a scheme complement and injury protection for Chris Carson, he missed six full games and had a very limited role in four other games. His best game was easily Week 11 against Arizona, where he had a rushing and receiving touchdown and bowled through the light-package defense the Cardinals put out and helped the Seahawks feel like themselves again after losing three of the prior four games.

Deejay Dallas and Travis Homer struggled to have any impact in the running game.

Alex Collins was brought back and had some nice contributions.

Pete Carroll insisted at his end of season press conference that they needed to run the ball more in 2021.

If they are going to recommit to the run game, they have work to do. It will be very interesting to see what moves they make at the running back spot this offseason.

Offseason Questions to Address

1. How can they field a healthier unit going forward?

The Seahawks are in a precarious position. They prefer tough, physical backs but regularly struggle with fielding a starting quality unit due to injuries. The Seahawks have had a routine of needing to bring in running backs off the street for critical games. This impacts the offense far too frequently.

It highlights how amazing Marshawn Lynch was for the Seahawks. His durability was beyond reproach.

A review of every process they have regarding the running game is in order:

-Their play concepts

-Evaluation of the running style and the durability of potential players

-The medical and training staff’s evaluation and treatment regimen

-The offseason program and in-season practice load management.

All of it needs to be looked at and questioned.

Too much is at stake to continue the way they have been in recent seasons. The team simply cannot be hamstrung because their top three runners can’t stay on the field.

2. Will they bring Chris Carson back?

In 2020 Carson was a first down machine. He gained a first down on a fantastic 32% of his touches — a healthy increase from his 26% number in 2019.

With Carson, the offense has a different feel and performance to it, as more of a complete unit than a one-man band with Russell Wilson scrambling to make things happen. While he is no Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks look to him as a definite tone-setter. His strength, push, mentality and soft hands in the passing game make him a player that fits Pete Carroll’s vision of the offense like a glove.

They need a player of his quality to balance their offense and close the circle and play complementary football. It would appear the best option is to have Carson on the roster in 2021.

However, his health issues cannot be ignored. So if the Seahawks are going to invest in Carson, they will have to continue to invest in depth as well to protect the offense.

Can they afford to do that? This season in particular, they cannot. If they feel that Carson is the best option, they must be able to work out a reasonable contract. Giving Carson a big contract and then not having him available for large chunks of the season is not an option.

The franchise or transition tag seems unlikely for Carson for several reasons. The Seahawks do not have the cap space to carry a large one-year cap hit in 2021. If they want to invest in Carson, they would just sign him to an extension with bonus money they can prorate.

Carroll, when asked about Carson near the end of the regular season, made comments that indicate the Seahawks will allow Carson to explore the market and establish his value.

Carson will be 27 when the season starts. This will be his best bite at the apple. What kind of contract would work for both parties?

Likely a three or four year contract with some nice bonus money and the first two years of salary guaranteed and the remaining year or two non-guaranteed would get the job done. That way Carson gets a nice payday and is rewarded for his value to the team and the Seahawks have options to re-evaluate his status after the second and third season and decide on him with only the prorated bonus money being the cap hit if they decide to move on.

3. What about the rest of the players on the roster?

Rashaad Penny will be fighting doubts he can carry the load as the featured back until he does it.

Penny would seem an obvious choice to refuse the 5th year option on. However, the timing of the option period (ends in May) allows the team to see where they are after the initial free agent period, the draft and get a look at Penny and his knee in the OTA’s.

The Seahawks might feel that around $7m is not a bad option for a one-year contract in 2022 (when they have more cap room) if they decide they want to commit to him. But it is doubtful they would want to commit such a large amount to a player coming off a major injury. They’ll likely decline the option and let Penny test the market in 2022.

Carlos Hyde has some similar traits to Carson but spent 2020 copying Carson’s worst trait – his lack of durability – more than his best ones. He might be agreeable to returning to Seattle in 2021 on a near veteran minimum contract to reestablish some value after a rough season. But another $2.75m deal would likely not be a smart investment.

Travis Homer seems to have hit his ceiling. He likely has a spot secured on the roster but expecting any more than what he provides now would be a mistake. He can be used on kickoff returns, special teams coverage plays, is a great blocker and can occasionally get you a first down in the passing game. But he is limited in the running game — to the point where teams could be tipped that a pass play is coming when he joins the huddle. If Deejay Dallas develops in his protection pickups, Homer may be relegated to special teams and only used on offense as injury protection in 2021.

