Author: Rob Staton (Page 369 of 423)

The Seahawks want more moments like this, even in the post-Lynch era

“We like the attitude that it brings, the mentality that it brings to run the football, to play run defense, and play tough on teams, and play it that way, so I don’t care which way the trends are going in the league. What’s best for us, is the way that we want to go at it.

“The way that we want to play, you need somebody on your team carrying the football. Without an attack guy it doesn’t feel the same. And he fits it just right, and he’s taken advantage of the emergence of these guys and the whole scheme, and he’s playing great football. We’re always going to continue to look for guys that add that to us.”

– Pete Carroll, 14th December 2011

Carroll has been pretty honest about the way he’s setting up his third (and probably final) tilt at the NFL. This is his vision. At a time when a lot of the NFL is turning to potent aerial attacks featuring big name quarterbacks, the Seahawks are using the run at the heart of their offense. His justification, noted on the same date as the quote above? “You don’t need to be like everyone else. I don’t want to be normal, you know?”

It took a little while to get going. Two high-profile coaching appointments, two offensive coordinators, three high draft picks, a big name splash in free agency and a calculated trade and Seattle has the semblance of a running game. The attack guy Carroll refers to above is Marshawn Lynch. He ended the 2011 season as possibly the league’s most effective running back, churning out yards and touchdowns and leading the offense to some degree of respectability. While offensive lineman fell to injury, Lynch continued to run with vigour. It’s fair to say that had his name been added to the list of casualties, the Seahawks offense would’ve been abominable. Again.

Lynch hits free agency this year but will almost certainly be retained. I understand Lynch isn’t too keen on the franchise tag, which isn’t unexpected. He’d rather agree a longer term deal for multiple seasons – just like virtually every other pending free agent who’s a candidate for the tag. DeAngelo Williams signed a $43m contract over five-years to stay in Carolina prior to the 2011 season, a likely starting point for Lynch in discussions. While I’m sure the Seahawks would love to strike a modest deal for more years, they won’t be making any heavy commitments to a position notorious for punishment. Shaun Alexander signed an 8-year, $62m contract extension to stay in Seattle six years ago. This regime will not be making a similar offer to Lynch.

The franchise tag for running back’s is expected to be around $7.7m in 2012, down from $9.6m in 2011 – a manageable figure for such a crucial part of Seattle’s offense. At this stage, the tag looks likely for Marshawn. It allows the team an opportunity to buy another year and re-access the situation in twelve months. Considering he’ll only turn 26 in April, agreeing a multi-year deal in 2013 isn’t out of the question if he continues to perform at a high level. However, the tag also gives the Seahawks insurance if Lynch disappoints.

Rotoworld’s Evan Silva had some interesting things to say on Twitter yesterday:

Free agency buyer beware: Marshawn Lynch. Avg’d 3.87 YPC in first 61 games. 4.45 YPC in last 11 (Contract yr). Already 1,137 career carries.

Lynch’s conditioning, especially in offseasons, has long been an issue. Ideal franchise tag candidate. Keep him hungry, in contract year.

It’s a fair point on Lynch’s carries and his physical running style could have an impact earlier in his career than other more elusive backs. The tag would indeed keep him hungry and if he can put back-to-back productive seasons on the negotiating table, the Seahawks may be duty bound to reward him or let him test free agency next year. This offense needs its attack guy and Lynch is the team’s MVP on offense right now. So why is the front office going to spend a high pick on a running back?

Commitment to the run

Pete Carroll has made it clear that the run game will make or break this offense, at least until they find ‘the one’ at quarterback. There’s no grey area here, the Seahawks want to run the ball. Most of their investment – be it in the draft, coaches or free agency – has been focused on setting up an effective running game. They can’t move forward knowing they’re an injury to Marshawn Lynch away from losing that identity again. Although many people believed the tepid 6-3 defeat in Cleveland was a review of Tarvaris Jackson’s effectiveness and Charlie Whitehurst’s ineptitude, it was mainly an insight into Seattle’s offense minus-Lynch. The Seahawks cannot risk being caught short and with a lot of talent available at running back in rounds 1-3, it will be a target area.

