Free agency thoughts & open thread

March 14th, 2018 | Written by Rob Staton

If anything breaks regarding the Seahawks, I’ll post some thoughts. Feel free to use this as an open thread too.

Here’s what we know:

— So the first outside free agent to join the Seahawks is former #6 overall pick Barkevious Mingo. He’s had a disappointing career so far, struggling with the Browns before underwhelming stints in New England and Indianapolis. That said, they needed to add an EDGE with some outside rush ability. Mingo ran a 4.58 at his combine with a 1.57 split. That’s in Seattle’s ball-park for the LEO position. With very limited LEO options in the draft, this might be a necessary project. It appears to be a cheap contract. The potential has always been there with Mingo. Now the Seahawks will be tasked with trying to turn him into a role player. He turns 28 in October.

Mingo is also the fourth top-15 pick they’ve signed from the underwhelming 2013 draft. Luke Joeckel (#2), Dion Jordan (#3), Barkevious Mingo (#6) and Sheldon Richardson (#13) were all acquired by Seattle in the last twelve months.

It’s difficult to identify LEO pass rushers in this draft class. Even Harold Landry might not be a fit. He ran a 4.65 which is slower than they’ve looked for in the past and he has sub-33 inch arms (they’ve never drafted a defensive lineman with sub-33 inch arms). Leon Jacobs at Wisconsin and Lorenzo Carter at Georgia might be their two main options. Aside from that? It’s really limited. Adding Mingo doesn’t prevent them from drafting either Jacobs or Carter.

— DeShawn Shead has signed a $3.5m one-year deal with the Detroit Lions. It can grow to $6.5m based on incentives. That’s a nice deal for Shead, one the Seahawks were unlikely to match.

— The Seahawks tendered Dion Jordan as a RFA. They gave Justin Coleman a second round tender. Unsurprisingly, Thomas Rawls and Mike Davis were not tendered. J.D. McKissic, Quinton Jefferson and Branden Jackson were given ERFA tenders.

— The Seahawks met with Austin Seferian-Jenkins. He is also meeting with the Jaguars despite the fact they’ve agreed a deal with Niles Paul. According to Ian Rapoport, Seferian-Jenkins has concluded his meeting with Seattle and is now heading to Florida:

— Aside from Niles Paul, blocking tight end Virgil Green (formerly of the Broncos) is off the market. He is joining the LA Chargers.

— Ed Dickson, another tight end, is also flying in for a meeting with the Seahawks.

— Ndamukong Suh has been released by the Dolphins. We know he was in Seattle earlier this week but according to Jordan Schultz, is now heading back to Portland. Suh will likely have numerous suitors so if the Seahawks want him, they’ll have to pay up. Apparently they’re showing some interest…

— Jordy Nelson is set to meet with the team following his visit with the Oakland Raiders.

— Earl Thomas updates are few and far between but here’s some info:

Clearly the Seahawks are unwilling to just give Earl Thomas away. It’s not a seller’s market so all signs, at the moment, point to Thomas returning. After all, if teams are only willing to give the Seahawks a third rounder (for example) you might as well play out the contract.

There’s also this:

— Tyrann Mathieu has been released from his contract by Arizona. This might be a situation to monitor regarding Earl Thomas’ future. Mathieu’s next contract could influence any potential negotiations with Thomas — or could even encourage trade talks.

— Quinton Dial, a defensive lineman formerly of San Francisco and Green Bay, will visit with the Seahawks. He’ll also meet with the Lions.

Thomas Rawls appears to be meeting with the Carolina Panthers.

The only reported interest in Sheldon Richardson is this tentative link to the Vikings. It’s early days but is it possible he’s facing the same cold market previously experienced by Dontari Poe a year ago?

Ian Rapoport says there’s been an assumption Richardson would be staying in Seattle:

Tony Pauline says the Seahawks had dinner with Natrell Jamerson and Nick Nelson at the Wisconsin pro-day. Jamerson was one of the picks in our recent seven-round Seahawks mock.

— The number of available veteran running backs is thinning. Jonathan Stewart has joined the Giants, Carlos Hyde is moving to Cleveland and the 49ers signed Jerick McKinnon. It seems like the Seahawks will wait this position out until the draft, although they did meet with DeMarco Murray.

— Justin Pugh is meeting with the Arizona Cardinals while according to Mike Silver, the Rams, 49ers and Browns are trying to sign Terrelle Pryor.

273 Responses to “Free agency thoughts & open thread”

  1. FresnoBrad says:

    Suh dropped another clue today “competition Wednesday” hinting he’s with us

  2. Greg Haugsven says:

    Lets get this party started!

  3. FresnoBrad says:

    Looks like D.Brown trade value just went up above the 2nd & 3rd we paid. Just a thought!

    • Rob Staton says:

      They’re not going to trade Duane Brown.

      • Southpaw360 says:

        I would assume Brown would be safe (ie not traded) but what if the Seahawks felt Fant was ready again and has improved some more? I’m not sure how you improve rehabbing from ACL surgery but this has been a weird off season. I guess a Brown trade could be possible but not likely. They could get back quite a bit of draft capital by dealing him. Interesting thought anyways.

    • HawkfaninMT says:

      I think he is just trying to say the draft capital we paid is less than the amount someone like him (Solder) would have cost on the open market this year.

  4. Greg Haugsven says:

    Im pumped so lets see some news. Who are the top 3 guys you would like to add?

    I think I like Suh, Pugh, and ASJ for me.

    • H says:

      Suh, ASJ and lets Dion Jordon tendered or extended! Why has that not happened yet?