Dallas didn’t show much in 2020 to get excited about. When the others in the group were injured, Dallas got one game as the starter. While he performed adequately, the team did not hesitate to bring in Bo Scarborough and Alex Collins and place them ahead of Dallas on the depth chart. He has shown some sparky feistiness at times but needs to be more decisive hitting the hole and work on his balance and ability to break tackles. He also needs to work on his blocking, as most young running backs do.

Alex Collins rejoined the team mid-year and contributed some nice touches. He has a toughness and vision the Seahawks crave. He runs with a sense of purpose that Dallas and Homer lack. It is very likely that if he wants to come back and play in Seattle the Seahawks would be happy to have him back on the roster.

Rob’s Draft Position Overview and Potential Draft Targets

The position lacks the kind of depth we’ve seen in recent years. At the top of the board, Javonte Williams is the best running back in this class for me. His combination of tough, physical running and explosive power makes him an ideal fit for the Seahawks. However, he will likely be a top-35 pick.

Najee Harris has incredible physical talent and can be an all-rounder capable of being used in so many different ways. Few running backs can run a slant like he can. He’s a Rolls Royce of a runner but I do wonder about his explosive upside looking at his jump cuts (underwhelming) and he lacks great straight-line speed.

Travis Etienne has remarkable speed and explosive traits. He’s also well sized. He’s not an up-the-gut runner who will necessarily get the hard yards but if you create space and openings he’s a threat to break off a chunk play every time he touches the ball.

Later in the draft, there are a lot of question marks. Chubba Hubbard was always very overrated and lacks the size and punch to start in the NFL. Trey Sermon has limited playing time in college and while he’s very explosive and agile — there’s some concern about whether he’ll be able to carry a big workload.

Michael Carter is undersized but talented. Javian Hawkins has incredible speed and explosive traits but is tiny. Kylin Hill has some talent but he’s a player you really need to see testing numbers for to determine upside. Rhamondre Stevens has great feet for his size but is he explosive?

Khalil Herbert had a strong Senior Bowl and could be one to watch. Chris Evans was once really highly rated by scouts but continued to underwhelm in his college career. He has the talent but why hasn’t he put it together?

If you missed our latest podcast yesterday, check it out here…

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This isn’t a great year to pick early

The Jaguars probably partied long into the night when they pinched the #1 pick off the Jets. This might be one of the worst years to pick in the top-10 once Trevor Lawrence goes off the board.

There’s a severely limited pool of ‘legit’ first round prospects this year. Perhaps as few as 8-12.

Lawrence is a star in the making. Penei Sewell and Ja’Marr Chase would be legit top-10 picks in any year. I think Kyle Pitts did enough in 2020 to show he warrants a high grade.

DeVonta Smith will likely have a lot of admirers but a lack of size will lead to some second guessing his true value at the top of the board, especially if there’s a feeling he won’t run a lightning quick forty.

There could also be some size concerns regarding Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah but he’s so fast and explosive I think many will grade him in round one.

There’s a lot of social media speculation about Micah Parsons and possible character flags. We’ll see if there’s anything in that.

Teams will also grade certain players very highly against the consensus. Others, such as Northwestern offensive lineman Rashawn Slater, will be rated very highly by some and less so by others.

Overall though I think it’s a poor top-end of the draft. It’s perhaps not surprising Detroit snubbed the offer of the #8 pick from Carolina for Matt Stafford in favour of future, later first round picks from the Rams. They might be struggling enough as it is to work out what to do with #8.

The quarterback class is a complete mixed bag where you’ll have to talk yourself into making the pick. That will happen — it always does. Yet as much as I like Zach Wilson there are also moments of concern. Justin Fields lit up Clemson but also has a lot of fairly middling tape.

I’m not convinced either will fly off the board like the mock drafts are suggesting. I had both falling a bit in my last mock and I think that might end up being the consensus.

Then you’ve got Mac Jones — who looked like a class act at the Senior Bowl. His body language, confidence and relaxed state just oozed starting quarterback. He threw with poise, accuracy and touch. Yet he also can’t drive the ball downfield and his lack of zip showed up during red zone drills when he had to throw into tighter windows.

Trey Lance is a one-year starter who struggled in his only 2020 start and I think it’s a big assumption he will go in round one.

I like Davis Mills at Stanford and I’ve been saying for months that I think he’ll go earlier than most are projecting. He has all the tools you look for. Yet he only has a handful of starts in college.

Kellen Mond might be a better option if you’re drafting to develop someone and he’ll be available in rounds 2/3. He has the experience, he’s shown progression and he has a fantastic arm.