Insurance

One way to keep Lynch fresh is to limit his carries. When the Seahawks subbed in Leon Washington and Justin Forsett in 2011, there was a noticeable drop in effectiveness. If Seattle can find someone who can help the team manage Lynch a little more carefully, that will be a big boost for their star. I’m quite sure this team isn’t looking for a ‘change of pace’ back in this year’s draft, they’ll probably be going after another attack guy. A player who can work with Lynch as a duo, a partnership that constantly keeps team’s guessing and Seattle’s offense rolling. And if Lynch was to suffer an injury, they’ll need someone who can take up the slack.

Leverage

If the Seahawks can draft a running back who can lead the offense, it’ll eliminate the dependency on Marshawn Lynch. If they don’t want to commit multiple years in 2013 to a running back with even more miles on the clock, they’ll have the option to move on with a younger player. The best team’s in the league stay at the top by being a step ahead of the game. It’s not necessarily always about filling holes in the NFL, rather maintaining and enhancing your strengths to overcome weaker areas of the team. While some people may argue a high pick on a running back is a luxury, it may actually be one of the more intelligent moves they could make this year to maintain a strong running game.

Talent

This draft is top-heavy for running backs. Trent Richardson is a star in the making who could quickly become the best back in the league. The Seahawks will consider drafting him if he’s available at #11 or #12, creating possibly the most fearsome duo of running backs in the history of the league. In round two, the likes of Doug Martin, Lamar Miller, Chris Polk and David Wilson offer excellent value and could be deemed BPA with the team’s second choice. You can find effective runners without top-level investment, but this is a draft where a GM or coach can be forgiven for taking a running back early. The talent is there this year.

A lot of fans will complain if or when the Seahawks do select a running back within the first two days of the draft this year. Quarterback is the consensus gaping hole on the roster – and rightly so too. It’s also a situation that can’t be forced and while many would like to see a quarterback drafted almost for the sake of finally addressing the situation early, the facts are quite simple… There won’t be a quarterback worth the pick at #11 or #12, but Trent Richardson would be a steal in that range. There may not be a quarterback worth a high second round pick, but a player like Doug Martin or (if Richardson is the R1 pick) a defensive player like Vinny Curry could be deemed BPA at a position of need.

I’m sure the team will add viable competition and maybe even a new starting QB at some stage. That could happen via trade long before the draft takes place – we’ll see what happens in March. Yet the way this draft could unfold, it may just be that the Seahawks are left waiting another year before making the big draft splash at the position and appeasing the majority of the fanbase.

It’s going to be more of the same in 2012 in terms of a heavy run focused offense and the Seahawks have committed to a strong running game to succeed. The rookie pay scale has changed the complexion of the draft, making a high pick on a running back much more viable than it has been before. Richardson would be a bargain in round one, offering instant production and a means for Seattle to build on it’s run philosophy while preparing for the possibility of life without Lynch. Although most mock drafts at the moment lazily have the Seahawks drafting Ryan Tannehill (won’t happen), it’s time to concentrate on the front seven and the running back position.

Tape courtesy of Aaron Aloysius

As Seahawks fans embrace the likely attention the front seven will receive in this upcoming draft, Lavonte David (LB, Nebraska) is a name that keeps being mentioned. He was a Butkus Award runner-up in 2011, he had a solid Senior Bowl and expectations are that he could impress at the combine. You want to see pure speed from a linebacker who’s playing at 6-0 and 220lbs and it’ll be interesting so see how he performs. Players without prototypical size are always going to have to compensate, so an impressive athletic showing will allay fears that size will matter at the next level. That could be the issue, however.