      • HawkMock says:

        I’ll assume Jordan and Maxwell are back for this but I’d go with only guys that were released or will be under $5 million or whatever as to not effect comp picks.
        1. Suh – I would say Richardson as well(does he count as an add or a keep?) and just go monster on the D-Line
        2. Murray – seemed to really mentor and help Henry while not being a distraction over fewer carries. Would hope he could do the same for Chubb/Jones/Johnson
        3. Eifert – take flier on a healthy season if he passes medicals.

        Wouldn’t mind ZBrown either if they did make a splash that might hamper comp picks. Feel like the D was the best when we had Wags, K.J. and Malcolm cruising around out there.

    • mishima says:

      Suh, Mathieu, Nelson.

      If we can get a 4th round comp pick for S. Richardson and a high 2nd and 3rd for ET.

    • Heliopause says:

      Of all the grossly overpriced mediocrities and aging stars being dangled in front of us right now the only one I’d like to see come to Seattle is Jordy Nelson. He has quite a bit of experience improvising pass patterns with a quarterback who likes to scramble around for fifteen seconds extending plays. If he’s got anything left he’ll fit right in.

  5. HawkfaninMT says:

    Random thoughts:
    Suh: Yes please!

    TE: anyone know what kind of money aSJ is looking towards? I know he turned down 2/8M… how much higher is the prevailing thoughts? Dickson seems like a good fallback if we are looking for a blocker that can occasionally catch. (And not cost the comp)

    WR: Similarly to ASJ, what’s Jordys price? No comp pick cost is nice. Pryor seems like another big body getting no love. Sign me up for either of the price is right (why do we say that? I suppose that should be implied.) I really like Willie Snead. Rendered lowest possible by NO, so wouldn’t cost much. Does signing a RFA cost us against comp picks? I don’t think it does.

    DT- Get both Richardson and Suh under contract please. Now!

    Secondary- I think we are keeping ET for another year. Seems like bring back Shead and Maci would be in teams best interests. Hopefully they are just figuring out value.

    No on Janikowski? Is it the cost? Seems more reliable than myers to me

    • Rob Staton says:

      Suh + Richardson = winning

      • Millhouse-serbia says:

        We don’t have enough cap space for both. Unless we trade ET.

        • Rob Staton says:

          They have the cap room. When Avril departs, they’ll have over $30m to spend.

          • Millhouse-serbia says:

            Yes they will have 31mill. But i think that is not enough. 6mill for draft pool and we are on 25mill. And a lot of holes to fill.

            • Rob Staton says:

              You can make it happen if you want to. Listen, I’m not saying it will happen. But it could if they wanted it to.

              People said they couldn’t trade for Sheldon and Duane Brown because of the cap.

        • Greg Haugsven says:

          Probably not. With first year cap hits lower it could be a combined $14-$16 million between them.

      • Matt B. says:

        Hard to fathom it actually happening (RE: Suh+Sheldon), but… if it did, would actually start feeling more positive about our roster this year then what we had last year. Like the directions they are going so far, have stayed out of the insane WR market and seem to be looking at players that make a lot of sense. Time will tell…

        Also, random side note. Is it just me or is the hate for the Kam extension a bit ridiculous. Predicting injuries is the bane of many a front office, just because a player gets older or has a physical playing style does automatically mean they are going to get injured. In hindsight it’s easy to call it a bad deal but how do you predict what was, as far as I can tell, a freak injury like this? He was a locker room leader, a great physical tone-setter and a pillar of the organization. I don’t blame Schneider for extending him.

        • Rob Staton says:

          I don’t think Suh + Sheldon will happen — but it’s a pleasant thought.

          • TTownHawk says:

            We can dream though! Man that would be a filthy defensive core.

          • Michigan 12th says:

            Would be fired up for days about that happening. That would give us an extremely strong D-Line. I say pull the trigger

        • 12th chuck says:

          I agree, he deserved that extension,

        • DC says:

          My main beef with the Kam extension was that I didn’t believe we would have major competition to re-sign him. So with his age, playing style and injury history it made sense to let him play out his deal and then re-assess. Oh well…

        • EBurgz says:

          Kam deal was not a bad move at the time. Hindsight is 20/20. It’s footaball, sometimes guys get hurt. Doesn’t mean you should stop paying deserving peeps just because everyone could get hurt.

      • FresnoBrad says:

        Wow that would be big!

  6. Greg Haugsven says:

    The Vikings have inquired about Sheldon. First time I have heard his name.

  7. TTownHawk says:

    Anyone else confused how Jacksonville can afford all of these signings? They had a ton of cap space last year so they backed up the brinks truck for guys like Calais Campbell, AJ Bouye, Barry Church etc. And yet it seems every FA this season has been linked to them, they’ve already thrown down big money for Andrew Norwell, re-signed Marqise Lee, paid DJ Hayden, lured Donte Moncrief away from Indy, now they’re reportedly meeting with ASJ? Like where is all of this money coming from?

    • cha says:

      I know they saved a chunk by extending Bortles.

      • Greg Haugsven says:

        I agree Town, they just keep signing and signing.

        • Hawk Eye says:

          credit card signings, their cap is tight next year, even this year is not big
          just wait till the next 2 years and they are cutting guys or not re-signing

          • DC says:

            They smell blood in the water and are going for it. The AFC appears weak. Pretty wide open sans one Tom Brady.

            • Hawk Eye says:

              Brady a year older, lost his LT, lost Amandola and Lewis
              Never count Belicick out, but eventually talent loss takes its toll

              • DC says:

                They look a lot like we did our pre championship year. Lost a 4th quarter lead in a close road playoff game but came out with that valuable experience. I don’t trust Bortles but the rest of their team is stacked.