On top of this there aren’t any ‘sure things’ on the defensive line. There’s production from some and extreme athleticism with others — but also a lot of ‘could go either way’ types.

The group of cornerbacks carry a whole bunch of speed question marks.

What this draft does have, though, is depth on the O-line and at receiver. We might see several getting pushed up the board as a consequence.

There’s also a thick second and third tier. There might not be many players worthy of a top-10 placing but the player you take at #12 might have a similar grade as the player at #35.

In fact the very start of round two could be a veritable treat for the teams lucky enough to pick in that range.

Two tight ends to monitor

I’m not sure what Seattle’s approach will be at tight end this year. Greg Olsen is moving on. We’ll see about Jacob Hollister.

Reportedly the team really likes Colby Parkinson. When he was drafted we noted he was a victim of K.J. Costello’s Stanford meltdown. Parkinson had been considered by many as a fringe first round candidate until the Cardinal offense collapsed. He ended up in round four.

It would be a huge boost if he could deliver on his potential and become a fourth round starter.

Will Dissly didn’t quite look as sharp in 2020. Whether that was the injuries taking their toll or the Seahawks not wanting to stretch him too far, who knows? It might even be that they simply didn’t have any idea how to get their tight ends properly involved last season, despite the major investment in the position.

Nevertheless, it feels like there’s room in this offense for a dynamic tight end or slot to emerge in 2021.

Seattle has drafted five tight ends under Pete Carroll (if you don’t count Stephen Sullivan who was kind of picked as a player with no real set position):

Nick Vannett
Luke Willson
Anthony McCoy
Will Dissly
Colby Parkinson

They also traded for Jimmy Graham and signed Zach Miller and Greg Olsen.

All eight players are linked with a certain characteristic.

It appears the Seahawks view the short shuttle as an important drill:

Luke Willson — 4.29 at pro-day
Will Dissly — 4.40
Nick Vannett — 4.20
Anthony McCoy — 4.57
Colby Parkinson — 4.46
Zach Miller — 4.42
Jimmy Graham — 4.45
Greg Olsen — 4.48

We’ve talked about Gerald Everett as a possible free agent target. He’s familiar with Shane Waldren and has a great attitude but hasn’t delivered on the second round pick LA spent on him four years ago.

I’m not sure the Seahawks would covet a 6-3, 240lbs tight end with 33 inch arms and 8.5 inch hands — but he did run a 4.33 short shuttle and a 6.99 three cone at his combine.

There are two other possible candidates for day three in the draft.

Tre McKitty spent time at Florida State and Georgia in college. His 32 2/8 inch arms might be a problem for Seattle but he has 11 inch hands and it shows when he catches the ball. At the Senior Bowl he stood out with his catching — absorbing the football with his huge mitts including one spectacular one-handed catch. His blocking was also highly regarded.

He’s 6-4 and 247lbs but here’s the interesting part — he ran a 4.13 short shuttle at SPARQ. That’s an incredible time that would certainly catch Seattle’s eye if repeated during the draft process. He also jumped a 35 inch vertical.

Tommy Tremble is another option. He’s always been more of a blocker than a pass catcher for Notre Dame but he ran a 4.20 short shuttle and jumped a 36 inch vertical at SPARQ.

Some are even saying he could end up playing in the Kyle Juszczyk role as a dynamic full back who can be worked into the passing game as a mismatch weapon.

I don’t know whether the Seahawks will be in a position to use one of only three or four picks on a tight end. Yet when you get to day three, you really shouldn’t be looking to fill ‘holes’ in that range.

They need a solution. Over the cap updated their system today and estimated the Seahawks are $2m in the red for 2021 as things stand.

Something’s got to give.

If you missed my interview with Quinn Meinerz yesterday, check it out here…

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Watch this and tell me you don’t want him on your team…

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This isn’t a prediction, it’s an opinion piece.

This is what I would do. Or at least seriously consider doing.

The Seahawks are a good team. You expect that when you’re paying a quarterback $35m a year.

They’re not a great team, though.

It’s tempting to fall back on the comfort of winning seasons, while hoping that next year will be the year.

You also run the risk of being good enough to make the playoffs every season but not good enough to do much when you get there.

You’re hesitant to make changes because you fear the consequences. Yet it’s that calculated gamble that often enables you to achieve greatness.

I don’t like to make comparisons to the New England Patriots because you’ll never have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick working the controls. Yet the Patriots have been the masters of knowing when to move on from certain players, at least until the point they moved on from the quarterback.