I’ve seen some projectionists suggest he could get into round one contention, but I think that’s very optimistic. He may test well at the combine, but the tape above shows an athlete with above average mobility, but not the kind of consistent explosion that could promote him beyond a R2-4 grade. See the play at 4:54 where he has an angle on the runner, but is beaten on the outside for speed. He needs to make that play if he’s going to be considered a smaller, quicker linebacker at the next level. His best asset is working through traffic against the run when the play is in front of him. Check the tape at 0:16, 0:36, 4:06 and 4:14 to see an example of read, react and finish. Footwork is key here and he moves well to avoid blocks when trying to work in traffic. He also does well to diagnose plays quickly and get to the ball carrier. Reports say he’s a hard worker who’s spent a lot of time in the film room during his two years in Nebraska.

At times he gets overwhelmed, but that’s not a total surprise at 220lbs. You see at 1:29 when he plays at the LOS that he struggles when starting in a more attack-minded position. He cuts into the middle to try the inside rush, but gets stoned by the lineman allowing a big run on the outside. He doesn’t look a mature or effective pass rusher at this stage (although he’s not really used as a rusher) and at his size he really needs to learn to avoid contact and use his mobility to greater effect to work as a threatening pass rusher. Teams will need to feel confident he can develop this side of his game. At the moment he looks like a player who will predominantly play a lot of his snaps behind the LOS, but you have to believe teams are going to want to be more aggressive with a 220lbs linebacker knowing he could be a liability in the second level at that size.

When he gets low on tackles he’s effective. He understands he won’t be able to overpower bigger runners and receivers and I like his overall tackling technique which seems to be consistent. However, there are still times when he seems to deflect off runners. That’s a risky play, especially against the caliber of back he’ll face in the NFL. Go low, but make sure you wrap up and take the ankles – don’t rely on your shoulder knocking Ray Rice or Marshawn Lynch off balance. I like the play at 2:59 purely because it’s opportunistic. He senses a chance to strip the ball loose and force the turnover and he executes.

I wonder if teams will consider a move to safety, especially given he actually added weight before his Senior year (he previously played at around 210lbs). Switching to strong safety could be an option, because his frame is pretty maxed out as it is. I think he’s more suited to the WILL where his size will be less of a concern – but he’ll need to reassure teams he’s quick enough and capable enough of adding some pass-rush threat. In college he was a tackling machine – one almost as impressive as Luke Kuechly at times (albeit with greater lateral mobility, if not overall technique). Yet at the next level he’s going to have to adapt. That’s what makes David such a difficult projection right now. He could be that guy who everyone expects to go early but falls a bit.

Alex Dunlap from the Austin Chronicle featured Seahawks Draft Blog in a piece discussing team needs around the league. Here’s what we had to say: “The Seahawks greatest long-term need is at quarterback, but don’t expect the team to reach for the position this year. It’s almost certain they’ll instead target defense early and particularly the front seven, so the likes of Courtney Upshaw, Melvin Ingram, Quinton Coples, and Zach Brown will be on the radar. Running back is also likely to get attention within the first three rounds as Seattle looks to compliment – and protect – Marshawn Lynch.”

Rob Rang at CBS Sportsline lists this year’s pro-day schedule, starting with Missouri on March 1st. Scouts will be busy on March 7th with Alabama, USC, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, Wisconsin and California prospects all performing. Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III will also have to share the headlines on March 22nd, when Stanford and Baylor’s pro-days coincide.

Two pieces of tape for your observation this weekend (courtesy of JMPasq). Chris Polk is a running back who’s tape will always outshine his workout performance. Although he received negative reviews at the Senior Bowl, I still expect teams will grade him highly based on performance. Nick Perry is slightly overrated in my eyes, considering he’s being graded as a first round pick by a lot of projectionists. More on Perry to come shortly including a more detailed analysis, but I’d be surprised if he left the board in the top-32.