  8. RWIII says:

    I like both Suh and Richardson. But with all the needs the Seahawks have no way they afford to sign both players. Richardson is younger and probably more hungrier. Suh is a better pass rusher and has more upside. Both players pose headaches for opposing offensive coordinators. So take your pick.

  9. Josh Emmett says:

    What do you think of Vander Esch as the old Bruce Irvin role at #18? I know we have talked about him as a linebacker but not in the role of Bruce Irvin for the nickle. That would address quite a bit of problems for the hawks. Has a sub 1.6 10 yard split. Has the size and length. Is a multiple sport state champion in high school. All his quickness and agility drills put him in a pretty high athletic profile. I was looking at the team roster worse case scenario(no avril, no chancellor, etc) and the dline and linebacker positions are the most thin on the roster.

    • Rob Staton says:

      I don’t think it’s a fit. He could play SAM and eventually move to WILL or even MIKE — but he’s not an EDGE rusher. You wouldn’t put him up at the line on third down. That’s not him.

      • Josh Emmett says:

        Any prospects this year that would fit that mold? Stand up backer on early downs and rusher in the nickle? I think front 7 on defense is going to be a priority even more so then the running game this year. They have very little on the roster right now defensive line wise. Marcus smith and Dion Jordan could be back but will they play every game? Probably not

  10. Greg Haugsven says:

    Julius Thomas released as well. The Seahawks were interested in him last go around.

    • Greg Haugsven says:

      No news on Eric Reid yet either.

    • Awsi Dooger says:

      Don’t waste your time on Julius Thomas. It’s shocking how far he declined in such a short period of time. Nothing looked the same from his Denver prime. Nothing. Not the frame or speed or anything else. It was a relentless topic on Dolphins forums. Fans wanted him gone as soon as it was obvious that the name recognition no longer matched the player.

  11. Logan Lynch says:

    I’m wondering about the semantics of what Bob Condotta reported with Dion Jordan receiving a first round tender. Since he was a first round draft pick, an original round tender would mean the exact same thing, but would also cost SEA much less. I’m assuming that’s what they did. Why would you spend an extra $2M if you don’t have to?

    • Rob Staton says:

      Yeah — I’m wary of that report too. Wouldn’t make any sense to put the R1 tender on Jordan. Nobody was going to sign him away for a second rounder.

      • TTownHawk says:

        Seeing reports from Brady Henderson and Greg Bell that it is an original round tender, but shows up as a R1 tender on NFL transactions since he was drafted in the first round. Unusual situation, but that makes more sense.

    • Greg Haugsven says:

      I just tweeted back to him. It has to be the original round tender as a first rounder makes no sense.

      • Greg Haugsven says:

        Should be an original round tender at $1.9 which is a first rounder because of where he was drafted.

    • Patrick Toler says:

      I need to join Twitter just so I can yell (nicely) at Condotta for being clearer. It has to be an original round tender.

    • Lewis says:

      Perhaps because they are working on a longer term deal that will end up in that range and they want the player to be happy in the meantime?

  12. Millhouse-serbia says:

    Seahawks gave restricted free agent Dion Jordan a first-round tender.

    It is 4,1 mill.

    • TTownHawk says:

      Original round tender. Only $1.9mil, but would still receive a 1st if someone wanted to sign him (highly unlikely).

  13. 12th chuck says:

    Dion Jordan has a 1st round tender now

  14. Volume12 says:

    Volume12 says:
    February 27, 2018 at 2:17 pm
    And that CB Wisconsin has, #11 Nick Nelson is a god damn stud. He’s a big time sleeper for me.

    Seattle showing interest in him? Hell yeah!

    • FresnoBrad says:

      And Jamerson? ET

    • Volume12 says:

      Ran a 3.88 20 yard shuttle which would’ve been tops at the combine

    • Volume12 says:

      Absolutely dominated WR DJ Moore. Can play man or zone IMO. Great physicality and his 19 PBU was the most among draft eligible DBs.

      Like most Seattle DBs, he’s grabby and a little tight hipped.

      • Nick says:

        3-4th Round? Hard to imagine they spend a pick in that range on CB after last years draft investments. Right?

        • Volume12 says:

          Not necessarily once we get to the 4th round.

          Pete’s probably going to want a ton of bodies there to create competition and in turn find a guy to go forward with opposite Shaq. Iron sharpening iron if you will.

          I think Nelson is more of a hybrid FS/CB. And if they lose Earl then FS becomes huge.

          For me it almost seems like Seattle is going OG and RB or vice versa with their first 2 selections and then a safety.

          • Volume12 says:

            Same with Jamerson as a FS/dime back.

            Both these guys also played a big role for Wisconsin’s STs unit.

        • 80SLargent says:

          They just cut Sherman and Lane. Shead and Maxwell are free agents.
          Shaq Griffin, Justin Coleman, Neiko Thorpe, DeAndre Elliot, Mike Tyson, Alex Carter. Those are Seattle’s current CBs.
          I wouldn’t say addressing CB in that manner is off the table.

    • Mike L says:

      Nelson led the nation in pass break-ups which is pretty impressive considering the Badgers don’t get into a lot of shoot-outs (and the B10 isn’t really a pass happy league). Averaged over 8 yards per punt return too…but those short arms..I heard he could barely reach the table at the Seahawks dinner.. ;<)

  15. lil'stink says:

    Press trying to paint the picture that Suh was never a team player, tough in the locker room… Wonder how much is true vs Miami just trying to CYA for giving him that insane contract.

