The Seattle Seahawks have been high on pass rusher Alton Robinson since taking the former Syracuse standout in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL draft. Robinson has yet to display enough consistent production to be considered a lock to make the final 53-man roster.

Seattle’s addition of second rounder Derick Hall puts pressure on several Seahawks veterans heading into training camp. Sports Illustrated’s Corbin Smith believes Robinson and Tyreke Smith are fighting for one roster spot on the defensive line. Smith’s projections have Robinson as one of the Seahawks’ difficult roster cuts.

“…Smith and Alton Robinson will likely be vying for a single spot. Each player missed the entire 2022 season due to injury and if all other things are equal, the fact Smith has four years of club control remaining compared to one for Robinson could give him an inside track to making the team,” Smith wrote on May 24, 2023.

Seattle Seahawks Pass Rusher Alton Robinson Has 1 Season Remaining on a 4-Year, $3.6 Million Contract

Robinson has been a key part of the Seahawks defensive line rotation during his first two NFL seasons. The pass rusher appeared in 16 games (including two starts) last season notching 22 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3 quarterback hits and 1 forced fumble.

As Smith outlined, Seattle may prefer to retain Smith over Robinson given the former Ohio State defender has three seasons remaining on his deal. Robinson is heading into a contract season of his four-year, $3.6 million deal and is slated to be a free agent in 2024. The pass rusher has a $1 million salary for the upcoming season, but Seattle would take just an $87,837 dead cap hit by releasing Robinson, per Spotrac.

Heading Into the 2020 NFL Draft, Alton Robinson Was Described as a ‘Twitched-Up Edge Rusher’ Who Could Be a ‘Disruptive Factor’

Robinson’s production took a step back in 2022 compared to his rookie season where the defender notched four sacks. Seattle was hoping the team would get the Robinson closer to his 2018 production at Syracuse where the pass rusher posted 10 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and 39 tackles.

Heading into the 2020 draft, NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein saw similarities between Robinson’s game and Ravens veteran Tyus Bowser. Zierlein described Robinson as a “twitched-up edge rusher” who could be a “disruptive factor” in the NFL.

“Twitched-up edge rusher with exciting potential to become a disruptive factor in NFL backfields with a more skilled and willful approach,” Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile. “Robinson has the burst and bend to become a pass rushing problem for tackles early in his career, but his approach is too “one-trick” and needs workable counters to become less predictable.

“As a run defender, he has enough strength, but lacks consistent technique and instincts. He’s worthy of consideration as a designated rusher while he smooths out the kinks and could take a big leap forward with better skill and control.”

The Seattle Seahawks Were the 2nd-Worst NFL Team at Quarterback Pressures in 2022

The Seahawks are hoping that a revamped defensive line can be more disruptive in 2023. According to Stat Muse, the Seahawks were the second-worst NFL team at quarterback pressures last season.

Seattle made several key additions this offseason including signing Dre’Mont Jones, Jarran Reed and Mario Edwards Jr. Robinson and the returning Seahawks defensive linemen find themselves on a much more competitive position group with a limited amount of available roster spots.

The Seattle Seahawks could be forced to make some tough cuts before the start of the season, says one writer.

As the Seahawks prepare for training camp, they’ll obviously have to make some tough decisions along the way. They’ll trim their current roster — which features up to 90 players — to 53 by the start of the regular season. While most of those guys will be young players and guys you’ve never heard of, there will be some notable ones along the way.

Why Seahawks Could Consider Cutting Mario Edwards Jr.

As noted by FanSided’s Lee Vowell of the site, 12th Man Rising, one of those “cut candidates” is none other than defensive end Mario Edwards Jr.

Vowell argues that the recently signed veteran is limited and has never really impressed during his eight-season career. Furthermore, he’s a journeyman, with the Seahawks being his fifth team since entering the NFL in 2015.

“Edwards has bounced around quite a bit in his eight-year career,” writes Vowell. “Beginning this season, the Seahawks would be his fifth team. It’s not that Edwards is bad, but he is limited. He won’t chase down many quarterbacks from his defensive end position – he has a career-high of 4 sacks which came in 2020. He did have 11 quarterback hits in 2022, but that was two better than his previous high so one shouldn’t expect the same kind of production in 2023.”

As Vowell mentions in the beginning of his article, Edwards might be one of those new Seahawks players “at risk” of being released.

“The Seahawks are a bit over two months away from having to finalize their 2023 roster, but some new Seattle players might already be at risk of being released,” writes Vowell.

Seahawks Signed Mario Edwards Jr. Due to Their Struggles in Run Game

Edwards certainly enters a situation in Seattle where he can find a role. The Seahawks have made a concerted effort to revamp the defensive line after it was a clear weakness throughout the 2022 season. Seattle made such an aggressive effort in revamping the defensive line that they allowed key holdovers such as Shelby Harris, Al Woods and Quinton Jefferson to walk in free agency. Furthermore, they brought in new defensive linemen such as Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed.

The 29-year-old Edwards obviously isn’t as heralded as Jones and Reed, as both of those players are expected to jump into the starting lineup. However, there’s a reason why Edwards was signed. The former Florida State product won a national championship and was once a second-round draft pick of the Las Vegas Raiders. Dating back to his college days, he’s always been known for his ability to stop the run, as Jeoffrey Pagan of NFL.com noted in his scouting report of Edwards back in 2015.

“He’s a 3-4 defensive end or a 4-3 defensive tackle who has to make a living playing the run,” wrote Pagan. “Edwards failed to reach expectations while at Florida State and ended his career as a core defender rather than dominant force. His ‘level of ability’ is higher than his current level of play and could continue to be the case unless he finds more passion and effort from snap to snap.”

The Seahawks were atrocious when it came to stopping the run last season. They ranked near the bottom in all major categories, ranking 30th in rushing yards allowed, 27th in rushing touchdowns and 26th in yards per attempt. In other words, Edwards wasn’t signed for his pass-rushing prowess — he was signed for his ability to stop the run.

As Vowell notes, Edwards is coming off of a productive season stopping the run as a member of the Tennessee Titans.

“So Edwards is basically a decent run-stopper as a DE,” writes Vowell. “But according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), every other season since 2018 Edwards has either been good against the run or bad. He graded at a solid 72.7 in 2022 against the run, but an atrocious 47.4 stopping the run in 2021. With Seattle adding Mike Morris through the draft, Edwards might have a short stay in Seattle.”

Obviously, Edwards is no guarantee to make the roster. But if he can show off his run-stopping abilities in training camp and the preseason, there’s good reason to believe he’ll be on the 53-man roster considering the Seahawks’ flaws last season.

The Seattle Seahawks have shuffled through several prospective nose tackle throughout this offseason, and with Bryan Mone out for the foreseeable future, the team may look to bring back a familiar face.

In March, the Seahawks released defensive tackle Shelby Harris, whom they acquired via the blockbuster trade involving Russell Wilson and the Denver Broncos last offseason, as a cost-saving measure. Harris still had one year left on the $27 million contract he signed with Denver, and by releasing the veteran, the team saved nearly $9 million against the salary cap.

As the Illinois State alum remains a free agent, The Seattle Times‘ Bob Condotta addressed the possibility of Harris returning in his Mailbag column posted on Thursday, June 22. “I can’t say for certain that he is. But until he signs somewhere else, I think it remains an option.”

“The defensive line — to reiterate — is the one position that the Seahawks appear sure to try to continue to address, though at this point, probably not until right around the time training camp begins, or maybe later,” Condotta noted. “So, I think it remains an option that Harris could re-sign. But for now, I also don’t know if it will happen.”

The Seahawks, or any interested team, could likely get the veteran at a heavy discount. Bleacher Report‘s Alex Ballentine suggested the Dallas Cowboys swoop in to land Harris on a one-year $5 million deal. According to OvertheCap.com, the Seahawks have approximately $7.15 million in cap space, which is enough to re-sign Harris at a bargain price.

Seahawks Analyst Says Re-Signing Shelby Harris Would Be a “No Brainer’

GettyFormer Seahawks tackle Shelby Harris at Lumen Field on November 27, 2022.

With Harris’ release, Poona Ford’s exit for the Buffalo Bills, and Seattle parting ways with Quinton Jefferson and Al Woods, the Seahawks depth at nose tackle is a problem. SI‘s Corbin K. Smith believes “re-signing a steady stalwart like Harris to team up with a group that looks more athletic on paper seems like a no-brainer, especially with few other viable veteran options available.”

“Harris stood out as one of the few bright spots for a disappointing defensive front last season. In his element playing in a Vic Fangio-style 3-4 scheme, he produced 44 tackles, two sacks, and four swatted passes,” Corbin wrote. Harris earned a 73.2 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for the 2022 NFL season.

“Though Harris doesn’t have the prototypical nose tackle size of a Woods or Mone, he has played well when asked to cover the A-gap or line up head up on the center throughout his career,” Corbin continued. “Even in a rotational capacity, his experience, toughness, and passion for the game would set a great example for rookies such as Young and fifth-round pick Mike Morris, who Seattle plans to move inside full-time after playing off the edge at Michigan.

“Set to turn 32 years old in August, the veteran still checks off both those boxes regardless of alignment while offering pass rushing value rotating with [Dre’Mont] Jones, Jarran Reed, Myles Adams, and Morris at the 3-tech spot.”

The Seahawks Have 6 Nose Tackles on the Roster

While Mone continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered in Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers last season, the only veteran nose tackle on the roster is Adams. The Seahawks drafted Mississippi State defensive tackle Cameron Young in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and signed undrafted free agents Robert Cooper (FSU), Jonah Tavai (San Diego State), along with former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Austin Faolui, per SB Nation.

The Seahawks also signed LaTrell Bumphus and Forrest Merrill, but released them both earlier this month. After being waived in May, the Seahawks re-signed UCLA undrafted defensive tackle Jacob Sykes on June 5.

At least on paper, the incoming crop of defensive rookies is loaded.

Despite the NFL tilting further in favor of the offense than ever before, there were 16 defensive players chosen in the first round to only 15 offensive prospects, headlined by EDGE Will Anderson and cornerback Devon Witherspoon both coming off the board in the top-five picks.

This spring featured one of the deeper cornerback classes in recent memory, and there should be at least a handful of immediate starters emerging from the first round alone.

So, which defensive rookies have the best chance of becoming immediate stars this fall? Here’s a prediction, with insight from NFL scouts and executives mixed in:

5. Joey Porter Jr., CB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Joey Porter Jr. follows his legendary father’s footsteps into a starting role in the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ defense, carrying an extra large chip on his shoulder from sliding out of the first round to No. 32 overall. That’s likely bad news for the rest of the NFL.