Chris Polk (RB, Washington) tape vs Baylor

Nick Perry (DE, USC) tape vs Washington

Trading down could cost the Seahawks a shot at this, which seems unlikely

In 2011, the Seahawks talked a lot about moving down. John Schneider was pretty open about this desire to do so and was pretty open about the way they searched for a good deal last April. Twelve months earlier, Schneider admitted a trade was on the table to move down from the #14 spot. It was all set to be completed, until the Eagles surprisingly passed on Earl Thomas and instead took Brandon Graham. Seattle, who always intended to take a tackle and safety combo in 2010, decided Thomas was too good to pass.

It’s a bit early for Schneider or Pete Carroll to come out and talk about moving up or down the board in their third draft with the team, but I suspect there’s every chance the Seahawks will be rooted to the #11 or #12 pick. They only have six picks due to various trades and it seems likely they’ll try and accumulate more either before or during the event. However, there’s always a slight danger in valuing quantity over quality and I don’t expect any mistakes to be made this year. Carroll made his intentions known at the end of the season – to improve the front seven and the pass rush. On April 26th, the Seahawks will try to draft someone who can do that. There will be possible exceptions (such as an elite talent like Trent Richardson falling) but the likely focus will be on the Courtney Upshaw’s, Melvin Ingram’s and Quinton Coples’ of this class.

We all have different opinions on that trio. Personally, I have mixed feelings for Coples but he has the highest ceiling among any defensive player in the class of ’12. I’m not a big fan of Ingram, others have different impressions of his potential. I see Upshaw as one of the few elite talents in this class. By moving down the board, the Seahawks run the risk of missing out in a year without a great amount of top defensive lineman. In my latest mock draft, six front-seven prospects were off the board by the 15th pick. The only other defensive lineman I had going in round one beyond that was Fletcher Cox – a player expected to translate to a pure five-technique at the next level. Three linebackers remained on the board – Dont’a Hightower, Luke Kuechly and Sean Spence.

Of course, that’s just my interpretation of what could happen and maybe some of the players I have going early will fall, allowing the Seahawks to make a realistic drop and still get a player they really want. However, I think this front office wants to find a pass rusher who can provide the same impact as Aldon Smith in San Francisco – someone who can be used in different looks and make big plays on key passing downs. Upshaw, Coples and Ingram will not last very long if you believe the projectionists. I doubt all three leave the board before #11 or #12, but two might. Seattle isn’t going to gamble on losing that last player if they’re determined to add to their pass rush.

Some may point to the talent available at the top of round two. Whitney Mercilus continues to be something of a mystery (just how good is he?), Brandon Thompson likewise could be an underrated player due to his lack of production. Vinny Curry impressed at the Senior Bowl and Chandler Jones, Nick Perry, Cam Johnson and Jared Crick all have value. The Seahawks will still have a shot at one of these players in round two and being able to maybe reach for another in round one isn’t really a preferable situation when you miss out on a Courtney Upshaw (for example) for the sake of an extra third round pick (for another example).

There is some precedent for trading down multiple times, but I’ve always thought this appears to be smarter on the actual day than in hindsight. New England have drafted poorly in recent years despite accumulating more picks than several teams combined. Cleveland has moved down aggressively to acquire a couple of players I thought were top-20 talents (Alex Mack and Phil Taylor) but also gave away the chance to draft in the top ten and grab players who maybe could’ve lifted the Browns beyond mediocrity. For all of Denver’s dealing in 2010, they ended up with Tim Tebow as the end product. If you draft smart, you make the most of top-15 picks and build a good team. There will never be a substitute for pure quality and while more picks also means more opportunities to hit, you’re always picking from a smaller sample when you move down.

I think the Seahawks will see this as an opportunity to add another key defensive piece, just like they did with Earl Thomas. They may well get trade offers – some that are maybe quite tempting too – but ultimately this team knows what it wants. You can never rule anything out and if the three defensive lineman named above are off the board – and so is Trent Richardson – they could move down a little bit and consider a player like Zach Brown. But faced with the opportunity to draft Coples, Upshaw or Ingram – I think there’s a strong chance that is what will happen.