    • Greg Haugsven says:

      Joel Corry just answered this and said Jordan has the same problem that Dominique Easley had. No need to give him a first round tender. I think Bob got it wrong and its an original round that means a first rounder.

  16. Millhouse-serbia says:

    At the end it is.1.9mill for Jordan.

  17. FresnoBrad says:

    3 CB’s & 2 DE’s will be FA next year

  18. Greg Haugsven says:

    Hunt, McKissic, Ott, B Jackson and Jefferson who were all ERFA’s got tendered as well.

    • Patrick Toler says:

      So does that mean they are spending $2M each on Hunt and Ott?

    • Volume12 says:

      Good. QJeff was really solid I thought. And Branden Jackson is the perfect 9th or 10th D-lineman.

      Still hoping they go with Carson, a rookie, and McKissic at RB. Then a vet and let Prosise and another rookie battle it out for that last spot.

  19. Greg Haugsven says:

    If the money is the same would you rather have Sheldon or Suh? Sheldon is 4 years younger but letting Sheldon go gets you a comp pick.

    • Volume12 says:

      Suh. The only thing that would bother me about that though, is losing a very important draft pick for what would essentially be a rental year of Sheldon Richardson.

      • Patrick Toler says:

        It didn’t work out, but I think the decision making process was solid. They thought they would compete for a championship and were adding a good piece, and they had the hedge of getting a comp pick back. Good move, IMO, even if the end result wasn’t ideal.

        • Volume12 says:

          That’s true. The decision making process can’t be argued. They had the opportunity to add a big time talent to what they believed was the finishing touch on D.

          And as cha said, the McDowell injury along with the Fant injury set off a chain reaction.

      • cha says:

        Malik McDowell’s stupidity cost.

        • Hawktalker#1 says:

          Come on man this has been discussed to nazium. It was an accident. Tons more rookies take bigger risks than that every year and get through it. Just bad luck and worse timing.

    • BobbyK says:

      Suh. And it’s not close.

      Suh is capable of winning a DPOY award with the right team/defense. I don’t see Richardson ever finishing in the top 10-20 in any DPOY voting. That’s a pretty open/shut case.

      Richardson has had his motor questioned many times prior to Seattle. Suh has always played like a beast.

      • Hawk Eye says:

        yeah, Suh gets to the QB and causes way more problems.
        I assume they will cost similar $$, but Suh probably more open to shorter contract, maybe sees more value to playing for PC after Miami and Det experiences.
        A little older, but will still out perform Sheldon for next few years
        plus the comp pick for Sheldon, who may not get what he wants out there, would not be surprised to see him sign for 1 year

      • Patrick Toler says:

        Yeah, Suh for me too. They both have some risk, but Suh has been and still is the better player. He can still be a game wrecker. Richardson hasn’t shown that.

    • DC says:

      Suh. Adding him offsets other loses on defense. Dude is a baaad man. Anyone who demands a double team is worth their weight in Cheesy Poofs.

      With Suh and a good draft we could be right back in the playoffs.

      • BobbyK says:

        I don’t think simply making the playoffs is good enough if they add Suh and fix the running game. The sky is the limit. You know?

    • Michigan 12th says:

      Sign them both and create a D-Line so good, it covers up the hole sin the secondary. I think both would be worth the cost if they can pull it off cap wise.

  20. Greg Haugsven says:

    Luke Willson to meet with the Panthers.

  21. Volume12 says:

    Who’s Seattle’s new DB coach?

  22. BobbyK says:

    Cowboys and Seahawks in on Suh (according to Twitter a minute ago… forgot the ESPN guys name).

  23. Greg Haugsven says:

    Cowboys and Seahawks two main teams showing interest in Suh.

  24. Millhouse-serbia says:

    On ESPN, @diannaESPN said Ndamukong Suh is looking to go to the highest-bidder. Fit and team don’t matter. LOL

    • BobbyK says:

      Suh said that last time he was a free agent, too. And went to the highest bigger.

      In all seriousness, that’s how almost every plays thinks/acts. He’s a straight shooter. Always has been. And on the field nobody plays harder either.

    • SoCal12 says:

      I don’t see him going for any less than like $16mil a year honestly. He’s still productive and hasn’t really shown much sign of slowing down. The market prices for FA so far seems like it’s only going up.

      If we could get Sheldon at $12 mil a year minus a comp pick vs $16 mil for Suh plus comp pick who would people prefer? That seems like the tougher choice.

      • BobbyK says:

        Still don’t think it’s close, honestly. 🙂

      • Ed says:

        Suh and a comp

      • Michigan 12th says:

        Why do you think he is going to get that kind of money. I think teams are realizing that you need to be more temperate on spending on defensive players than that if you want to make a complete roster with the ability to absorb a few injuries with some depth pieces. I think Suh could be had for less than 16 per. Hopefully Seattle can get him for 10 mill per and pay Richardson 8 mil per year. Then we would be balling with a great D-Line and lots of rotation to keep fresh bodies out there, with Reed and Naz.

        • SoCal12 says:

          I mean I admit I’ll probably be totally wrong I just think the signs mostly point to a large payday. If he’s cheap then teams should be falling all over themselves to sign a productive guy like Suh. Just the fact that there’s teams bidding against each should drive his price up.

          Conversely, if teams aren’t bidding for Suh that’s on the cheap, then that to me is kind of a concern in itself. Like what sorts of issues does he have that teams are avoiding an All-Pro DT on the cheap?

          I mean don’t get me wrong, I would love to get Suh for less than $10-12mil but I’m just tempering my own expectation here given the massive contracts we’ve been seeing so far.