One of the longest cornerbacks in this year’s class, Porter’s 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame give him the ability to neutralize opposing receivers and caused opposing quarterbacks to shy away from targeting him last season.

“He’s going to be really good covering smaller receivers,” an AFC scout told Heavy. “He’s long, a really good athlete, and tough. The fact that he’s a Steeler seems to mean something extra to him, too.”

Porter Jr.’s massive wingspan helped him hold opposing receivers to just 143 total yards last season, according to Pro Football Focus, and opposing quarterbacks to a pedestrian 63.6 passer rating when targeting him. The Steelers have an instant starter and high-impact cornerback to continue building around, in Porter Jr.

4. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle Seahawks

There might not be a cornerback with better ball skills in this year’s class than Devon Witherspoon, and he’ll walk right into a starting role in the Seattle Seahawks‘ secondary.

“Devon’s competitive as hell,” an NFC executive told Heavy. “And tough as they come. It’s like he was built to play for the Seahawks.”

According to Pro Football Focus, Witherspoon only allowed 22 receptions on 60 targets last season, surrendering just 3.3 yards per target with 14 pass breakups and three interceptions.

Seattle might not yet have its next incarnation of the “Legion of Boom,” but there’s a good chance that Witherspoon Island is about to pop up in the Emerald City thanks in large part to Witherspoon’s competitiveness and range on the outside.

3. Deonte Banks, CB, New York Giants

New York Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale couldn’t contain his excitement that Banks would be the team’s selection as general manager Joe Schoen phoned in the No. 24 overall pick. It’s easy to see why.

While Banks had just one interception in 2022, opposing quarterbacks posted a mere 71.4 passer rating when targeting handsy 6-foot and 200-pound cornerback. Banks’ speed and versatility give him the potential to make an instant impact, and a worthy counter-punch to the NFC East’s bounty of elite receivers.

Banks’ presence on the perimeter affords Martindale a little more freedom to do what he loves most, and what his defense is built on; blitzing. New York has a long way to go in terms of building out a secondary, but Banks has the frame and athleticism to be a cornerstone.

2. Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles

General manager Howie Roseman once again managed to marry value with elite talent and need for the Philadelphia Eagles, stopping the slide of arguably the most dominant defensive player in this year’s class at No. 9 overall.

There likely won’t be much easing Carter into the Eagles’ rotation, following the departures of Ndamukong Suh and Javon Hargrave from a line that powered a run to the Super Bowl last season.

“From a talent standpoint, Jalen is a perfect fit for what the Eagles do up front,” an AFC South Scouting Director told Heavy.

Not only will Carter take up all kinds of space in the run game alongside Fletcher Cox, but his 16.3 pass-rush win rate last season at the University of Georgia gives him the potential to round out one of the more disruptive interior pass-rush duos in the league.

1. Will Anderson, EDGE, Houston Texans

The Texans are seemingly all in on importing the San Francisco 49ers‘ defense to Houston, and handed new head coach DeMeco Ryans a cornerstone to build around in EDGE rusher Will Anderson.

During his time in Tuscaloosa, Anderson was nearly unblockable. The explosive 6-foot-3 and 253-pound defensive lineman posted a stellar 20.4 pass-rush win rate in 2022, along with 14 sacks and 51 pressures. As a three-year starter, Anderson logged 207 pressures, underscoring just how disruptive he can be, while going up against some of the nation’s premier offensive tackles in the SEC.

Houston has a long way to go in terms of building out its front-seven, but Anderson is going to be the kind of player who wreaks havoc on opposing backfields, while potentially drawing double teams to create opportunities for the players around him, as well.

If there is one area for the Seattle Seahawks to address ahead of training camp, it is improving the team’s pass rush. The good news is there are several veteran free agents who remain available. One name to watch is three-time Pro Bowler Melvin Ingram.

The defender notched six sacks, 22 tackles, 10 quarterbacks hits, 7 tackles for loss and two fumble recoveries during 17 appearances last season for the Dolphins. After nine seasons with the Chargers, Ingram played for the Chiefs and Steelers in 2021 before joining Miami last offseason.

Seattle could likely sign Ingram to a bit of a bargain contract. During the peak of his career, Ingram signed a four-year, $64 million contract with the Chargers in 2017. Since then, Ingram inked a series of one-year, $4 million deals with the Steelers and Dolphins.

According to Spotrac, the Seahawks have a projected $8.6 million in remaining cap space. This is enough for Seattle to sign Ingram and potentially make another addition heading into training camp. In addition to Ingram, some of the available free agent pass rushers include Yannick Ngakoue, Jadeveon Clowney and Justin Houston.

Revisiting the Seahawks’ Moves on the Defensive Line During the 2023 Offseason

Ingram could be a solid rotational pass rusher for the Seahawks despite being 34 years old. Seattle opted not to select one of the top pass rushers in the first round by taking cornerback Devon Witherspoon and wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Seahawks addressed the position in the second round by selecting former Auburn standout Derick Hall with the No. 37 overall pick.

Seattle also landed former Michigan defensive end Mike Morris in the fifth round. The Seahawks focused on the interior of the defensive line in free agency with their big offseason signing being Dre’mont Jones. The former Broncos pass rusher has flexibility to play inside and outside.

The Seahawks also re-signed Jarran Reed after brief stints with the Chiefs and Packers. Seattle did not make a major move addressing the outside of their defensive line but signed former second-round pick Mario Edwards Jr.

Pete Carroll on Seahawks Corners: ‘This Is as Competitive as We’ve Been in a Long Time’

Seattle is hoping that by improving the team’s secondary the defensive line will also be more impactful in 2023. Witherspoon and Tariq Woolen are the projected starting corners, but Michael Jackson, Coby Bryant and Tre Brown are also fighting for snaps. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll believes this could be the strongest secondary unit the team has had during his tenure.

“That’s [cornerbacks] a good group,” Carroll told reporters on June 8. “Coby’s got stuff to do for us, too. So, it’s going to be a real battle in camp and I hope everybody stays healthy, so they can put their best foot forward and all that.

“But this is as competitive as we’ve been in a long time, and we expect to call on those guys. They’re going to be covering people. They’re going to be working hard. They’re going to be in match-ups and all the press stuff that we work so hard at and all that.”

The Seattle Seahawks could move on from a former first-round draft pick, according to an analyst.

Linebacker Devin Bush, whom the Seahawks signed in March, should be considered a “cut candidate” heading into training camp in July, according to FanSided’s Lee Vowell. Bush signed a one-year deal worth roughly $3.5 million, according to multiple reports. He would have a dead cap value of $2.9 million if cut.

“Why would Seattle possibly release Bush when he is one of the very few experienced inside linebackers the Seahawks have? There are potentially several reasons,” Vowell wrote in a story published June 17. “One of the biggest reasons is that Bush isn’t exactly a Pro Bowler, and wouldn’t have been welcomed back by the Pittsburgh Steelers because Bush just hasn’t been good in a couple of years.”

Why the Seahawks Could Release Devin Bush

According to Pro Football Focus, Bush posted just a 58.8 defensive grade last season. That grade is in line with what he’s produced over his career — a 59.7 defensive grade during the 2020 season and a 62.9 grade during his rookie campaign in 2019. And it was a major improvement over his 2021 defensive grade of 34.4, which was one of the worst in the NFL.

At one point in time, Bush, who turns 25 in July, was expected to have a bright future. He posted a team-leading 109 tackles during his rookie season and was voted third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.

He then tore his ACL in 2020 and missed all but five games. He returned in 2021 to start 28 games over the next two seasons but “has taken plenty of criticism for his obvious lack of maturity” and “tone-deaf attitude,” according to a December 2021 USA Today story, which also cited the “impossible expectations” put before Bush.

Why the Seahawks Likely Won’t Release Devin Bush

However, what also makes Bush valuable to the Seahawks — despite his lackluster play — is Jordyn Brooks’ recovery from a torn ACL suffered at the end of the regular season last year. Brooks posted a team-leading 161 tackles and the hope is that he’ll return during the season. In other words, there’s a good chance Brooks won’t be available when Seattle opens the regular season in September.

Head coach Pete Carroll provided an update on Brooks’ injury in April, saying he hoped he’d be ready for training camp.

“Very optimistic on their sides [Brooks and Jamal Adams] and they’re really thinking they’re going to make it so we’re holding good thoughts,” Carroll said. “There’s some optimism that it could happen. We’ll be conservative through that timeframe to make sure that we don’t screw it up by hurrying them along. I’m wide open to they think they can do it, let’s see what happens.”

If Brooks isn’t ready to play, Bush will be the next man up as the projected starting inside linebacker alongside Bobby Wagner.

Vowell outlined some of Bush’s strengths and how he can impact an impact in his first season with Seattle.

“Maybe Bush was just a bad fit in Pittsburgh and the Seahawks won’t be asking him to attack quarterbacks on blitzes like the Steelers love to do,” Vowell wrote. “Having Bush simply take down running backs and do decently in coverage would make Pete Carroll happy.”

However, he warned against some of his weaknesses, which included his lack of ability in pass coverage.

“Bush isn’t good in coverage so this basically makes him a stop-the-run-only linebacker,” Vowell wrote. “Seattle has depth with Jon Rhattigan and Rhattigan, though still needing more reps to get accustomed to playing every down, could be just as efficient stopping the run as Bush.”

Although Bush may be lacking in several areas, the Seahawks likely have to tolerate it before Brooks returns to the lineup.

Who will follow in the footsteps of Christian Watson, Kenneth Walker Jr., Garrett Wilson, and Brock Purdy as the offensive players who made their presence felt out of the chute and had a significant impact on their team’s season?

Here’s a look at the five offensive rookies who have a legitimate chance to make a significant impact on their teams during the 2023 season.

5. Zay Flowers, WR, Baltimore Ravens

There might not be a rookie receiver who fell into a better position than Zay Flowers with the Baltimore Ravens.

Flowers is a prototypical field-stretcher with 4.2 40-yard dash speed, and he lands in an offense where he’ll be on the receiving end of passes from Lamar Jackson and surrounded by playmakers Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman who will command plenty of attention from opposing defenses.

If Baltimore becomes an offense that pushes the ball vertically downfield, and Jackson continues to make the strides as a passer he showed prior to getting injured last season, Zay stands to be the biggest beneficiary.

4. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions

The Lions are so all-in on Jahmyr Gibbs, that Detroit flipped D’Andre Swift to the Philadelphia Eagles in a draft weekend trade.

It’s Gibbs’ show in the Motor City, after averaging 6.1 Yards per Carry last season at Alabama and finishing sixth among running backs with a 1.83 Yards per Route run in the receiving game.

“He’s fast, elusive, instinctive, and can break off a big run at any time,” an NFC scouting director told Heavy. “He’s not overly powerful, but should complement David Montgomery very well in that backfield.”