To consider a move down the board, you need a trade partner. We can at least consider which teams might wish to move up to tempt the Seahawks with a deal:

San Diego (Currently own #18 overall)
The Chargers need to rebuild their offensive line and might struggle to draft a left tackle at #18. The best lineman will leave the board quickly given the premium nature of the position and players like Matt Kalil, Riley Reiff and Jonathan Martin could go in the top ten. If any survive or if San Diego sees real value in Ohio State’s Mike Adams, they might need to jump Arizona at #13 or even Kansas City at #12 if Seattle wins the coin-toss. San Diego made a bold move up the board in 2010 to draft Ryan Mathews, so could it happen again?

Philadelphia (Currently own #15 overall)
A team that has also shown it’s willingness to move up, Philly could be active in round one. Andy Reid isn’t a predictable drafter although he’s avoided drafting linebackers early. He’s in prime position to draft Zach Brown if he wishes, but may decide he needs to get at the top receivers should the Eagles lose a player like DeSean Jackson. Although there’s no obvious reason to grab Seattle’s pick at #11 or #12, should a player such as Justin Blackmon suffer a bit of a fall, Philly might not waste any time if Buffalo passes.

New York Jets (Currently own #16 overall)
A third franchise with previous history in making a move – the Jets moved heaven and earth to draft Mark Sanchez in 2009. They could use help with the pass rush and at receiver and may entertain the idea of a trade to get an injection of quality. Although New York had a disappointing 2011, they’re still a team who made the AFC Championship game in the two previous seasons. One or two key additions could put the Jets back on the map and they may feel like they need to make a splash after watching their neighbours win the Super Bowl.

Whitney Mercilus is a player I’m still trying to work out. In my initial tape review vs UCLA, I had mixed feelings. He flashed on a handful of run plays, got to the quarterback enough to impact the game and showed the ability to adapt and work out a lineman’s weaknesses. Mercilus also struggled against a tight end he should be dominating in college, didn’t flash an effective bull rush or compensate with elite speed or technique. He led the NCAA for sacks in 2011, but how does he grade? I’ll keep monitoring the tape including the performance above against Ohio State – expect more on Mercilus soon.

Tape courtesy of Aaron Aloysius

How will changes in Oakland, including Reggie McKenzie's appointment, impact free agency?

In the last week we’ve been discussing the very likely proposition that Seattle won’t be drafting a quarterback early this year. With options limited in the first round and possibly better value to be had elsewhere in round two, we need to prepare for another twelve months of quarterback game tape study and wondering when this team will end a 20-year drought to draft a quarterback in round one. 

Of course, that’s not to say the Seahawks won’t upgrade the position at all this off-season. In fact, I expect they will do somethingwhen free agency and the trade market opens in mid-March. Charlie Whitehurst is out of contract and doesn’t look likely to be re-signed. Josh Portis remains untested and an unknown quantity. It appears unrealistic that this franchise – being built around competition – would drift into next season with Tarvaris Jackson’s only competition coming in the form of a rookie and/or Josh Portis.  

When the Seahawks signed Jackson, they were clearly making the best of a bad situation. Matt Hasselbeck’s deal with Tennessee was tough to match given the cost, length and commitment. The Seahawks likely would’ve had to offer a first round pick to better Arizona’s advances for Kevin Kolb (in hindsight, that would’ve been a catastrophic move). Jackson had familiarity with Darrell Bevell and Sidney Rice, he had a point to prove. It was a low-risk gamble. Is there another low-risk gamble to be had this year? 