They’ve taken some risks and most of them paid off, with the exception of Chandler Jones and the premature parting with Brady.

Their willingness to trade or release players at the right time has helped keep them at the top. They’ve always been prepared to reinvent themselves. The only two consistent pillars were the coach and the quarterback.

I don’t think the Seahawks are as close as their 12-4 record in 2020 suggests. I think they benefited from a favourable schedule. Their only keynote win was against the Rams in week 16 — the team that dumped them out of the playoffs a fortnight later.

Losing that game so convincingly highlighted Seattle’s weakness in the trenches. The Rams played with a horrible quarterback situation and Aaron Donald missed 50% of the defensive snaps. They still won, in part, because they dominated up front.

The regular season record should only serve to set the table for a playoff run. This is a team that should be judged on its post-season record. They’re on a run of one playoff win in four years, with the win coming against a mediocre Eagles team.

They need to mix things up and try something new to avoid the same disappointing conclusion year after year.

They need to do what the Patriots would probably do — be prepared to move popular and expensive players, to try something different.

Bringing back the same cast of characters with the only significant addition being the #56 pick in the draft feels like a recipe for a repeat performance.

Same old, same old.

Yes, there’s optimism that comes with a new offensive coordinator. If he’s able to deliver timely adjustments and superior game-planning, this will be a huge boost. I still think Shane Waldren needs personnel support to produce the results we all want to see. The offensive line in particular needs upgrading.

With that in mind, I set out three priorities for this plan:

1. Create cap space and get back into the draft

The Seahawks currently are projected to have $204,729 in effective cap space. They only have three or four draft picks, depending on the Perry Nickerson situation.

The starting center, cornerback, tight end, #2 tight end, left guard, SAM linebacker, #2 defensive end and #3 receiver are out of contract.

Poona Ford is a restricted free agent and will likely receive a second round tender.

They only have 47 contracted players for 2021.

They simply don’t have the resources to get things done and that needs to change.

2. Shift resources to key positions in the trenches

When the Pete Carroll era began, they spent their top pick on an offensive lineman in 2010 and 2011. They signed Robert Gallery. They re-signed Max Unger. They paid to bring in Breno Giacomini. By 2013, they had the most expensive O-line in the NFL.

They traded for Marshawn Lynch.

They drafted and signed young, hungry, cheap defenders with a killer attitude.

That plan worked. Maybe it’s time to give it another try?

The Seahawks have pumped resources into positions like linebacker and safety and squandered money on tight ends.

It’s time to get back to basics. If you want to be a team that wins in the trenches, it’s time to focus your money and picks on the O-line and D-line.

3. Experience on offense, youth and speed on defense

Seattle was at its best with a young, physical, brash defense. I would try to recreate that with cheap, hungry players with a point to prove.

At the same time, they’ve invested $35m a year in a quarterback.

Let’s finally acknowledge that investment and prioritise protecting him, truly fixing the running game and getting at least one more weapon.

If give and take is required, then I’ll settle for a cheaper defense.

The plan

If the NFL provides salary cap relief due to Covid, then some of the following moves will be unnecessary and I’ll revise the plan. It’s still not clear exactly how teams like New Orleans will be allowed to function. They need to raise a minimum of $110m in a short space of time to avoid being over the cap.

However, even if the league provides modest relief and creates around $20m extra for the Seahawks to spend, I still believe they need to adjust their thinking in terms of where they are investing their money and picks.

I’ve tried to stay on top of the details as much as possible. I’m sure in some instances you’ll be able to quibble over the finer points. However, let’s be honest about what this is. A bit of fun. An opinion on the off-season. Don’t take it too seriously.

Trade Bobby Wagner

Why are you trading a Seahawks legend?

To be brutally honest, I don’t think he warrants a $17m cap hit in 2021 and a $20.3m cap hit in 2022. The Seahawks would be better off spending this money somewhere else, such as the offensive line.

But we’re talking about Bobby Wagner here!

He’s in a complex spot in his career. I think the Seahawks were justified in extending his contract in 2019. He was 29-years-old and the linebacker market, at the time, had exploded. He was always going to get more than C.J. Mosley and Seattle rewarded a much-loved player coming off a great 2018 season.

However, as often happens in the NFL, I don’t think he’s worth the contract any more.

I doubt he will take a pay cut. Thus, I think he’s going to have to run down his contract in order to establish a realistic bargaining position in 2023 when he’ll be 33 and a free agent. That doesn’t help the Seahawks for the next two years.

Who replaces him though?