Gibbs’ burst gives him the chance to be a slasher both on zone runs and getting to the outside, while his versatility as a receiver out of the backfield could create new layers to the Detroit Lions‘ offense.

3. Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young hasn’t wasted any time making an impact.

Before training camp even gets underway this summer, Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich has already named Bryce Young the team’s starting quarterback, after choosing him with the No. 1 overall pick in April’s 2023 draft.

Young represents Reich’s first chance to develop a young quarterback since playing a hand in turning Carson Wentz into an MVP candidate in his second NFL season, and the Panthers have done their part to set the Alabama product up for immediate success after adding Adam Thielen, Miles Sanders, and reliable tight end Hayden Hurst to his arsenal. Young has the opportunity to provide much-needed stability in Carolina, which would be a big upgrade at quarterback.

2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Seattle Seahawks

It might be easy for Jaxon Smith-Njigba to get lost in a Seattle Seahawks receiving corps that includes D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, but that would certainly be a mistake for opposing defensive backs.

Smith-Njigba is one of the more athletically gifted receiver prospects to enter the draft in recent years.

“He’s an exciting young player,” an NFC wide receivers coach told Heavy. “He’ll be an instant chain-mover on third down. Watching him, he’s extremely quick, plus he has all the natural instincts and ball skills that will allow him to be great early on.”

He was also ridiculously productive last season at Ohio State. During the 2021 campaign, Smith-Njigba averaged 16.8 Yards per Catch, while pulling down 95 of 112 targets for 1,595 yards and 9 touchdowns.

“Jaxon’s going to be a great fit with Lockett and Metcalf,” the coach explained. “They’re going to help him get up to speed quickly. I think he’s going to have a great rookie year.”

Seattle just might have the most complete receiving corps in the league, and Smith-Njigba has the chance to be an immediate playmaker in it.

1. Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Bijan Robinson is a silky smooth but ridiculously explosive runner, who now becomes potentially the focal point of the Atlanta Falcons‘ offense.

Not only did Robinson lead the nation in forced missed tackles, with 104, but 1,071 of his 1,575 rushing yards in 2022 came after contact, demonstrating just how equally elusive, explosive, and difficult he is to bring down. But, that’s not all, Robinson also logged 21 explosive runs of 10 yards or more.

“All the people criticizing the Falcons taking Bijan Robinson will be eating crow,” an AFC scout told Heavy during the NFL draft. “Bijan’s the closest thing I’ve seen to Marshall Faulk.”

Atlanta has quietly built an exciting young supporting cast around quarterback Desmond Ridder, but Robinson not only has the most upside but might play the biggest role in 2023 of any of the young weapons in the Falcons’ offense.

In the modern NFL, it seems the key to success rests on having an explosive offense.

The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs were two of the more prolific offenses in the league in 2022, and they met in the Super Bowl.

So, too, were the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams the prior year, along with the Chiefs and Buffalo Bills who squared off for the Lamar Hunt Trophy in January 2022.

There’s little reason to doubt that having an explosive offense won’t be integral to playing for the Lombardi come February 2024.

Here’s a look at which offenses have the chance to be the top-10 most explosive in the NFL during the 2023 season:

1) Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles return the MVP runner-up, Jalen Hurts, and prolific weapons such as wide receivers A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith, along with dynamic pass-catching tight end Dallas Goedert. Not only does Philadelphia return loads of star power on offense, but the Eagles also added a pair of versatile running backs in D’Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny to an already explosive offense over the offseason.

Last season, the Eagles finished second in points per game, while producing 107 explosive passing plays with 44 explosive runs, and that’s with Hurts missing two games due to a shoulder injury.

Given the combination of Hurts’, and his continued improvement as his career has progressed, an electrifying supporting cast, and arguably the game’s most dominant offensive line, the Eagles’ offense has all the ingredients to launch a historic 2023 season.

2) Miami Dolphins

Few things are more dangerous in the NFL than speed, and the Dolphins have it all over the place on offense.

Last season, only the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills had a higher Yards per Play average than the Dolphins’ 6.0.

Meanwhile, with Tyreek Hill entering his second season in head coach Mike McDaniel’s scheme, and Jaylen Waddle his third NFL season, there might not be a more dynamic receiving duo in the league this fall.

Perhaps the only thing that held the Dolphins’ offense in check last season was quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s battle with multiple concussions that cost him four games in 2022. If Tagovailoa can stay healthy, the Dolphins have all the pieces to be one of the more difficult offenses to defend in the entire league.

3) Kansas City Chiefs

The 2022 season, and the departure of Tyreek Hill, were proof positive that so long as Patrick Mahomes is the Chiefs’ quarterback, Kansas City’s offense is going to be among the most explosive in the sport.

For Mahomes and Co. this season, the question will become whether the offense can build on a campaign that saw the Chiefs lead the league in scoring and Yards per Play, or if the rest of the league can find some way to neutralize the likes of receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling?

It would be a fool’s errand to bet against the Chiefs, especially as running back Isiah Pacheco enters his second season, and general manager Brett Veach sunk significant resources into beefing up the offensive line in front of Mahomes.

4) Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow remains one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the NFL today, boasting a balanced and deeply explosive supporting cast, and the Bengals went out and added elite offensive tackle Orlando Brown and consistent pass-catching tight end Irv Smith. Cincinnati isn’t going anywhere.

While the Bengals were only middle of the pack in total explosive plays in 2022, only seven teams averaged more than Cincinnati’s 26.1 points per game, and Ja’Marr Chase’s ability to both take the top off a defense as well as turn a routine screen play into a double-digit gain are the hallmark of this offense.

Burrow is still ascending. Each year that Burrow and Chase get to play together it seems this duo becomes more prolific. That’s bad news for the rest of the league.

5) Buffalo Bills

A crucial key to making the upper echelon of this list is boasting a prolific quarterback-receiver duo, and the combination of Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs remains one of the game’s most explosive.

Buffalo finished the 2022 campaign second in Yards Per Play Average, second in scoring, and Allen led the seventh-most prolific passing offense in the NFL, averaging 258.1 yards per game. Diggs was a critical factor in the Bills’ offensive success, averaging 13.2 Yards per Catch, and 3.9 Yards After the Catch per reception, with Allen posting a nearly perfect 124.3 passer rating on his 149 targets.

The problem for the Bills, at least down the stretch, has been this offense tends to devolve into boom-or-bust territory, and in order to take the next step toward winning a championship, more depth of explosiveness and consistency will be key.

6) Seattle Seahawks

Few teams have done a better job of collecting dynamic talent at the wide receiver position in recent years than the Seahawks, and if Geno Smith is able to build on a stellar 2022 campaign, this is going to be a team to watch in 2023.

Seattle has clearly prioritized explosiveness at receiver, selecting dynamic former Ohio State Buckeye Jaxon Smith-Jjigba in the first round of April’s draft, after already boasting Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. The pair of Seattle veterans combined for 2,081 yards with 15 touchdowns last season. Throw in Kenneth Walker dashing to a 1,050-yard and 9-touchdown campaign, and this offense is nightmare fuel for opposing defensive coordinators.

7) Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys‘ season ended with a whimper in San Francisco, one of the more bizarre play designs you’ll ever see, on the final play of the NFC Divisional Playoff Game. But, thanks to some marquee additions, Dallas aims to light up the scoreboard and dictate to opposing defenses in 2023.

Dallas stole Brandin Cooks for a song (a fifth-round pick, in a trade with the Houston Texans), and the savvy speedster could be an ideal complement to CeeDee Lamb the Cowboys lacked last season. Meanwhile, Tony Pollard taking on an expanded role in the backfield alongside reliable veteran Ronald Jones should create opportunities for more explosive runs.

Last season, Pollard had 31 explosive runs. If he can return to form following a fractured fibula, it will give the Cowboys’ offense a major boost.

8) New York Jets

On paper, the Jets have all the trappings of an offense that could emerge as one of the league’s most explosive; Aaron Rodgers’ arrival at quarterback, Garrett Wilson blossoming in his second NFL season, Breece Hall returning from a torn ACL … But, some inside the league are skeptical that this team is ready to take flight.

“Are we wholly sure the Jets will be that explosive,” an AFC South Scout told Heavy. “Aaron isn’t known for taking risks downfield, which is where the explosive plays come from, and Hall is coming off an ACL. Aaron may be the most risk-averse great quarterback out there.”

To the scout’s point, Rodgers finished 2022 ranked 18th in the NFL in Air Yards per Attempt, averaging just 3.9, and it remains to be seen if Hall can return to his dynamic form immediately post-injury. The Jets will undoubtedly be better, might compete for a playoff berth — or more, but it remains to be seen if the hype around this offense being more explosive is merited.

9) Los Angeles Chargers

Will this be the season, with Kellen Moore arriving as offensive coordinator, that Justin Herbert leads the Chargers on a charge to the upper echelon of the AFC?

Los Angeles certainly has the weapons; first-round pick Quentin Johnston rounds out an embarrassment of riches at receiver, alongside Mike Williams (14.2 Yards per Reception) and Keenan Allen (11.8 Yards per reception), with touchdown-maker Austin Ekeler in the backfield.

Giving Herbert, and his mammoth arm, more weapons is a sound strategy. Versatility in target share should help this offense light up the scoreboard in 2023.

10) Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens took care of Lamar Jackson this offseason, and not just by making him the highest-paid quarterback in league history.

Baltimore made a big splash by signing veteran field-stretcher Odell Beckham Jr. and also drafted speedster Zay Flowers, who averaged 15.3 Yards per Reception over the course of his collegiate career at Boston College. While Mark Andrews remains, as a prolific red-zone weapon and security blanket over the middle for Jackson, added speed on the perimeter should allow Jackson to take advantage of the deep ball more often in 2023.

The Seattle Seahawks had a busy offseason, but questions still remain about the team’s defensive line heading into 2023. During the June 15, 2023, episode of Seattle Sports’ “Brock and Salk,” Brock Huard and Mike Salk discussed the idea of Los Angeles Rams star defender Aaron Donald as a potential trade target for the Seahawks.

“Would you trade the farm – and it’s gotta be at least a couple of picks – for an aging (32) Aaron Donald, knowing that he’s not going to be around long-term, he does have some injury concerns at this stage of his career, but that he is the best defensive lineman out there and could be the difference between, I don’t know, two wins?” Salk asked. “He’s a huge difference-maker. Would you trade the farm right now for Aaron Donald?”