    • hawkdawg says:

      Well, if it’s only us and Dallas bidding, he is going to be sorely disappointed.

  25. Sea Mode says:

    Glad to see the kid get another chance. Such bad luck for him.

    (Also, there’s another R3 comp)

    Ian Rapoport
    @RapSheet

    The #Jets are signing QB Teddy Bridgewater to a 1-year deal worth up to $15M, source said. Big upside.

    1:02 PM – 14 Mar 2018

    • BobbyK says:

      Not going to find many better people than Teddy Bridgewater. He’s worth cheering for.

  26. Nick says:

    I just got done watching more Kerryon Johnson tape. My goodness, he’s exciting. There are so many great running backs in this year’s draft. From what I’ve seen so far I’d say:

    1) SB
    2) Ronald Jones
    3) Nick Chubb
    4) Kerryon Johnson
    5) Sony Michel

    • Nick says:

      They are all terrific running backs…but it seems like Kerryon could offer the best value. You could probably get him in the 40s.

  27. icb12 says:

    Joe Thomas Retiring.
    The browns might be on the brink of actually, maybe, sorta, kinda, possibly turning this thing around.
    As a fan, I wish he coulda been a part of it.

  28. Greg Haugsven says:

    Now its been reported that the Cowboys dont have interest in Suh. The colts would be a good place for him as they have cap space and havent done anything.

  29. white-salmon-hawk says:

    This scenario seems odd to me:
    Sign McKinnon to 4/30m$ (7.5APY) and let Hyde walk 3/15m$ (5 APY). Shanahan must have wanted more of a pass catching back for his offense? Wish the hawks would have been interested in Hyde for that deal.

  30. BobbyK says:

    I think it’s a pipe dream that we could get both Suh and Richardson… but if the Richardson market is like it was with Poe last year (or, heck, with Wilkerson to the Packers) and he were to come back… Suh is the type of crazy hard working player that could/would help keep a guy like Richardson motivated (if he signed a 2, 3, or 4-year deal), too. Would be fun to see.

    • DC says:

      It is but then so was landing Avril & Bennett.

      Get Suh first. If the market stays cold and Sheldon came back on a shorter deal he could potentially pump up his stock considerably.

      • Michigan 12th says:

        Yes Sheldon would have a lot to gain playing next to Suh. He would be a QB wrecker with Suh next to him.

    • Sea Mode says:

      +1

      Imagine the hayday BWagz would have behind those two…

    • BobbyK says:

      Another thing with Suh, is that he’s a guy who plays most snaps. This leads to him taking a play “off” here and there. If they could limit him to 75% of snaps – I think he’d really explode. Especially if the Seahawks were winning. Huge upside…

      • AlaskaHawk says:

        I would love to see both Suh and Richardson playing for the Seahawks. What an awesome interior line that would be.

    • FresnoBrad says:

      If DT market hits brick wall it could happen, teams went Bonkers last 48 hours. No way we over pay

  31. DC says:

    If Cousins goes on to win a Super Bowl with the Vikings (should he sign) I would find this comical about the 2012 draft. 3 QBs will have rings and they were the 6th, 7th & 8th QBs drafted that year.

    Luck
    Griffin III
    Tannehill
    Weeden
    Osweiler

    Wilson
    Foles
    Cousins

  32. PowerPeanut says:

    I mean, what other player could give JS the “bully” symbol more than Suh?

  33. Sea Mode says:

    Going back for a second to the comments on Nick Nelson. I actually took a quick look at him the other day, but was immediately put off by
    1) 30 3/4 arms
    2) 4.52 40yd @200 lbs.
    Didn’t seem like a guy we would be particularly interested in. Those are some really good agility numbers though, obviously.

    But Justin Coleman has 31 1/4 arms and ran 4.53 @185 lbs., so I guess for the slot it wouldn’t be a big deal.

    • DC says:

      If he’s not a pure corner on our team does the *rule* still apply?

    • Grayson Dunn says:

      I wonder if Coleman’s impressive play impacts the desire to look at slot corners. Duke Dawson seems like an interesting prospect. Played safety a little and progressed well throughout his career at Florida.

  34. Trevor says:

    The great thing about the Hawks showing interest in Suh is that perhaps it forces Sheldon Richardson to blink first if his market is not what he expected. Might get him at a bit of a discount who knows. I don’t want him on another one year deal however unless it is less than $8 mil.

    Option #1 Suh on a 3yr $38 mil $26 mil guaranteed deal and pick up 4th round comp for Richardson.

    Option #2 Richardson on a 3yr /$30 mil 22 mil guaranteed deal

    Option #3 Richardson 1 yr /$8 mil

  35. PowerPeanut says:

    But HoneyBadger though, what we thinking boys? Could he play CB for us? Could we still sign him even with McDougald?

    • Greg Haugsven says:

      Personally I say no, he is more of a slot corner and we have Coleman.

    • Patrick Toler says:

      Probably not. The only way he would make sense to me is if you thought he could play FS and you traded Earl. You could potentially get younger there and come out ahead in the assets trading game. Pretty sure that isn’t happening though.

  36. Trevor says:

    With the price of backup / journeyman QBs and their trade value it would make sense for the Hawks to take a day#3 flier each year on a development guy.

    This year the Tex Texh and Marshall QBs would be really interesting IMO.

  37. Volume12 says:

    Seattle was interested in EDGE Sam Acho? Hmmm….

    • Rob Staton says:

      They’re shopping in the bargain bin for an EDGE.

      Mingo, Acho. Options limited in the draft too.

      • Volume12 says:

        Agreed. Definitely think they’re targeting a 3-4 OLB type.