The Seahawks used their 2020 first round pick on Jordyn Brooks — a middle linebacker. It’s time to justify that investment.

He’s a high quality player though! Show some respect

He certainly is. PFF graded him as Seattle’s top performer on defense (86.2) in 2020. He was the #2 ranked linebacker. Wagner is extremely reliable and does his job very well. However, in 2020 he only produced three sacks and seven TFL’s. He didn’t force a single fumble or interception.

For his salary, you need more than reliable. The price is simply too high. He’ll always be a Seahawks legend but when you have no resources, tough decisions need to be taken. Right now, in my opinion, this team would be best served placing their faith in Jordyn Brooks and investing the money elsewhere.

The Seahawks have got to shake things up and try something new. They’ve won one playoff game in four years. Pumping resources into the O-line, rather than linebacker, is worth a try.

Why would anyone trade for him?

There are several franchises in a rebuilding stage. I think if you were a young team trying to build a culture, Wagner would be the ideal player to insert into your defense. His leadership qualities would be of critical importance.

Take the Jets for example, now led by former Seahawks defensive coach Robert Salah. What value is a 30-year-old Wagner in that situation? He could be the lynchpin to launch the start of a turnaround. He can help teach the scheme. He can organise on the field and deliver instant credibility.

To me, that would be highly valuable.

The Jets have two firsts, a second and two third rounders this year plus an extra first next year. They have the stock to make a deal.

Plus, they have $63,475,814 in available cap space in 2021 and $121,643,976 in 2022. So they can easily accommodate the remaining two years of his contract.

I think the thought process at least makes sense. The Jets will incorporate Seattle’s scheme and terminology. They have brought in Salah to shape a new culture. I can’t think of a better first move.

It doesn’t have to be New York. There’s value in his experience and reliability that will appeal to a handful of teams, much in the way Duane Brown appealed to Seattle despite his age.

Trade Jamal Adams

Are you nuts? You’re plundering the defense

As noted in my article last week, there are many strands to this. I don’t think Adams is a great scheme fit. I think the sack numbers are manufactured and a bit of a mirage. I don’t think he (or any safety) warrants a contract worth $18-20m a year.

Plus, he’s your most tradeable asset.

I won’t repeat all of the details that I wrote last week. I would encourage you to read that piece before passing judgement on this particular aspect of the plan.

So who replaces him?

This is very similar to the Jordyn Brooks situation. Two years ago the Seahawks spent a second round pick on Marquise Blair. He was the #47 pick in the draft. They took him before D.K. Metcalf.

It’s time to justify that investment, too. Play him at strong safety. Spending a first round pick on Brooks to play WILL and a second round pick on Blair to play big nickel isn’t a great use of resources.

Also — hasn’t Ugo Amadi done enough to warrant remaining at nickel?

You drafted them early. Time to develop them and make them starters.

You need blue chip players on defense though!

Do you? Pete Carroll and John Schneider once built an amazing defense with no big names and no highly paid players. I’m not for a second suggesting they should ‘just recreate the LOB’. That’s virtually impossible. But there’s something to be said for having a young, hungry, fast defense full of pissed off players.

No entitlement. No big salaries. No expectation. Just a point to prove.

If the compromise for having a great O-line is needing to save money on defense while getting younger and cheaper — so be it.

And let’s be right here — who were Seattle’s highest graded players on defense last year?

Here’s the top-eight according to PFF:

Bobby Wagner
Poona Ford (UDFA)
KJ Wright
DJ Reed (cheap free agent pickup)
Alton Robinson (5th round pick)
Ugo Amadi (4th round pick)
Shaquill Griffin (3rd round pick)
Quandre Diggs (traded for using a 5th round pick)

Seattle’s top performers were all players acquired on the cheap.

On top of this, adding Carlos Dunlap for a seventh rounder plus B.J. Finney practically transformed the defense.

Challenge yourself to find the next Ford as an UDFA, the next Amadi on day three and make a cheap trade to get the next Diggs or Dunlap.

Create the next group that is pissed off for greatness, not pissed off because you haven’t offered them a record-breaking contract.

But he recently said he’d run through a brick wall for Pete Carroll!

He did — but cast your mind back a year ago.

Adams was part of the NFL Network’s broadcast crew for the combine. He was on the field during drills assessing players yet spent time discussing his future with the Jets.

He said he was excited that he could be a Jet long-term and that he found the team’s recent support ‘uplifting’.

The support was General Manager Joe Dougals saying he wanted Adams to be in New York for life.

What changed? Contract talks.