There Is Little Chance the LA Rams Are Willing to Trade Aaron Donald to NFC West Rival Seattle Seahawks

The cohosts agreed that the chances of the Seahawks trading for Donald were low for two key reasons; namely, there is no sign the Rams are exploring trades for Donald despite last season’s struggles. During the June 7 episode of the Rams docu-series “Behind the Grind,” LA general manager Les Snead said he discussed building a young defensive line around Donald and said Donald was on board with the plan. Even if the Rams were open to trading Donald, there is little chance Los Angeles would be willing to deal him inside the division.

Donald still has two seasons remaining on a three-year, $95 million contract and is slated to have a $13.5 million base salary in 2023. The defensive tackle already has one of the most impressive resumes in NFL history. Donald has made the Pro Bowl in all nine of his NFL seasons and just snapped a streak of seven straight All-Pro nominations.

The star also broke a streak of five straight years recording double-digit sacks, a rarity for a defender who plays primarily on the inside of the defensive line. Donald notched 49 tackles, 11 quarterback hits, 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and 1 forced fumble during 11 starts in 2022.

The Seattle Seahawks Would Need to Cut Jamal Adams to Land Aaron Donald, Says Brock Huard

Under the circumstances where Donald would become available, Huard emphasized that the Seahawks would have to make significant roster changes, including releasing Jamal Adams. The star safety still has three seasons remaining on a massive four-year, $70.5 million contract. According to Spotrac, Seattle currently has an estimated $8.6 million in cap space.

“Can you take on some cash? Can you eat some of their cap?” Huard noted. “You probably have to cut Jamal. You’d have to eat [Adams’] dead cap. And you’d probably need to have to free up (even more to have) enough cap space. So again, this would be an all-in [move].”

Salk noted that he would be more than willing to release Adams if it meant landing Donald. Adams sustained a season-ending injury in Week 1 of 2022 and has little trade value given his current deal.

Seahawks Rumors: Would Seattle Be Willing to Give Up Significant Draft Capital for 32-Year-Old Aaron Donald?

The Dolphins were able to pry away cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Rams this offseason for a third-round pick. Seattle would likely need to give up significantly more future draft capital to land Donald. Despite Donald being 32 years old, Salk made an argument for the Seahawks making the move if the rare opportunity ever presented itself.

“It’s right at that point where he could absolutely be going downhill, or there have been a bunch of pass-rushers and defensive lineman-type guys who’ve had a lot of success in those early- to mid-30 years, Brock, where you go, ‘Geez, I could kind of see it,’” Salk remarked. “When I first heard it, my instant reaction was flat no.

“I’m kind of coming around on the idea a little bit … Where else are you going to find yourself a defensive lineman? Look, at the end of the day, the Seahawks have a gigantic need at this position. He’s not the [traditional] nose tackle that they need, but God, don’t you find a way to make it work if it’s Aaron Donald?”

Despite the team’s salary cap issues, there was hope Seattle Seahawks manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll would move some money around and figure out a way to re-sign Poona Ford. However, the defensive tackle moved on to sign a contract with the Buffalo Bills in May.

The news was a tough blow for the Seahawks, as the 5-foot-11, 310-pound tackle was a fan-favorite in Seattle, and Carroll told reporters on April 29 that he’d “love” to get Ford back.

While Ford has kept his head down since landing in Buffalo, he opened up about why he chose to sign with the Bills during his first press conference in Orchard Park on Wednesday, June 14, and it had nothing to do with money.

“The scheme on defense is really what made me come here,” he said, per The Buffalo News.

Last season, the Seahawks shifted from a 3-4 defense and his participation dropped to 642 snaps, during which he earned an overall grade of 56.2 from Pro Football Focus. While he recorded a career-high three sacks, Ford tallied just 35 total tackles.

In 2021, playing a 3-4 defensive front, which is what the Bills employ, Ford participated in 793 total snaps, earning an overall grade of 73.0. He tallied 53 total tackles and two sacks.

Carroll admitted following the conclusion of the 2022 NFL season that he misused Ford. “He likes Ford over the center at nose tackle,” Carroll said, as tweeted by The News Tribune‘s Gregg Bell. “They played him more outside as 3-technique and even 5-tech. ‘I think we wore him down.'”

Poona Ford Said, ‘Money Isn’t Everything’

The Seahawks’ cash flow problem is why they headed into the 2023 NFL Draft with just 52 players on the roster and explained the franchise’s decision to sign over 25 undrafted free agents to fill out their 90-man roster before OTAs. It was also believed to be the reason Seattle couldn’t keep Ford.

However, Ford took a major pay cut to join Buffalo. “It really wasn’t hard, to be honest,” Ford told WUFO‘s Muki Hawkins. “Money is good but money isn’t everything.”

While Spotrac.com predicted Ford’s market value giving him a three-year, $27.8 million contract, he signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Bills.

The 12s strongly reacted to Ford’s contract details on Twitter, as they couldn’t believe the Seahawks weren’t able to find a way to keep the veteran at that price. However, based on Ford’s comments, it seems that it wouldn’t have mattered if the Seahawks matched the Bills’ offer, and he has no regrets. “I’m picking it up pretty good,” Ford said of learning the new playbook. “I know I’m going to have an opportunity to play all three downs. That excites me, especially the chance to get some third-down reps.”

“When I first walked in, everybody just be kicking it,” he added. “They hang out together, go eat together. They do everything (together). As far as the vibes, you can feel it in the locker room. We’ve got a chance to be something special.”

Poona Ford Said His ‘Best Football’ Is Still Ahead

The Seahawks may regret letting Ford go, which is what the former undrafted player out of Texas wants. “I try to come in here every day, be focused on working on my craft and trying to go to the next level as far as my play goes,” Ford said.

“I’m still trying to improve. I honestly feel like I haven’t played my best football yet. With [head] coach (Sean) McDermott and the way that coach [Eric] Washington coaches, I feel like he’s good at bringing the best out of everybody.”

McDermott already likes what he sees. Ford’s “a powerful player that’s played in the league and had a good run in Seattle,” McDermott said. “We’re grateful to have him here, and he’s off to a good start and learning our defense and how we play.”

The Seattle Seahawks could make a surprising decision this offseason, according to one analyst.

As FanSided’s Nick Villano suggests, Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs should be considered the team’s “most surprising” cut candidate. Villano argues that Diggs’ underwhelming play combined with his recent injuries could lead to the veteran being cut by Seattle.

“Diggs has been dealing with injuries for the past few offseasons, with a major ankle injury impacting his offseason program in 2022,” writes Villano. “It’s not all Diggs’ fault that his play dropped like it did. We mentioned the injuries, but he’s tried to do a major lift for the secondary since Jamal Adams has missed basically a season and a half. Adams signed this big contract to be the man for Seattle, and he has not lived up to it at all. He’s going down as one of the worst trades in recent memory.”

Quandre Diggs Could Be Impacted by Julian Love Signing

Diggs is currently in the midst of a three-year, $39 million contract he signed prior to the 2022 season. He has two years left on his deal and is due to earn $13.5 million in base salary this season and $10.5 million in base salary for the 2024 season. Diggs is actually the second-highest paid player on the Seahawks’ roster.

The 30-year-old Diggs actually played a full healthy season in 2022, starting all 17 games while posting four interceptions. Although he did suffer a serious dislocated ankle and broken fibula injury at the conclusion of the 2021 season, he hasn’t missed a single game over the past three years.

Despite Diggs’ healthy 2022 season, Villano argues that the signing of former New York Giants safety Julian Love combined with Seattle’s difficulty in moving on from safety Jamal Adams as reasons for why Diggs is expendable.

“Diggs might have been saved by Ryan Neal signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but this is a ‘surprise’ cut list,” writes Villano. “This is a player that needs a strong training camp to keep his role secured. The Seahawks signed former Giants safety Julian Love this offseason, and he could very much steal the starting role from Diggs from Adams.”

Why the Seahawks Releasing Quandre Diggs Makes Little Sense

The problem with this prediction is that moving on from Diggs makes about as little sense as it does when it comes to moving on from Adams from a dead cap standpoint. In fact, if the Seahawks release Diggs this offseason, it’ll cost them $21.7 million in dead cap money. If they decide to release Adams this offseason, it’ll result in a dead cap hit of just $14.2 million.

Furthermore, Diggs actually played well last season following his return from a serious injury, posting a 73.4 defensive grade, according to Pro Football Focus. It is the second-highest grade of his eight-year career.

Considering it is Adams — not Diggs — who is coming off of a serious torn quad tendon that ended his season after just one game played last year, it would make more sense for the Seahawks to move on from the former rather than the latter.

The Seattle Seahawks could be a logical destination for a former top draft pick, according to one analyst.

Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young has been at the center of trade rumors as of late due to the Commanders declining the fifth-year option on his rookie contract. That means the 24-year-old will enter the final year of his deal during the 2023 season.

As Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported on June 6, that means the Commanders could be open to trade offers for Young.

Why Seahawks Make Sense for Chase Young

According to CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, the Seahawks should be considered one of the “logical suitors” for the former Pro Bowl defensive end. In fact, Benjamin ranks Seattle third among seven teams who should be considered a logical destination for the former No. 2 overall draft pick.

“Pete Carroll deploys more of a hybrid 3-4 defense, which would present foreign scenery to Young, but Seattle has been all about upgrading the defensive front this offseason, bringing in Dre’Mont Jones and reuniting with Jarran Reed,” writes Benjamin. “With hopes of a second straight playoff bid, they could justify another low-risk, high-reward swing in the trenches.”

Although Young hasn’t lived up to his billing as a former No. 2 draft pick, he has shown flashes of potential. During his rookie season, Young clinched a Pro Bowl berth after posting 44 tackles, 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.

According to Pro Football Focus, Young posted an 87.2 defensive grade during the 2020 season. Among starting edge rushers, Young ranked sixth in defensive grade that season. While Young’s played has remained solid over the past two seasons — he posted a 75.1 defensive grade during the 2021 season and a 78.4 defensive grade during the 2022 season — injuries have prevented Young from making a full impact.

Young has been limited to just 12 games over the past two seasons due a torn ACL suffered during the 2021 season.

Why the Commanders Could Consider Trade for Chase Young

While Young clearly has potential to one day emerge as an elite pass rusher, the Commanders simply might prefer to trade him rather than pay him after major deals for defensive linemen Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen.

“It’s not that Young, 24, lacks potential as an imposing edge presence, even after back-to-back injury-shortened seasons,” writes Benjamin. “But with fellow defensive linemen Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen already under contract for top dollar, and fellow pass rusher Montez Sweat due for an extension of his own, the Commanders might rather auction Young than lose him to the open market in 2024.”

One of the Seahawks’ focal points this offseason has been addressing the weakness of their defensive line. Although Seattle clinched a playoff berth last season, they did so behind a porous defensive line.