        Back to Acho. A lot of people will pick Cleveland, the Rams, maybe even SF as having the best off-season so far, but I’m kinda leaning towards Chicago.

        Adding A-Rob, Taylor Gabriel, and Trey Burton are great weapons for Trubisky. Adding insurance behind Trubisky in Chase Daniel and upgrading the kicking game.

    • FresnoBrad says:

      Dial is probably our guy fits Buffalo DE

  38. Hawk Eye says:

    either John Lynch is killing it for SF, or he is overpaying a lot of guys
    Brock Coyle, 3 yrs $12 mil
    Marsh was about the same,
    Gilliam 2 yrs $8 mil?
    McKinnon 4 yrs $30 mil

    paying $4-8 mil for JAGs is not the path to success, let’s see if he is still a genius in a year or two

    • BobbyK says:

      That’s a horrible use of money. None of those players are legitimately good. No Vikings fan I know here thinks that McKinnon is any good. Nobody is sad he’s gone – even if he were relatively cheap. I’ve seen him play in person twice and he’s just not very good. He might not be horrible, but if that’s my best compliment for the guy – how can he be $30 million worth of good?

      • BobbyK says:

        Now 49ers give almost $50M to former Giants C who no Giant fans wanted back because he was so bad. lmao

    • DC says:

      If Jimmy Garoppolo pans out then he’s a “genius”. Marsh? He’s a vet minimum special teams guy to me but maybe he’s worth it to them.

    • John_s says:

      Coyles contrast is ridiculous

    • lil'stink says:

      I think the GG contract isn’t too bad. Not sure about the others, though.

    • Rob Staton says:

      Lynch & Shanahan are over paying for guys that weren’t good enough for the third tier of Seattle’s roster.

      • Pran says:

        They want seattle D..so is the pay. They can use free cap space now and they will roll off by the time their D becomes Seattle elite.

  39. Volume12 says:

    Shead to Detroit.

    And FA DT Quinton Dial visiting Seattle

  40. BobbyK says:

    The Seahawks really need a TE like Ed Dickson. It has boggled my mind for years how they can supposedly want to be a running team and yet have no TEs who are good blockers (legitimately “good”). You can say Willson didn’t suck as a blocker, but you can’t say he was “good.” Graham was a terrible blocker, but we knew that before we acquired him. Vannett was supposedly the best blocking TE in his draft class, but it’s pretty obvious he’s going to be an average blocker (maybe above average in a best case scenario).

    So many factors to being a good running team and most people usually look at the OL and then the RB. Makes sense, but that Seahawks team of ’05 was taken to another level because they had GREAT run blockers at all the other positions.

    The had a Pro Bowl blocking FB.

    Ryan Hannam was a very, very good run blocking TE. He sealed that edge, no doubt. Like a Dickson would/could do for us in ’18.

    And we had guys like Joe J. who were absolute beast run blockers at WR.

    Granted, we had great blockers (mainly the left side) on the OL and Alexander was a great runner in his prime… but every other offensive player was a great blocker on run plays too (except for possible the WR opposite Joe J).

    A run blocking TE may not sound sexy, but it would be when our running game was so much better because we’d have guys to seal the edge(s). Especially if the team needs to continue to babysit Ifedi at RT with a TE.

    • Greg Haugsven says:

      I would love a good run blocking TE, they are hard to find out who is good and who isnt. There isnt any stats really and everytime you search you dont find much. If he is a good blocking TE Im all for it.

    • 80SLargent says:

      Zach Miller says hello.
      It would be awesome to have a guy like him (with better health) again.
      I’d also love to have another Michael Robinson…and another Marshawn Lynch…

      • AlaskaHawk says:

        They used to use an extra offensive linemen to block. Unfortunately they don’t have any extra offensive linemen that can block.

  41. DC says:

    If Jimmy Garoppolo pans out then he’s a “genius”. Marsh? He’s a vet minimum special teams guy to me but maybe he’s worth it to them.

  42. House says:

    Shead Signed with the Lions

  43. House says:

    Signed Mingo 2year/$10.1M

  44. Volume12 says:

    I like the Mingo signing. A classic Pete Carroll reclamation project. They needed someone to fill that Bruce Irvin role and Mingo is outstanding in coverage. Good get.

    • John_s says:

      1.57 10yd split too.

    • Volume12 says:

      They still need a DT and a hedge in the draft in case McDowell don’t come back. Even if he does, can never have enough anyways.

    • Volume12 says:

      Had one of the best coverage grades outta all EDGE players last year. He’s versatile.

    • H says:

      The Seahawks have been all over the 2013 first rounders, imagine if we’d known at the time the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 13th pick would all end up playing for us a few years down the line.
      DJ Fluker (11) Eric Reid (18) Justin Pugh (19) and Tyler Eifert (21) have also been mentioned as potential targets.
      A somewhat weird trend…

  45. Greg Haugsven says:

    Seahawks sign Mingo for two years $6.8 million. That seems high for a journeyman guy. We will have to wait on details for that one.

    • Shady_Hawkster says:

      Details:

      Aaron Wilson
      ‏ @AaronWilson_NFL

      Barkevious Mingo $6.8 million Seahawks deal; $3.2M gtd, $2.2M signing bonus, base salaries $1M (gtd), $3M; $18,750 per game active roster bonus annual, up to $1.1M playtime, sacks Pro Bowl incentive, up to $1M pt, sacks, Pro Bowl base escalator 2019

    • Heliopause says:

      Could be a waste of money, but it’s not much of a waste, so probably neither here nor there. They’re rolling the dice that they’re getting another Dion Jordan (first round disappointment that they turn around).