If the Seahawks are unwilling to meet Adams’ demands, things will probably change very quickly. That’s the acid test here. Is Adams simply willing to take a contract that will pay him marginally more than Budda Baker to be the highest paid safety in the league? Or is he going to be looking for Jalen Ramsey, $20m a year money?

Because if he wants $20m a year, or even $18m, that’s going to be a problem.

The Seahawks will never do this — they just traded for him!

They also traded a second round pick for Sheldon Richardson and moved on when the price wasn’t right. They traded a third round pick for Jadeveon Clowney and moved on when the price wasn’t right. They spent a first and a third round pick on Percy Harvin and moved on when he wasn’t right.

They gave Michael Bennett a three-year $31.5 million contract extension on December 30th, 2016 — and then traded him just over a year later, absorbing a huge dead cap hit in the process.

The Seahawks, actually, have never been too proud to move on.

The Jamal Adams situation is different to the ones above, of course. But ultimately, he’s going to want a record breaking contract and the Seahawks, for me, should be spending their resources elsewhere.

They should set a strict limit and if Adams demands more, they need to be willing to make a trade.

Again — you drafted Brooks and Blair. Time to play them.

You’ll never get your picks back for him though!

True. You’re going to have to take this one on the chin to an extent.

I do think Adams has retained some value though. In the right scheme, he’s still a star player.

Cleveland are desperate for second-level impact on defense. Adams would be a perfect fit for any of the teams associated with the Belichick coaching tree. The Ravens and Buccs also run the kind of schemes where he would thrive.

The two most likely destinations, in my opinion, are Cleveland and Miami. They have the need and the cap space. Both teams are also looking to take a big step forward in terms of contending.

I think a first round pick this year and a third rounder next year would be a fair and realistic return.

So you’ve traded away two great players for the next Rashaad Penny!

First or second round picks aren’t the problem. Bad decision making is the problem.

Malik McDowell over T.J. Watt. Rashaad Penny over Nick Chubb. L.J. Collier over Deebo Samuel or A.J. Brown or D.K. Metcalf.

All avoidable errors. All players who ‘fit’ the Seahawks and their positional ideals — passed over for average alternatives.

Imagine if they’d made the right calls instead? How would you feel about late first round picks and their value then?

The Seahawks simply need to draft better, not less.

By making these trades you are back in the first two days of a draft with a strong offensive line class. The challenge? To make the most of those picks and acquire talent at a dirt cheap price. It is possible.

Use the cap savings to make upgrades to the O-line

OK, so what’s the idea here?

It’s time to make the offensive line a strength. The aim should be a top-10 unit.

You’ve got Duane Brown, Damian Lewis and Brandon Shell as locked in starters. Left guard and center should be a key target.

Enough of the penny-pinching with short-term contracts for retread veterans. It’s time to land a big catch.

I would be planning to go all-in on Brandon Scherff.

When the next game against the Rams kicks off, I want an interior line that has a punchers chance of stopping Aaron Donald taking over the game. I want a top, quality player anchoring the interior.

You have to play the guy at least twice a season. They need a better plan.

Here’s what PFF says about Scherff:

Scherff has never posted a PFF grade below 72.5 in his six-year NFL career. Over the last three seasons, Scherff ranks among the league’s best guards in nearly every key metric, including a 97th percentile ranking on true pass sets and 90th percentile ranking in percentage of positively graded plays. Both numbers are among the most important when projecting interior offensive linemen from year to year. In the run game, Scherff can do it all, showing the power at the point of attack and the quickness to make any block in space. He’s also one of the most polished pass protectors in the league, and he stands out as the best interior offensive lineman in this free agent class.

You know what you’re going to get. There won’t be any ‘wait and see’ in week one. Immediately and emphatically he will improve your line.

How much will he cost though?

His projected salary according to PFF is $15m. That’s similar to Jack Conklin’s deal in Cleveland. Conklin’s year-one cap hit was $8m — so the Seahawks could seek to structure a similar deal.

It’s expensive but look — you’ve tried everything else and what has it produced? One playoff win in four years.

You’ve just been dumped out of the playoffs because you’re not good enough in the trenches and you can’t adjust. Hopefully, Shane Waldren addresses the second problem.

You’re paying a quarterback $35m a year.

Maybe it’s time to try adding some pure quality on the O-line to help him?

What about center?

If you could structure low year-one cap hits to make the most of a projected $118,526,756 to spend in 2022 — you might be able to entice Corey Linsley away from Green Bay (PFF projects a salary of $11m a year).