The Seahawks ranked 30th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed, 27th in rushing touchdowns and 26th in rush yards per attempt last season. It’s no surprise that they went through a complete overhaul of their line, signing Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed while allowing key starters and rotation players such as Shelby Harris, Al Woods and Quinton Jefferson to walk in free agency.

If the Seahawks really want to take a leap from a fringe playoff contender into a potential Super Bowl squad, acquiring Young could be the difference.

Seattle Seahawks star receiver DK Metcalf is making some changes from last season as the wideout believes he was too much of a vocal leader. Metcalf plans to lead by example in 2023 admitting he “overstepped some boundaries.”

“It [did] not affect the relationships in the locker room, but I overstepped some boundaries,” Metcalf told reporters on June 7, 2023. “Where if I was just going to lead by example, those boundaries would never touch.”

Metcalf plans to rely on Geno Smith to be the team’s vocal leader while the receiver wants to lead by example. The star wideout admitted that the departures of Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner last offseason prompted him to take on an uncomfortable role.

“When you lose guys like Bobby and Russ, you try to force yourself into roles that you think that you can fulfill,” Metcalf explained. “And that just wasn’t my role, that’s Geno’s role to be a vocal leader. He’s a quarterback. He’s the one calling the plays. He’s the one saying ‘hut’ and last year it was Quandre [Diggs] and Al [Woods].

“And me fitting into my role of just bringing up a young guy and showing them what it takes to be a professional. Just things that I learned from guys like Bobby and Russ instead of just vocally saying it, just doing it myself and if they want to do it along with me they can. If not, they can find their way.”

DK Metcalf on Seahawks Receiver Dee Eskridge: ‘From Last Year to Now, I Think He’s a Totally Different Player’

The Seahawks drafted Ohio State standout Jaxon Smith-Njigba with the No. 20 pick with the expectation that he could fulfill the third receiver role alongside Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Metcalf is not ready to discount the impact Dee Eskridge can make this upcoming season praising his performance this offseason and admitting he is even learning things from the wideout.

“From last year to now, I think he’s a totally different player,” Metcalf said of Eskridge. “He’s been explosive off the line of scrimmage, catching everything, knows where to line up. He’s teaching me stuff since I haven’t been here for a couple weeks. So, he’s teaching me stuff about the offense, little details about the routes that I didn’t know before. So, he’s just locked in more than ever.”

Eskridge has struggled to make an impact after being selected in the second round of the 2021 NFL draft. The receiver has missed significant time over his first two seasons with injuries. Eskridge had just seven receptions for 58 yards in 10 appearances last season.

DK Metcalf on Seahawks Wide Receivers: ‘Nobody’s Gonna Back Down From the Competition’

As for Metcalf, the playmaker appeared to thrive with Smith at quarterback receiving 141 targets in 2022, the most of his career. Metcalf posted 90 receptions for 1,048 and six touchdowns during 17 starts in 2022. It will be interesting to see how the ball is distributed with the addition of Smith-Njigba along with the potential for Eskridge to take a step forward.

“Nobody’s gonna back down from the competition in the receiver room,” Metcalf added. “We’re all competing. We all want to see each other succeed, so that’s the one thing that’s refreshing to see in the receiver room.”

Due to salary cap restraints, the Seattle Seahawks signed over 25 undrafted free agents to fill our their 90-man roster this offseason. While a bulk of these players are mere camp bodies, a handful of these prospects have a real chance to make the team.

Following the conclusion of mandatory minicamp, Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll addressed the media and said that up to four undrafted rookies could be competing to play this fall, specifically noting how wide receiver Jackson “Jake” Bobo and linebacker Jonathan Sutherland have really impressed the coaching staff thus far.

“We rarely talk about those guys this time of year, but Jonathan did a really good job. I don’t mind saying that,” Carroll said. “I thought he did an excellent job. He and Jake Bobo were probably the guys that did the best for us. They really stood out and so we’re fortunate to get two, three, maybe four guys out of that group that might have a chance to compete to play, so that’s a big deal.”

Sutherland Is a Versatile Player Getting First-Team Defense Snaps

Sutherland, 24, spent four seasons playing safety at Penn State before switching to linebacker in 2022, during which he tallied 38 tackles, 1.5 for loss, and one sack in 13 games. The team captain also was a key player on special teams throughout his collegiate career.

The 5-foot-11, 202-pounder, who ran a 4.58 40-yard dash at Penn State’s Pro Day, per ABC 27, has been playing safety with the Seahawks, “and getting some reps with the starting defense,” as reported by The News Tribune‘s Gregg Bell.

Sports Illustrated‘s Corbin K. Smith wrote that Sutherland “has been a bit of revelation” through OTAs and minicamp, “taking advantage of opportunities created by the absence of veteran Jamal Adams, who continues to rehab from surgery to repair a torn quad tendon.”

“He has seen significant snaps working with the first-team defense, playing a similar role to the now-departed Ryan Neal as a nickel and dime sub-package defender.”

While Adams’ eventual return will hurt Sutherland’s chances of earning a post on the 53-man roster, “if he’s able to shine as a tackler on defense and special teams when the pads come on, he could give [2023 sixth-round pick Jerrick] Reed and Joey Blount a run for their money vying for a reserve role,” Smith concluded.

Sutherland, an Ottawa native who was drafted as the No. 5 overall pick in the CFL, received a glowing review from Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz. “The Seattle Seahawks are getting a guy who is versatile and can help a defense in many ways,” Diaz said, per PennLive. “His leadership was tremendous, both for our defense and special teams unit, and the way he went about his work each and every day (was) noticed by other guys in our organization.”

Jake Bobo Being an ‘Early Standout’ Is ‘Even More Surprising’

According to Smith, Bobo’s “emergence as an early standout may be even more surprising given his athletic deficiencies. Despite producing 817 yards and seven touchdowns in his lone season at UCLA after transferring from Duke, he turned in a dreadful performance at his pro day workout, running a molasses slow 4.99 40-yard dash that clocked in slower than three offensive lineman at the NFL combine.”

However, the 6-foot-5, 215-pound receiver was called “a superstar in the making” by former Super Bowl champ turned college football analyst Aaron Taylor back in October 2022, and despite his lack of speed, is clearly making an impression in Seattle.

Bobo has “a knack for finding openings in coverage, excels catching in traffic, and always seems to know where the sticks are,” Smith noted, as he turned 44 of his 57 receptions into first downs with the Bruins last season. “Even if he runs like a left guard, that’s wild efficiency as a security blanket for the quarterback.”

While the Seahawks look to have one of the scariest trio of starting receivers with DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Bobo may be able to sneak onto the roster behind Dee Eskridge.

“Jake has shown up,” Carroll said of Bobo during OTAs earlier this month, per The Athletic. “What (UCLA head coach) Chip (Kelly) talked about was he’s a great practice player. He’s done that (here). He’s been making plays. He’s got some guys that are cheerleading. The Chad Morton cheerleading crew is all over the Jake Bobo show right now. It’s been fun. He’s doing a nice job. He does make things happen.”

Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll does not sound ready to send veteran cornerback Mike Jackson to the bench quite yet despite the team using the No. 5 pick to select Illinois standout Devon Witherspoon. Carroll gushed over Jackson’s minicamp performance labeling the veteran as the best player of the practice sessions.

“We have all the flexibility we need [at cornerback],” Carroll told reporters on June 8, 2023. “Michael Jackson’s had the best camp of anybody. Came in had a great camp and he stepped up for the challenge of it. Had just a really productive, almost a dominant camp for us and so that’s great to see that. We need it.”

The widespread thought has been that Jackson will be replaced by Witherspoon. Yet, while Witherspoon will almost assuredly start opposite Pro Bowler Tariq Woolen, Jackson could snag the nickel corner position.

The Seahawks also appear open to starting Witherspoon out at the nickel spot which would leave Jackson as one of the starters outside.

Carroll’s comments come amid previous speculation that Coby Bryant would start at nickel. Bryant was sidelined during minicamp practices with a toe injury, and Jackson appeared to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Pete Carroll on Seahawks Cornerbacks: ‘This Is as Competitive as We’ve Been in a Long Time’

Woolen is recovering from offseason surgery but so far there are no indications that the star will be sidelined for the start of the upcoming season. The early signs point to Bryant and Jackson fighting to be the third corner with Seattle possessing flexibility to utilize the players in different spots. Carroll predicted a “real battle” in training camp while also praising Tre Brown indicating this could be the deepest cornerback group the franchise has had during his tenure in Seattle.

“Tre Brown did really well in this camp as well and so with the depth with Mike and Spoon and ‘Riq and Tre,” Carroll remarked. “That’s a good group. Coby’s got stuff to do for us, too. So, it’s going to be a real battle in camp and I hope everybody stays healthy, so they can put their best foot forward and all that.

“But this is as competitive as we’ve been in a long time, and we expect to call on those guys. They’re going to be covering people. They’re going to be working hard. They’re going to be in match-ups and all the press stuff that we work so hard at and all that.

“These guys are gonna bring it, and we’ll see how much we can utilize it, but it’s an area that I’m really fired up about, yeah.”

Mike Jackson Started All 17 Games for the Seahawks in 2022

Jackson is on a team-friendly one-year, $940,000 contract making him a near lock to make the roster despite some rumblings about the corner being a potential cut candidate. Pro Football Focus gave Jackson an underwhelming 60.2 grade for his play in 2022.

Jackson notched 75 tackles, 12 pass deflections, 2 fumble recoveries and an interception while starting all 17 games for the Seahawks in 2022. The pressure is on the Seahawks corners with position battles set to officially get underway in less than two months as training camp kicks off.

A former Seattle Seahawks veteran is signing with an AFC foe.

As reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz of The Score on Thursday, July 8, former Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark is signing with the Denver Broncos.

“Breaking: Free agent pass rusher Frank Clark is signing with the #Broncos, sources tell theScore,” writes Schultz. “The 3x Pro Bowler and 2x Super Bowl champ with the #Chiefs finds a new home in Denver.”

As noted by Zac Stevens of DNVR, the deal is for one year and $5.5 million guaranteed (up to $7.5 million with incentives).

Frank Clark Posted Best Numbers During Years With Seahawks

Clark more recently spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs after he was traded by the Seahawks during the 2019 offseason. Following his trade from Seattle, Clark emerged as a three-time Pro Bowler, racking up 18.5 sacks during that time frame (2019-2021).

Prior to his stint with the Chiefs, Clark posted his best statistical numbers with the Seahawks. He initially joined Seattle as a second-round draft pick back in 2015 and racked up a career-high 47 tackles to go along with 10 sacks during the 2016 season. During his final season with the Seahawks back in 2018, Clark posted a career-high 13 sacks.

While Clark has always posted decent numbers during the regular season, it’s during the playoffs where he’s made his biggest impact. During Kansas City’s Super Bowl season in 2019, Clark racked up five sacks in three games after posting just eight in 14 regular season games.