    • GerryG says:

      It’s not going to handcuff the team though. Who knows they have repeatedly found guys that can contribute on the DL. He could be decent LEO rush option

  46. LLLOGOSSS says:

    Rob, would Mingo start at SAM or strictly a LEO?

    • Rob Staton says:

      That remains to be seen. Could be a SAM/LEO. Might be more of a situational LEO. We’ll have to see.

      • GerryG says:

        We’ll thats not too inspirational lol

        That said feel much better about this coaching staff taking on a D reclamation project than an OL project

        • Patrick Toler says:

          I actually feel pretty good reading that. Who knows what he’ll turn into, but I have a lot of faith in the Seahawks’ ability to identify defensive linemen who can thrive in their system. They have a fantastic track record.

          • GerryG says:

            “The LSU product had three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two passes defensed, 32 tackles and two sacks for the Colts last year.”

            From elsewhere on the web. That’s not a bad stat line for a cheap LB. shows he active, and he played on a pretty bad team.

            • D-OZ says:

              And he only started 2 games. 7 Tkl’s and game winning fumble recovery against the Texans.

          • GerryG says:

            All in all seems like low risk high reward potential move

          • RWIII says:

            Remember. Before Chris Clemons came to Seattle how many Seahawk fans heard that name?

        • LLLOGOSSS says:

          Uh, yeah, that did not make me feel warm and fuzzy… The writer was basically, “Sure, he may be an enormous bust. And, yeah, he’s already been with like four teams, none of whom could get much out of him. And sure, he’s not even physically what you’d even want in a linebacker. You might say ‘he can’t rush the passer,’ and that may be true, that may be true… But on the other hand he knows he’s not very good and isn’t even that upset about it.”

          Hoping for the best though. In PCJS I trust…

  47. EP says:

    While the Mingo singing is not overly inspiring, I think all we need to do is look at Dion Jordan. There was many doubts about what he could contribute last season and this year he was one of the guys we desperately wanted back despite the time he missed. Trust in Pete Carroll.

    • Volume12 says:

      Your gonna see, ‘he’s a depth guy.’ I mean, really?

      Dion Jordan and Frank Clark are the starters at DE and the SAM position is basically depth/rotational anyways.

      • BobbyK says:

        SAM doesn’t have to be if they had a Bruce Irvin on the roster. Pete adjusts accordingly. Mingo may be another Irvin. Everything in the story I posted above insinuates he’s a potential 3-down player.

  48. Volume12 says:

    Is Justin Pugh a FA?

  49. nichansen01 says:

    Let’s hope Keke can be the next Dion Jordan, and not the next Luke Joeckel.

  50. Trevor says:

    So far so good in free agency I think.

    -We tendered the guys who have potential to really contribute (Jordan and Coleman)

    -Signed a solid / versatile Safety at a good price in Mcdougald.

    – In a draft and free agent class with few Leo options they take a flier on an athletic and talented under performer in Mingo to a realatively low cost deal. I think he could be an ideal scheme fit in the Irvin role who could really out perform his contract.

    – We have not over paid anyone which I think makes sense given our off season so far.

    Now JS go out and get that dominant DT in Suh or Richardson. Get that deal done then see what you have left to address TE position, a Vet Guard and a WR.

    • Rob Staton says:

      The key now is clear — DL and TE in free agency.

      Running game in the draft.

      • Coleslaw says:

        I think we’ll also find an established receiver on the cheap to compete with Darboh and Moore. I like Eric Decker, Jordan Matthews, Kendall Wright and Jaron Brown. I think all these guys will be 3rd wave free agents. A wild card for me is Dontrell Inman, he’s flashed over the years IMO and would be a good add to our receiver group.

        • BobbyK says:

          They were extremely interested in Decker in their first draft… I remember that.

        • Hawksince77 says:

          Is Jaron Brown a FA? John Brown is. Or was – he signed with the Ravens.

          • Sean-O says:

            SEA could really use an outside WR. I wonder if Michael Floyd has anything left? He’s had some issues the last couple of years but I like his upside & the price would be dirt cheap you’d think.

  51. vrtkolman says:

    Mingo had the 2nd highest pass rush productivity grade of all free agent edge players coming in, behind Demarcus Lawrence.

  52. Trevor says:

    Balance of Free Agency Wish List

    Trade Earl to SD for 2nd and 3rd round picks.

    DT – Suh or Wilkerson
    OG- Pugh or Fluker
    CB – Maxwell
    SS- Reid
    Blocking TE – Toliollo (Vet Min Deal)
    TE – ASJ ($6 mil APY or less)

    Can we afford all of them probably not but the cap space from Earl trade and to release Avril who knows.

  53. peter says:

    any worries from fans that earl wants to be the highest paid safety and there were rumors that he would hold out this season?

    it’s a bit disconcerting to me to give earl Eric berry money in light of the recent injuries and letting go of players.

    he’s a hell of a player but I guess I’m a bit skeptical of the deal going forward.

  54. SeahawkeyezSubj80 says:

    This blog is such a blast of fresh air. Everything is glass is half full type conversation (Acorn don’t fall far from the tree-Rob Staton influence). I have been glued to Seattle radio (ESPN and KJR) its glass half empty. Thank you. Go Hawks

  55. EP says:

    Jarran Reed and Naz Jones stuffing the run on early downs. Imagine a fresh Suh and Richardson charging up the middle in the fourth quarter. Maybe even have Macdowell thrown in as well. One can only dream.

  56. nichansen01 says:

    Lets finish with Richardson, Suh and Dickson.