David Andrews and Alex Mack are other veteran options.

However, I would aim to draft Quinn Meinerz in round two to start at center. He was superb at the Senior Bowl and ticks all of the boxes in terms of size, length, frame, explosive traits, physicality and attitude. He’s 6-3 and 320lbs with an 82 inch wingspan and 33 inch arms. He has 10 2/8 inch hands. He can dunk a basketball.

Ali Marpet was also a small-school guy who dominated at the Senior Bowl. He had great length, athleticism and he was explosive. Marpet was the #61 pick in 2015. It’s very possible Meinerz could be the guy at #56 (if he lasts that long).

Landon Dickerson is a viable alternative if you trust his medical checks.

This is a draft class to target the interior O-line. There are multiple attractive options at various points in the draft — including Ben Cleveland, Aaron Banks, Alex Leatherwood and others.

Bring in a top-class running back

Why do you need to do this?

The Seahawks have never truly replaced Marshawn Lynch. Every runner they’ve tried since has either had health issues, been inconsistent or just bad.

They whiffed on Nick Chubb, a mistake that probably still keeps them awake at night.

They need someone who can carry the load, stay on the field and provide Russell Wilson with a complementary running game.

So who are you targeting?

I would be open to drafting a running back early.

A lot of people will cringe at that thought — and I get why. Trading Jamal Adams to get back into round one, only to use the pick on a running back? Sections of Seahawks twitter would go ballistic.

Well, let them.

Najee Harris is an exceptional player with star potential. I don’t think it’s a stretch to say he could join the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Alvin Kamara, Dalvin Cook and Nick Chubb as one of the best backs in the league.

While the Seahawks are featuring the running game as they are, I think adding someone like Harris — combined with a major investment in the O-line — would be a positive thing for the direction of this team.

It could unlock the true potential of the offense.

You’re also talking about a cap-hit for a starting running back that will be approximately $2m to start with and not surpass $4m for the next four years.

If Harris isn’t available, which is plausible, there are alternatives. We’ve talked a lot about Javonte Williams. He is the epitome of what the Seahawks look for in a runner and would be a fantastic addition. Personally, I think he will be a top-35 pick for sure. There’s also Travis Etienne — who had a slightly underwhelming 2020 season but has incredible explosive traits and speed to burn.

The thought of two big splashes on the O-line plus a new, dynamic feature runner excites me. Especially with Waldron coming in to coordinate the offense.

What about Chris Carson?

I think you leave the door open for Carson to return but strictly on a short-term contract with an appreciation that he will operate in a committee. The Seahawks were at their very best when they had a consistent, reliable, dominant runner. They can’t be babying Carson again to get him through a season.

If he moves on, my plan would be to bring back Mike Davis. He had a terrific 2020 season in Carolina. He was always very useful in Seattle. He can lead the rushing attack if needed but at the very least he’s a superb RB2.

I’d even be open to bringing Davis back as the starter if you wanted to go in a different direction in the draft.

Add two more weapons

If you save approximately $19m by trading Wagner and Adams and sign Scherff for a first-year cap hit of $8m — you still have money to spend in 2021.

I would try to bring in a cheap reclamation project at receiver such as John Ross. See if you can get a tune out of him and make the most of that 4.22 speed. Could you get him for $2m plus incentives? It’s a deep free agent market at receiver this year filled with big names who will soak up the early money.

I would also try to poach Gerald Everett from the Rams. PFF projects he will earn $5m a year. Offer him a three year contract with a lower year-one hit of approximately $3m. He’s familiar with Shane Waldren and the Rams’ way of doing things.

The Seahawks need a dynamic pass-catcher at tight end and Everett fits what they look for at the position. He ran a 4.33 short shuttle at the combine and a 6.99 three-cone. These are two tests they’ve paid a lot of attention over the years, as explained in my substantial combine preview a year ago.

So what are you left with after all this?

For the sake of sacrificing Wagner and Adams and trusting Brooks and Blair to start instead, you’ve transformed your offense.

Here’s what you’ve added…

Free agent additions:

Brandon Scherff
John Ross
Gerald Everett
Mike Davis

Draft additions:

Najee Harris, Javonte Williams or Travis Etienne
Quinn Meinerz
Additional O-line depth

My somewhat modest projection sees you create $19m in cap space, then spend approximately $15m on new signings in 2021.

If Everett’s contract is too rich — you probably just have to place your faith in Colby Parkinson and Will Dissly. There are also a couple of wildcard options in the draft. Notre Dame’s Tommy Tremble is a tremendous run blocker. Some have suggested he could be developed into a Kyle Juszczyk type full back.