Clark also racked up three sacks in three games during the Chiefs’ 2020 postseason run after posting just six sacks during 15 regular season games.

Frank Clark’s Signing Ends Potential Seahawks ‘Reunion’

As Mike Fisher of Sports Illustrated notes, there won’t be any reunion between the Seahawks and Clark following the signing. Former NFL general manager Jeff Diamond of The 33rd Team previously considering Seattle to be a “perfect” landing spot for Clark.

“Seattle has added Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed on the defensive line in free agency and drafted Derick Hall as a second-round edge player,” Diamond writes for 33rd Team. “But Clark could play a role as the designated pass rusher from the edge. … Clark could be the player who nudges the Seahawks past the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West.”

While Diamond considered a potential reunion between Clark and Seattle to be a viable option, Fisher writes that the Seahawks’ youth movement made the potential signing of the 29-year-old Clark to be an unlikely one.

“But we made the argument before in our prediction (which turns out to be accurate) that Seattle – which swapped Clark to Kansas City during the 2019 offseason in exchange for a first-, a second- and a third-round pick, a fine treasure chest – is now committed to a youth movement to upgrade at this position, and that the shifting defensive style here may not be his best fit,” writes Fisher. So no reunion for Clark in Seattle.”

With Clark out of the picture, the Seahawks will continue to move forward with free agent signees Dre’Mont Jones, Jarran Reed and Mario Edwards Jr at defensive end.

A former Seattle Seahawks quarterback could be looking at his new home.

As noted by Mike Fisher of Sports Illustrated, the Dallas Cowboys hosted former Seahawks backup Jacob Eason for a tryout.

“Jacob Eason, the former Washington Huskies standout who once upon a time considered a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft, who last year had a cup of coffee with the Seattle Seahawks, was in DFW for a workout,” writes Fisher.

Jacob Eason Previously Served as Seahawks’ Backup QB

Outside of Eason, the Cowboys also hosted former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Bryce Perkins for a workout. If either quarterback is signed, they would compete with Will Grier — another former highly touted quarterback prospect — for the No. 3 quarterback job behind Dak Prescott and Cooper Rush.

The 25-year-old Eason has bounced around from team to team since entering the NFL as a fourth-round draft pick during the 2020 NFL Draft. The University of Washington alum spent the 2021 season as a backup to Russell Wilson and Geno Smith after he was claimed off waivers following Wilson’s hand injury.

As Fisher notes, Eason was released after competing in training camp with Smith and Drew Lock prior to the 2022 season.

“Eason, 25 and a Washington native, was part of the Seahawks quarterback competition a year ago at training camp,” writes Fisher. “But Geno Smith pulled away on his way to a revelation of a season in helping Seattle to the playoffs, and Drew Lock won the job as the No. 2 guy.”

Following his release, Eason then spent the remainder of the season on the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad and active roster and eventually ended the season on the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad.

Jacob Eason Was Previously Former Highly Touted QB Prospect

Eason has seen sporadic playing time during his career, throwing just 10 pass attempts in two appearances through three seasons. However, he was once a highly touted prospect coming out of high school. In fact, Eason was a five-star recruit coming out of Lake Stevens High School in Washington in 2016. He was considered the second-best quarterback prospect and a top-five overall prospect in the class of 2016, according to 247 Sports.

Although Eason ended his career at Washington, he originally committed to the University of Georgia, spending his first two collegiate seasons with the Bulldogs. Tyler Conway of Bleacher Report previously detailed how prolific Eason was during his high school career.

“Still, Eason’s waffling caused some concerned for Georgia,” wrote Conway in December of 2015. “Eason is 247Sports’ fourth-ranked player overall and its top-rated quarterback, just ahead of Shea Patterson, so far. A natural pocket passer with good arm strength and accuracy, Eason threw for 102 touchdowns against 18 interceptions during his high school career, including a 43-6 ratio in 2015.”

However, Eason never came close to living up to his billing in college, starting just one full season with the Bulldogs after losing his starting job to Jake Fromm. Eason then started one season with the Huskies, throwing 23 touchdowns versus eight interceptions in a solid, but unspectacular season.

Eason will look to extend his career by hopefully signing a deal before training camp and competing for a backup job.

Two-time Pro Bowler Russell Okung is quite literally not the same man he used to be as the Seattle Seahawks franchise left tackle. Okung has been providing updates on his health journey that includes losing more than 100 pounds since his playing weight topped 330. The former NFL veteran’s post below is once again going viral showing his surprising physical transformation.

The former Seahawks star started a Twitter thread detailing the process it took to drop the weight required to play NFL offensive lineman. Okung revealed that a good portion of his weight loss came from a 40-day fast where the former Pro Bowler only drank water. Just days after creating the thread about his weight loss, Okung’s post has already topped four million views.

“The journey from being a 330+ lbs @NFL football player to 100+ lbs lighter – has been unreal!” Okung detailed in a series of June 5, 2023 tweets. “A new me, a new chapter. The number one question I keep hearing is: ‘how did you do it?’

“Answer: I fasted for 40 days with nothing but water. Yes, you read right! The experience was so rich and rewarding that I’m going to do it again. Fasting isn’t just about weight loss. It’s about regeneration, healing & self-discovery. In quieting my physical hunger, I unlocked mental clarity and spiritual revelation. A total reset.”

Russell Okung Was the Seahawks First Draft Pick During the Pete Carroll-John Schneider Era

The Seahawks selected Okung with the No. 6 pick in the 2010 NFL draft and was the first pick made under Pete Carroll and John Schneider. Okung would be the Seahawks’ lone top-10 pick during this stretch until the franchise landed the Broncos’ No. 9 selection in 2022 as part of the blockbuster Russell Wilson trade.

The longtime left tackle spent his first six seasons with the Seahawks making the Pro Bowl in 2012 and was part of Seattle’s 2013 Super Bowl run. Okung started 72 games for the Seahawks before signing a five-year, $53 million deal with the Broncos during the 2016 free agency.

The star previously signed a six-year, $48.5 million contract with the Seahawks. Okung was one of the few NFL players of his era who represented himself during negotiations opting against hiring an agent.

The former offensive lineman played 11 NFL seasons starting 131 games also having stints with the Chargers and Panthers. Okung most recently played with Carolina in 2020 before retiring from football.

The Seahawks Appear to Have Found 2 New Franchise Tackles in Charles Cross & Abe Lucas

Okung was part of a strong Seahawks offensive line during the team’s back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. The Seahawks would go on to struggle to find consistency on the offensive line but may have finally solved many of the issues thanks to the 2022 draft. Seattle selected Charles Cross and Abe Lucas in the first and third rounds last offseason.

Both tackles went on to start every game during the 2023 season and appear to be the franchises’s building blocks for the unit going forward. As for Okung, the former Seattle fan favorite is encouraging others to embark on their own health journey.

“My journey hasn’t been just about shedding pounds; it’s also been about shedding old habits and old ways of thinking,” Okung added on Twitter. “Fasting opened a door to a healthier, happier me. It gave me control back.”

The Seattle Seahawks are predicted to sign a veteran standout to a big-time money deal.

According to a projection from Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger, the Seahawks are predicted to sign edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu to a three-year, $45 million contract extension (with $27 million guaranteed). Nwosu is on the verge of entering the second year of a two-year, $19 million deal he signed last offseason.

Spielberger argues that Nwosu’s banner year combined with the fact that he returns as Seattle’s top pass rusher should be enough to garner a $15 million per year deal for the former second-round draft pick.

“The Seahawks have used a second-round pick on an edge defender in three of the past four drafts, but they should still work to keep Nwosu around for the foreseeable future as one of the strengths of an otherwise developing pass-rush unit,” writes Spielberger. “The former second-round pick of the Los Angeles Chargers set career highs across the board in his first season with the team, racking up 61 quarterback pressures, 9.5 sacks and 41 defensive stops.”

Uchenna Nwosu is Seahawks’ Top Pass Rusher

Nwosu is not only coming off of a career year, he clearly established himself as the Seahawks’ top edge rusher during the 2022 season. In addition to his team-leading 9.5 sacks, Nwosu also totaled 66 tackles — tops among along team linemen — along with a team-leading 12 tackles for loss and 26 quarterback hits. He also forced three fumbles last season, sixth among all players.

According to PFF, Nwosu posted a 72.6 defensive grade last season along with a 73.7 pass-rushing grade. Nwosu posted the highest defensive grade of any Seahawks defensive lineman and the second-highest pass-rushing grade, only behind Darrell Taylor’s 73.6 pass-rushing grade.

Spielberger goes into further detail regarding Nwosu’s consistency and production, which was among the top players in the league last season.

“Nwosu joined Las Vegas Raiders star Maxx Crosby and Minnesota Vikings star Danielle Hunter as the only edge defenders across the league to rack up at least 60 quarterback pressures and 40 defensive stops, and his 12 tackles for loss or no gain were tied for the third most at the position,” says Spielberger. “While Nwosu can work to miss fewer tackle opportunities, he more than proved in 2022 that he is a capable every-down player.”

Uchenna Nwosu’s Contract Projection is Similar to Haason Reddick’s Deal

According to OverTheCap, Nwosu’s contract valuation — based upon his play during the 2022 season — is worth roughly $15 million.

Spielberger also explains why if a deal doesn’t get done sooner, the Seahawks could simply allow Nwosu to test the free agency market next offseason with the plethora of young talent they have along the defensive line. He compares Nwosu’s contract projection to the deal that Haason Reddick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason, which was also for three years and $45 million.

“Our projection reflects the free agent deal Haason Reddick signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last offseason,” writes Spielberger. “Nwosu could wait out some extensions across the league and cash in at an even higher value in a new market, but Seattle may also be more comfortable letting things play out at that point with a lot of young talent recently added.”

With the Seahawks lacking elite pass rushers, Seattle might be wise to get a deal done with the 26-year-old Nwosu.

The Seattle Seahawks kicked off their first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, June 6, and while everyone on the roster was in attendance, not every player could participate.

The Seahawks’ $70 million safety, Jamal Adams, is still recovering from a quadriceps tear suffered in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season. While Adams continued his rehab in Texas during voluntary organized team activities (OTAs) last month, he was back in Seattle to watch practice from the sidelines on Tuesday, which made Pro Bowl safety Quandre Diggs very happy.

“Having ‘Mal back, it’s been awesome. You guys know our relationship. It’s different when 33’s out there,” Diggs said, per The News Tribune. “It’s just the energy is a contagious thing that he brings. It’s one of those things that I can’t until he’s out there playing playing. It’s going to be fun. I know he has big goals, which he should. I’m excited to line up next to him and go back to work.”