Jackson didn’t do enough during the 2011 season to warrant any great faith for the long term. His deal is very modest – he will earn just $4m dollars in 2012. The Seahawks have the opportunity to address the situation with a lot more time and preparation in 2012 and add a player more capable of providing a logical bridge to the future. Even if the Seahawks were open to drafting a quarterback in round two or three this year, it makes absolute sense not to throw them to the wolves. Sure – Andy Dalton wasn’t a disaster as a rookie. Here’s a list of the quarterbacks taken in rounds two and three in the five year’s prior to the 2011 draft: 

2006 – Kellen Clemons, Tarvaris Jackson, Charlie Whitehurst, Brodie Croyle 

2007 – Kevin Kolb, John Beck, Drew Stanton, Trent Edwards 

2008 – Chad Henne, Brian Brohm, Kevin O’Connell 

2009 – Pat White 

2010 – Jimmy Clausen, Colt McCoy 

In fact, in the last ten years only Drew Brees and Matt Schuab have become legitimate starters in the league having been drafted in the second or third round. Brees would’ve been a first round pick in the modern era, considering he was taken with the 32nd selection in 2001. While the 2012 group of quarterbacks aren’t directly related to the names above and therefore no more or less likely to succeed early, there’s no precedent here for finding quick starters in what we now refer to as ‘day two’ of the draft. Pete Carroll has been quite open about his shift in attitude towards quarterbacks starting early, but I don’t think he’s going to force the issue. 

I do, however, expect the Seahawks to still explore ways to upgrade the quarterback position and possibilities may arise during the free agency period. I don’t expect the team to make a big play for Peyton Manning and according to Scott Enyeart, there is no interest in Green Bay’s Matt Flynn. So where does that leave us? Let’s run through a few scenarios to find an option. It’s worth noting – by the way – that all of the following is pure speculation on my behalf to make a wider point. If any of the following does happen, it’ll be coincidental. Let’s refer to this as a ‘free agency’ mock draft. 

I think Peyton Manning will land in Arizona, Washington or Miami. The Cardinals have the edge due to the relationship between quarterback and coach (Manning and Ken Whisenhunt are friends), the possibility to recreate what the team had with Kurt Warner and the opportunity to compete quickly within the NFC West. Manning would see Arizona as a market he can work within – away from the pressures of playing in New York or having to compete with his brother in the NFC East for Washington. Miami could come into focus, but having failed to land Jim Harbaugh and Jeff Fisher in the last twelve months, what confidence does anyone have that they could pull off a deal for Manning? 

If Arizona lands Peyton, it would free-up Kevin Kolb – with the Cardinals using the option in his contract to get out of their commitment to the former Philadelphia Eagle. With Kolb now testing the market, he could be a realistic option for the Cleveland Browns. Tom Heckert – the GM in Cleveland – was part of the front office that drafted Kolb for the Eagles. He has experience working in a variation of the West Coast Offense with Andy Reid and as we’ve talked up all week – Cleveland may not have the opportunity to draft Robert Griffin III.  Although Kolb may be seen as ‘damaged goods’ at the moment, it’d be a modest low-risk move for the Browns with minimal investment – allowing them to attack the skill positions by drafting Trent Richardson and a receiver with two of their first three picks. They would still have the freedom to draft a quarterback later on if they so wished. 

This would leave Washington and Miami still potentially searching for a quarterback who can start in 2012. Although I wouldn’t agree with such a move, I’ve been projecting Ryan Tannehill to Washington in round one for a few weeks now. I have a lot of issues with Tannehill and think it’d be a foolish move, but he ticks a lot of the boxes Mike Shanahan looks for in a quarterback (better throwing out of the pocket, good on naked boot legs, strong enough arm, athletic). Having missed out on Jake Locker last year, will the Redskins risk going another year without making a splash? Without finding Shanny’s guy? I’m not so sure. 

So what about Miami? You’d expect Joe Philbin to show interest in Matt Flynn, although we have to acknowledge the Dolphins’ active pursuit of Kyle Orton before the 2011 season. That was a Jeff Ireland move – and he’s still part of the Miami franchise. They weren’t willing to bow to Denver’s demands at the time, but with Orton a free agent this year – there’s every chance they could reignite their interest. Flynn or Orton would be a difficult compromise for a franchise that looked to be at the heart of the Luck/RGIII battle for most of the season, but with three quarterbacks potentially off the board before they pick in the draft it might be the only realistic option. The Seahawks are still waiting to make a significant commitment to a quarterback in the Carroll/Schneider era, so are the Dolphins any more likely to search for a quick fix with a new coaching setup? And let’s not forget the performance of Matt Moore as the starter in 2011 – has he done enough to trump all other options for now? 