  57. Greg Haugsven says:

    https://twitter.com/BobbyBeltTX/status/974064128984743937

    Looks like the Seahawks may have reached out to Dallas about Earl. Might not be real.

    • lil'stink says:

      If true I wonder if the main holdup is Seattle’s asking price or ET3 wanting to much $$$.

      Dallas seems to have little to no cap space, even if they cut Dez.

      • Rob Staton says:

        Currently Dallas has the smallest amount of cap room in the NFL. Less the a million bucks according to OTC.

        Clearly Seattle isn’t willing to give Earl Thomas away (and quite right too) and clearly Earl wants to be the best paid at his position (also quite right). The key is — will the Seahawks or Thomas lessen their demands enough to warrant a deal? Will the Seahawks take a R2 & R3 instead of a R1? Hard to say. But their meeting with the two young Wisconsin DB’s today shows they’re looking at that market.

      • John_s says:

        Mike Fisher, radio guy in dallas apparently has the inside scoop. The draft pick isn’t the issue, it’s the $$ Earl wants in an extension.

  58. EP says:

    Definitely got to be run game repair early in the draft. Double dip on RB. Interior Oline is a must. Some Mike/Will depth in the mid rounds. TE if Wilson goes. Late Round WR. Can definitely see Seattle shipping some of those 5th round picks to move up. I’d keep Earl and extend him if the cap allows for it.

  59. Greg Haugsven says:

    From Josina Anderson about ASJ meeting.

    https://twitter.com/JosinaAnderson

  60. DCD2 says:

    How much do we think ASJ is going to want? I read $7M/yr.

    Also, is he a decent blocker? I know he is a good receiving TE, but is he just a less expensive, younger Graham?

    • House says:

      He’s a very good/willing blocker.

      Price will clearly be factor.

      Ed Dickson is visiting Seattle as well. More than likely a much cheaper option

    • John_s says:

      Signing ASJ would cancel out a comp pick. I would rather go Ebron since he would not count towards comp pick calculations

      • drewdawg11 says:

        Ebron is basically a younger, much less effective Jimmy. Zero blocking. Not enough production.

      • DCD2 says:

        Good point on the comp pick, but I’m not much of an ebron fan. I know he doesn’t block. Rather have a TE who can block a bit personally.

        • John_s says:

          I’d draft Dissly to be the blocking TE.

        • Fairlawn says:

          Don’t we sometimes hear about the Seahawks being a team that wants to emphasize what a guy can do instead of what he can’t? I wonder what Jimmy Graham has to say about that.

          Ebron is an athletic player who came in very young and is just now reaching his mid-20s. TEs take time to develop; Ebron has flashed a little and it’s possible that he’s only just coming into his own unseen by Lions fans who can only hate him for not being OBJ. He’s not without warts or he wouldn’t be on the market but Evan Engram can’t block either. Ebron’s only a year and a half older than Engram.

          If he can be signed at a cut rate, sign him and make use of what he can do instead of what he can’t. Let Nick Vannett block.

          • 80SLargent says:

            You said it yourself talking about Jimmy Graham. Graham is a WR in a TE body, and Seattle wants/needs actual TEs. Ebron is a similar-ish player to Graham. TEs who are one dimensional like that can kind of limit and telegraph the offense, while ones who can catch AND block are major weapons. All I know is, if Seattle wants to get back to running the ball effectively, the TEs they acquire, above all else, better be able to block. Again, that prerequisite would most likely eliminate signing Ebron.

          • Rob Staton says:

            Well, they clearly felt Jimmy Graham could become a complete tight end. And he had the traits to do it. No doubt at all. It just didn’t work. If anything, the Graham example highlights their desire to focus on what a guy can do, not what he can’t.

  61. drewdawg11 says:

    The thing you get with ASJ that you don’t get with a lot of big TE’s is the seriously soft hands, underrated ability to get out of his breaks on his routes, and he’s a fairly effective blocker on the edge. He’s a good combination of skills which make him a well-rounded player.

  62. drewdawg11 says:

    Pair him with Will Dissly later in the draft and you really have an improved running game and don’t lose a ton in the passing game either.

  63. Old but Slow says:

    Been a while since I brought up David Wells, SDSU a blocking TE (good hands) who is likely a late round pick or UDFA. The only game I can find is against Fresno St in ’16. His combine was decent and he is 6’6 and 255.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwopGOsj6GM

  64. Greg Haugsven says:

    The more I look into it the more I like the <ingo signing. Here is his numbers:

    Signing Bonus is $2.2 Million and $3.2 million is guaranteed

    Year—–Base—–SB Pro—–Roster Bonus—–Cap Hit

    2018—–$1m—-$1.1m———$300k————-$2.4m
    2019—–$3m—-$1.1m———$300k————-$4.4m

    There is also potential of $3.3 million in incentives

  65. RWIII says:

    Folks: Cliff Avril still has not been released. Everyone says Avail is going to be released but so far he has not been cut. Why hasn’t Avril been cut. After all the Hawks wanted to give Sherman a chance to find another team. So why hasn’t Avril been cut. He might miss out on a big payday. I just curious why he still has not been released.

    • House says:

      He may not ever be able to play again. He also has little dead money tied to him. Avril and Sherman are completely different situations.

    • GerryG says:

      If Avril is healthy enough to play, they most likely want him. His cap hit is totally reasonable.

  66. […] If the Seahawks make any new signings I’ll update this post with some notes. If you missed it yesterday don’t forget to check out our piece on a trio of Wisconsin defenders and some thoughts on Seattle’s addition of Barkevious Mingo. […]