However, the veteran also issued a warning when it comes to Adams’ return, urging everyone to temper their expectations even after the three-time Pro Bwoler is fully cleared to play. Diggs, who suffered a broken fibula and a dislocated ankle in January of the 2022 NFL season, knows from personal experience just how long it took to get back to full strength and effectiveness on the field.

“Just the breaks. As a post safety, you need your breaks. You need to be able to trust your ankle, trust your feet. I don’t think I was at that point,” Diggs said of his initial return. “As much as I worked, I never… I mean, I literally had a month of offseason to get ready for the full season. It was kind of rushed, so I didn’t get to do the drills and things I normally do in the offseason.”

Quandre Diggs Said It Took Nearly the Entire Season to Get Back to 100%

Diggs reflected on his recovery process on Twitter last month, sharing an old workout video of him getting back into shape. He captioned the clip, “Crazy how much a year change things… Couldn’t cut until a month and a half before the season and still played every snap!”

Diggs said on Tuesday that it took a long time for him to get back to his old self. “You always want to feel like yourself, but it definitely it was literally the end of the season where I honestly felt like I could go out and make the plays that I needed to make,” he said, per The AP. “I could just trust that ankle that I can put it in the ground and I could just go and explode.”

Pete Carroll Says Jamal Adams & Jordyn Brooks Want to Be Ready for Training Camp

Addressing the media ahead of the 2023 NFL draft, Carroll gave a major update on the rehab process for Adams and Jordyn Brooks, who suffered an ACL tear in Week 17 against the New York Jets, and was also a spectator at minicamp on Tuesday.

“They’re doing well,” Carroll said. “The progress is being made… They’re very optimistic on their sides, they’re really thinking that they’re going to make it, so we’ll hold a good thought.” As for what “going to make it” meant, Carroll explained, “Making camp. that’s what they’re shooting for. They’re not resigned to the fact that it’s going to take them past that, so they’ve got the right mindset. We’ll see what happens.”

While Carroll is happy with Adams and Brooks’ mindsets, there’s a major difference between what the players think and what the doctors say when it comes to returning to play. There’s a strong chance that Adams, 27, will be ready for camp, but the same can’t be said for Brooks, 25.

The Athletic‘s Mike Dugar wrote, “Adams will be approximately 10 months removed from injury when veterans are required to report to camp. Brooks will be only six months removed from surgery. Carroll intentionally framed the source of his optimism around how the players feel and not necessarily any information being provided by doctors. That’s an important distinction.

“Adams passing a physical in July isn’t completely out of the question,” but “Brooks passing a physical six months after ACL surgery would be unprecedented,” Dugar noted. “Schneider said at the league meetings that Brooks’ timeline is closer to the 11 months it took linebacker Jon Rhattigan to recover from his ACL tear.”

The Seattle Seahawks are being pushed to pull the plug on the Jamal Adams experiment as the star safety has battled injuries throughout his first three seasons in the Pacific Northwest. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox identified one player from each NFL team that should be traded before the start of the 2023 season and labeled Adams as a potential trade candidate for Seattle.

“The Seattle Seahawks have invested a lot into safety Jamal Adams,” Knox wrote on June 5, 2023. “They surrendered two first-round picks and a third-rounder along with safety Bradley McDougald to acquire Adams and a fourth-round pick from the Jets. They then gave Adams a then-record, four-year, $70 million contract extension.

“Two years after Adams signed his new deal, he remains the league’s third-highest-paid safety in terms of annual value. While he has three years left on his deal, Seattle should try to cut its losses now.”

The Seahawks Are Unlikely to Find a Realistic Trade Market for Jamal Adams

Even if the Seahawks wanted to deal Adams, the market for three-time Pro Bowler and his four-year, $70 million contract is likely minimal. Adams has three seasons remaining on his current deal and is slated to have an $11 million salary for 2023 that comes with an $18.1 million cap hit.

The Seattle defender has missed a combined 25 games over the last three seasons. Adams sustained a season-ending torn-quad injury during the Seahawks’ Week 1 victory over the Broncos.

When healthy, Adams has made a major impact on the Seattle defense with his biggest strength of disrupting the quarterback. During his first season with the Seahawks in 2020, Adams notched a career-high 9.5 sacks, 83 tackles, 14 quarterback hits, 11 tackles for loss, 3 tackles for loss and 1 forced fumble during 12 appearances. Adams has struggled to be the same force since his initial Seattle debut as the safety did not record a sack during the following season in 2021.

The Seahawks Can Release Jamal Adams in 2024 But Would Take a $14.2 Million Dead Cap Hit

Publicly, the Seahawks continue to maintain their desire for Adams to have a long-term future in Seattle. Yet, the Seahawks have made moves in recent months to ensure that the team has insurance behind Adams if the star is once again sidelined. Seattle signed free-agent safety Julian Love this offseason, but head coach Pete Carroll has publicly reinforced Adams’ role with the franchise.

“I know there’s some conversation that what we did with Julian, does that have some impact on Jamal or Quandre [Diggs] — it doesn’t,” Carroll said in March, per ESPN’s Brady Henderson. “We have a clear thought of what we’re going to do with our guys and how we want to play them and we feel very fortunate to have all our guys.”

Adams is heading into a pivotal season with the Seahawks as Seattle has more of a pathway to move on from the safety during the 2024 offseason. Seattle can release Adams next offseason and be free of his $16.5 million salary in 2024 and $17.5 million in 2025. This scenario still remains less than ideal as the Seahawks would take a $14.2 million dead cap hit with Adams’ release, per Spotrac.

“Since arriving in Seattle, Adams has been a glorified linebacker who has neither lived up to his trade price nor his contract,” Knox added. “Seattle might not get a big return for Adams following two serious injuries, but it could create $11 million in 2023 cap space while dumping the final three years of this particular financial albatross.”

The Seattle Seahawks could be the perfect match for a notable former Los Angeles Rams starter.

As proposed by CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin, the Seahawks could make sense as an ideal landing spot for outside linebacker Leonard Floyd. The 30-year-old more recently spent the past three seasons with the Rams, winning Super Bowl LVI while starting all 50 games for Los Angeles during that time frame.

Benjamin argues that the Seahawks could still use some more “juice” off of the edge, as they’ve made a clear effort to improve their front seven from last season.

“Seattle made sure to invest in its front seven this offseason, paying a pretty penny to add Dre’Mont Jones and reunite with Jarran Reed,” writes Benjamin. “But the Seahawks could still use some juice off the edge, and Floyd, a cap casualty of the rival Rams, has quietly posted at least nine sacks in three straight seasons. He could be a plug-and-play 3-4 outside linebacker for them.”

Why the Seahawks Could Use Leonard Floyd

Despite posting a solid season last year — nine sacks to go along with 59 tackles — Floyd remains a free agent. A big reason for his release had to do with his massive contract, considering he was in the midst of a four-year, $64 million deal. The Rams released Floyd with two years left on his contract.

According to Pro Football Focus, Floyd posted a solid 65.7 defensive grade and 65.1 pass-rushing grade last season. By comparison, only two of the Seahawks’ projected starters along the front seven — Bobby Wagner (90.7 grade) and Uchenna Nwosu (72.6 grade) — posted higher grades than Floyd last season.

In other words, Floyd would represent an upgrade over the Seahawks’ current edge rushers. Furthermore, Floyd’s career sack total of 47.5 sacks is higher than Nwosu (24.5 sacks), Darrell Taylor (16 sacks), Boye Mafe (three sacks) and Mario Edwards Jr.’s (19.5 sacks) career sack totals.

Cost of Signing Leonard Floyd Might Be Too Much for Seahawks

According to Spotrac, Floyd’s projected market value is $13.7 million per season across three years at $41.3 million. That type of contract would make Floyd the 10th-highest paid outside linebacker in the NFL  It would also make Floyd the fourth-highest paid player on the Seahawks and their highest-paid front seven member.

Seattle has roughly $9.5 million in available cap space, ranking 25th in the NFL.

The Seahawks have gone through a major overhaul along their front seven this offseason. Outside of the aforementioned signings of Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed, Seattle allowed former starters Al Woods, Shelby Harris and Quinton Jefferson to walk in free agency.

The question is, would Seattle really be willing to invest big money in a pass rusher who is on the verge of turning 31 years old this season?

If Floyd is willing to take a cheaper, incentive-laden deal — not out of the realm considering he remains a free agent during the month of June — he could very well be a member of the Seahawks entering the season.

However, if he’s holding out for a money-heavy deal, it’s hard to envision Pete Carroll and Seattle investing heavily in Floyd.

The Seattle Seahawks are still figuring out the best way to restructure their defense for the 2023 NFL season and following the second week of OTAs, suddenly cut 338-pound nose tackle, Forrest Merrill on Friday, June 2, as first reported by NFL Network‘s Ian Rapoport.

Merrill started out his NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 after going undrafted out of Arkansas State.The 26-year-old appeared in four games during his rookie season, recording a total of four tackles. The Chargers released him ahead of the 2022 NFL season and he was without a team until Seattle scooped him up last month.

The Seahawks are seriously shuffling around the nose tackle group as the team also cut Lattrell Bumphus this past week. With Merrill gone, the Seahawks have one open spot on the 90-man roster, per The Seattle Times‘ Bob Condotta, sparking speculation on over which player they’ll look to sign next.

One fan tweeted, “WELCOME 2 SEATTLE QUINNEN WILLIAMS,” in hopes that the Seahawks are secretly looking to steal the First-Team All-Pro tackle amid his contract extension issues with the New York Jets. Another fan tweeted, “Time for Frank Clark baby!!!!” — the former Seahawks edge who remains a free agent following his release from the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Seahawks Only Have 5 Players at Tackle

Unfortunately, the Seahawks’ limited cap space makes adding a player like Clark or Williams pretty difficult and Condotta believes the team will likely look to sign another prospective nose tackle.

With Merrill gone, “This leaves 5 players who are listed as nose or defensive tackles or who have played that spot so far in the offseason program: Bryan Mone, Myles Adams, Austin Faoliu, Cameron Young and Jonah Tavai,” he tweeted. “I’d expect Seattle to keep looking for DT/NTs, though probably not any big names.”

GettySeahawks head coach Pete Carroll (R) and defensive tackle Bryan Mone #92 walk off Lumen Field on January 09, 2021.

Mone is still recovering from an ACL tear suffered late last season, and his return timetable remains unclear. “It’s been a little bit up and down for him,” Carroll told reporters on Thursday. “It hasn’t been quite as forward-moving as some of the recoveries. He’s a huge guy, 360 pounds, so it’s harder on him than it is on the other guys. He’s working really hard, he’s been here the whole time, and he’s dedicating himself to it. We’re hoping he’ll make it back, we’re counting on him.”