At SPARQ he ran a 4.20 short shuttle and jumped a 36 inch vertical.

Tre McKitty is also a name to watch. He earned positive reviews for a consistent week at the Senior Bowl for his catching and blocking. While he’s not the fastest in terms of straight line speed, he ran a 4.13 short shuttle at SPARQ and jumped a 35 inch vertical.

Both could be available on day three, affording an opportunity to add depth and save money.

You could also target Pat ‘Baby Gronk’ Freiermuth earlier, or look at one of the dynamic slot receivers such as Elijah Moore of D’Wayne Eskridge.

Fill holes on the defense

There are still issues at linebacker and cornerback to resolve!

K.J. Wright and Shaquill Griffin are out of contract. You’re going to have to let them move on unless the price is surprisingly low.

The Seahawks went into the 2020 season paying Wager and Wright a combined $25m, on top of their first round investment in Jordyn Brooks having only recently traded up in round three for Cody Barton.

It’s simply too much for the linebacker position.

Unless Wright’s market is so cold that he’s willing to come back and finish his career in Seattle at an extremely reasonable price, it’s time to roll with Brooks and Barton — or bring in a cheap free agent or draft pick.

Big spending at linebacker hasn’t worked. Try something new.

The Niners have been able to find cheap, electric linebackers in the mid-to-late rounds. The Seahawks need to try and do the same.

It almost feels destined that Griffin will end up signing with the Jaguars and returning home to Florida. It would be a good fit for both parties.

I would like to find a way to bring back Richard Sherman to replace him. Perhaps on a two-year deal with a lower first year cap hit.

Sherman has earned $83m from his football contracts. I suspect there’s a compromise to be done here so he can finish in Seattle. That, to me, will probably be more important to Richard than a bit more money to play somewhere like Detroit.

I actually think this will happen. Bridges have not been burned in Seattle and just as it was with Marshawn Lynch in 2019, this is about more than money.

How are you going to fill other holes?

This is the point where I think you start working on contracts to free up more space. When you take Wagner’s $20.3m off the books in 2022 and you take away Adams’ likely $18-20m — you have so much more flexibility.

Jarran Reed’s cap hit is $13.5m next season. There’s a viable means to lower that through an extension if both parties are motivated to do so.

Carlos Dunlap’s cap hit is $14m in 2021. Again, I think at this point you could look to extend his deal to free up more space.

Committing 2022/23 salary to both is harder when you’re paying Wagner and Adams a combined $38-40m. Trade them and it’s plausible.

It may also be possible to work on a short extension for Duane Brown and/or Tyler Lockett.

Once you’ve found ways to create the room to fill out your roster, the approach should be to acquire cheap, hungry players in free agency.

Aren’t you just making the defense a bit… crap?

This is the compromise with this plan. It’s not without risk and by no means is the target to create a 2013-esque complete roster.

For me it’s about truly making the most of your investment in Wilson. It’s worth trying to be great on the O-line instead of linebacker and safety. I’m not even convinced the Seahawks have been ‘great’ at either position, despite the massive investment over the last two years.

I’ve set out to make the offense as dynamic as possible to help support the quarterback. The defense needs to be complementary.

How do you do that?

You challenge yourself to find the next D.J. Reed and Poona Ford. The next Quandre Diggs. The next Carlos Dunlap. The next Tony McDaniel if you can, or Chris Clemons.

Exploit opportunities. They’re going to be out there, especially this year. The league is facing a cap crunch. Some players will still get paid mega-money. The second and third wave of free agency, however, could be where a Championship is won in 2021.

Go big on offense initially. Then hunt for bargains on defense.

What’s the identity of the defense though with fewer stars?

Recreate the band-of-brothers. Set up a defense where ‘we all we got we all we need’ actually means something again.

It felt hollow listening to a former top recruit, who went to LSU, who was then drafted #6 overall say that phrase last season after an embarrassing defeat in Buffalo.

Red Bryant created it and it encapsulated everything about that blossoming LOB defense.

Jamal Adams saying it felt forced and wrong. It’s time to get a bunch of bandits on the defense who are fighting for their next pay cheque.

Re-create that 2010-11 mentality.

Maybe they can even come up with their own new slogan?

This isn’t a flawless plan, I’ll admit that. It isn’t without risk. This approach would excite me though.

I do think the Seahawks need to mix things up a bit. Every season finishes the same as the last one.

You know what they say about doing same thing over and over again but expecting different results…

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