Flynn remains the intriguing one, mainly because there are two likely suitors in my opinion. Philbin/Miami is obvious, but nobody is really talking about the Green Bay connections in Oakland. Reggie McKenzie has cleaned house since his appointment as GM and will go about shaping the Raiders in his vision. Considering he was part of the Packers franchise from 1994 until the moment he accepted the position in Oakland, it seems likely he’s going to take some influence from the way things were done in Green Bay. With Greg Knapp back as the offensive coordinator, a west coast system seems likely. Yet McKenzie is faced with a difficult situation with no tools to work with. 

For starters, Oakland has no draft picks until the fifth round as things stand. Considering they lost Nnamdi Asomugha, Robert Gallery and Zach Miller in free agency, it’s likely they’ll get some compensation in the third or fourth round. However, it’s not ideal for a team needing to add talent and switch schemes going forward. What can McKenzie do to make a statement? Does he try to build around Carson Palmer, a player he has no working relationship with to date and no commitment towards? Or does he turn to Matt Flynn and try to sell him the idea of being the figure head of the Raiders rebuild? 

McKenzie could see the signing of Flynn as one of the few things he can control, something that will provide a tangible shift towards a new era. Palmer is a player he’s inherited – we have no idea what he truly sees in the former Bengal other than some lukewarm backing at his introductory press conference: “Now, bringing in Carson at the time the Raiders brought him in, to me, as a player, that’s a good move. I think he’s a good quarterback. Period.” There’s every chance he’ll bite his tongue and give Palmer the chance to succeed, but he’d also be risking his own success and long term future as a GM on a player he didn’t sign. So does he shuffle along, or get active? If they want Matt Flynn – or someone else – as their quarterback, it’s their prerogative to make that move and see what they can get for Palmer. Not much, would be the answer – given a disappointing 2011 comeback, 32nd birthday and a $12m salary in which $5m is guaranteed. 

Sometimes moving on alone is necessary, and moving Palmer for something even as miniscule as a late round pick would be cutting your losses and getting on with the job. It’d be painful for the Raiders fans and the team’s 2012 draft class considering the wasted first round pick, but if this team was truly committed to Palmer – they surely would’ve backed the man who made the trade? The appointment of McKenzie and subsequent removal of Hue Jackson as coach was almost an admittance of mistakes made in the midst of Al Davis’ passing. In trying to rebuild, all bets should be off for the new regime. 

So… Palmer in Seattle. Here we are again – with a real sense of deja-vu. While Seahawks fans will be forgiven for being underwhelmed at the prospect of Carson Palmer, for the price of a late round pick, would it not be an intriguing short-term move? Another case of making the best of the situation? To find someone a little more adept at leading a game winning drive in a tight contest? Someone who can get those extra 3-4 wins to put Seattle in contention for the playoffs again? In Jackson’s Oakland he was asked to be the difference for four quarters, in Seattle he’d merely need to be the difference in the fourth. 

Like I said, this is only a speculative piece. All of the scenarios mentioned here are just suggestions for what could happen in free agency. But it does show how the Seahawks could – theoretically – add a veteran quarterback to their roster who would arguably be deemed a superior bridge to the future than Tarvaris Jackson. Even if it’s not Palmer – you can make your own suggestions if you wish – I expect the Seahawks will do something in free agency to provide that extra competition they crave. It won’t necessarily be a blockbuster trade or the addition of a player like Manning (and we can debate the merits of that on another day), but I suspect something is going to happen. And there’s simply no getting away from the familiarity and mutual respect between coach and quarterback in this instance.