Cameron Young Is Battling Myles Adams to Be Starting Nose Tackle

GettyDefensive lineman Cameron Young of Mississippi State participates in a drill during the NFL Combine on March 02, 2023.

The Seahawks’ fourth-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft, Cameron Young, could unseat Adams as the team’s starting nose tackle depending on how things pan out during training camp.

The Athletic‘s Mike Dugar wrote, “At nose tackle, 290-pound Myles Adams is currently atop the depth chart. Signed as a rookie free agent in 2020, Adams played 185 defensive snaps last season and appeared in 10 games, playing big defensive end and nose tackle. He had 16 total tackles and four quarterback pressures.

“But even with Adams returning, there’s a possibility Young could be the team’s starting nose tackle by the season opener, which means Young may be just as important to Seattle’s success in 2023 as the early-round picks.”

Young, who weighed 304 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine, has since gained 16 more pounds and is already impressing defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt. “The measurable stuff is obviously impressive,” Hurtt told reporters on May 25.. “He’s a large man with long arms, big hands, is strong, and is physical at the point of contact, but he’s a guy that has good football awareness, ideas and feel of things going on.”

“In terms of transitioning into a different scheme and how you are going to play him, he has all of that stuff, and you just have to continue to develop and train him to get him up to speed on things,” Hurtt continued. “He has done a nice job so far. He’s a guy that is unselfish, physical, rugged and plays a position that doesn’t get a lot of fanfare.”

While Geno Smith got to breathe a sigh of relief when the Seattle Seahawks chose not select a quarterback with their No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and instead swerved to pick Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon, the same cannot be said for veteran Mike Jackson.

Every player must earn his spot on the roster, but the Seahawks jumped for Witherspoon in the first-round with the expectation that he’ll start. Sports Illustrated‘s Corbin. K Smith wrote, “If he can’t unseat Jackson, a former fifth-round pick who previously spent time on the team’s practice squad, many would already view the selection as a major whiff for the franchise.”

However, Jackson, 26, battled to earn the starting job over Tre Brown, Artie Burns, and Sidney Jones last year, and based on his performance at OTAs thus far, he’s not giving up his spot to Witherspoon “without a fight,” Smith wrote. “Rather than sulk after the Seahawks drafted Witherspoon, the gritty Jackson went back to work and showed up at offseason workouts in outstanding shape.”

While Witherspoon is easing back into practice due to a previous hamstring injury, Jackson is making the most of his snaps during OTAs, and head coach Pete Carroll has noticed.

Carroll told reporters on Thursday. “I think he’s feeling the confidence that comes from what he accomplished last time around. He played a really solid football last season, did a lot of good stuff, and he comes back and he feels he’s in really good shape and he feels great about it.

“He’s had a fantastic offseason of work. He’s just been on his game, and you can see the experience… He seems like a seasoned veteran to us. He can feel it, and he’s taking a really good leadership role out here.”

After getting signed to the Seahawks practice squad in 2021, injuries led to Jackson becoming a full-time starter opposite Tariq Woolen last season. In 17 games, he recorded 75 total tackles, 12 passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and one interception.

Mike Jackson Is Also Stepping Up While Tariq Woolen Is Out

Woolen underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on May 23 after suffering an “unusual” injury in between plays during the first week of OTAs, Carroll explained on Thursday. The Seahawks moved to re-sign Burns, but Woolen’s absence has proved to be another opportunity for Jackson to shine.

The Athletic‘s Mike Dugar wrote, “Jackson locked everything down during seven-on-seven work in the red zone Thursday,” picking off Smith on a pass intended for receiver Cody Thompson. Later in the drill, he “blanketed Thompson’s double move and swatted away another pass from Smith…. Then Jackson broke up a ball backup quarterback Drew Lock intended for rookie receiver Matt Landers. The receiver quality must be taken into account, but regardless, it’s clear Jackson is playing like a guy with something to prove.”

Carroll said, “The fact that we drafted a guy [like Witherspoon], that sends everybody’s alert up. I think when Tariq stepped out, Mike looked like he said, ‘I’ve got to do my stuff here. I’ve got to take over a little bit here,’ and he did. ”

Seahawks beat reporter John Boyle tweeted, “It’s going to be tough to keep a Pro-Bowl corner and the No. 5 pick off the field, but one thing that has been evident in offseason workouts is that Mike Jackson isn’t giving up his job without putting up one hell of a fight.”

Seahawks Defensive Coordinator Praised Mike Jackson’s Work Ethic

GettySeahawks cornerback Mike Jackson intercepts a pass against the New York Jets at Lumen Field on January 01, 2023.

Seahawks defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt is not surprised with how Jackson has reacted to the team picking up Witherspoon. “A lot of people, they kind of relax and go into cruise control,” Hurtt said, per The Athletic. “Jackson has never been like that in the time we’ve had him here.

“He’s always had a consistent work ethic to him and always been humble. To see the steps he made last year, where it was a pleasant surprise to everybody, his work ethic always spoke (to) that. He’s a big, strong kid out there at corner and his game is continuing to get better. I love seeing the confidence from him that we’re seeing now.”

The Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll addressed the media for the first time since organized team activities (OTAs) kicked off last month, during which cornerback Tariq Woolen‘s mysterious absence raised some eyebrows.

While OTAs are voluntary, Woolen had attended the team’s non-mandatory workouts, which is when the Pro Bowler injured himself, ESPN‘s Adam Schefter and Brady Henderson were first to report. The 24-year-old suffered a knee injury “while walking on the practice field for OTAs” two weeks ago, Brady and Schefter revealed.

Woolen, who tied the NFL’s lead for most interceptions recorded by a rookie (6) last season, must’ve really hurt himself because he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on May 23. And the fact that Woolen hurt his knee while simply “walking,” according to the report, caused a stir on Twitter, as many people struggled to believe that’s how he went down.

However, Carroll told reporters on Thursday, June 1, that it was indeed an “unusual occurrence” and detailed what happened.

“He didn’t have a play where he got hurt. He was in between plays getting ready to get lined up and he felt something. It wasn’t bad, then before the play started he sat down and felt his knee (and) something was wrong.”

“Fortunately, everything went great,” Carroll said of Woolen’s surgery. “You see him, he’s getting around terrific already,” as the Seahawks’ former fifth-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft was a spectator at practice on Thursday, attending with a sleeve over his knee, per The News Tribune‘s Gregg Bell.

“His attitude has been great,” the 71-year-old head coach said. “He never really accepted it when it happened. It was a weird occurrence he just took it in stride and [has] been really positive about it. We should be able to get him back soon.”

If everything goes to schedule Woolen, who finishing third in voting for the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Award last season, should be ready to return when training camps starts at the end of July.

Tariq Woolen Sent Fans a Message From the Hospital

As Carroll mentioned, the 6-foot-3, 205-pounder appears to be in good spirits considering the circumstances. Following his surgery, the UTSA alum posted a video on his Instagram Stories that showed his No. 1 supporter, Nola Woolen, by his side at the Houston hospital. He captioned the post with several laugh/cry face emojis and wrote, “Moms to the rescue.”

@tariqwoolen/InstagramSeahawks cornerback Tariq Woolen shared a photo after surgery on May, 23, 2023.

Woolen also shared a post-surgery message, thanking fans for their support. He posted a photo on his Instagram Stories that showed him standing up with a bandage around his knee. “I’m fine and surgery was smooth!!! Appreciate the love.”

The Bills Signed 2 More Cornerbacks on Thursday

Before news of Woolen’s surgery was made public, the Seahawks announced they were re-signing veteran cornerback Artie Burns, which added some much-needed depth to the position, as several members of the Seahawks’ secondary were already absent at OTAs.

Ahead of Thursday’s practice, the Seahawks announced they were signing two more cornerbacks Benjie Franklin, a former undrafted free agent out of Tarleton State who spent time with the Green Bay Packers practice squad last season, and Montrae Braswell, a former FCS All-American out of Missouri State who initially signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after the draft.

In order to facilitate the move, Seattle released nose tackle Latrell Bumphus and running back Chris Smith. The Seahawks now have 12 cornerbacks on their 90-man roster, Henderson tweeted.

The Seattle Seahawks could have their eyes on a notable speedy wide receiver.

As the XFL tweeted out on their latest list of players receiving NFL tryouts, Seattle Sea Dragons receiver Jahcour Pearson is receiving a tryout with the Seahawks.

Jahcour Pearson Outperformed Josh Gordon During XFL Season

The 5-foot-7, 180-pound Pearson is notable because he led the XFL in both receptions (60) and receiving yards (670) in 10 games. Pearson’s strong debut season in the XFL garnered him Offensive Player of the Year honors.

What’s also notable is that Pearson played alongside former Seahawks receiver and Pro Bowler Josh Gordon with the Sea Dragons and outperformed him. Gordon caught just 38 passes for 540 receiving yards last season.

As noted by SB Nation’s Mookie Alexander, Pearson’s size and speed makes him a natural fit as a slot option.

“At just 5’7 and a shade under 180 pounds, Pearson is obviously meant to be a slot option,” writes Alexander. “His ability to generate yards after catch and get open at all levels of the field made him someone I was personally intrigued by, and even if the Seahawks pass on Pearson post-tryout I believe Jahcour will wind up on an NFL roster entering the preseason.”

Why Jahcour Pearson Could Earn a Spot on Seahawks Roster

Outside of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the rest of the Seahawks’ receiver spots are up for grabs. In fact, Seattle’s next receivers on the depth chart — Dee Eskridge and Dareke Young — combined for just nine receptions and 82 yards last season.

As The Athletic’s Mike Jones recently wrote, the Seahawks could soon move on from Eskridge.

“Eskridge, a 2021 second-round pick, was supposed to team with Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf to give the Seahawks a strong trio of pass catchers,” Jones wrote on May 22, 2023. “But in two seasons, Eskridge has only 17 catches for 122 yards and one touchdown. He needs a strong offseason showing, or the Seahawks could be ready to move on after drafting Ohio State wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba at No. 20 in April.”

In other words, Pearson could stand a legitimate chance of not only being signed by the Seahawks, but also competing for a roster spot behind the likes of Metcalf, Lockett and Smith-Njigba.

As Pro Football Network’s BJ Rudell details, Pearson reportedly ran a 4.28 40-yard dash under Sea Dragons head coach Jim Haslett’s watch.

“Despite operating in arguably the XFL’s most talented receiving corps, he’s stood out as his team’s top offensive weapon while impressively reeling in 73% of his targets,” writes Rudell. “Head coach Jim Haslett recently timed Pearson at a 4.28 40-yard dash. Assuming that’s accurate, and given what we’ve seen on film, he merits a long look in the NFL this preseason.”

As noted by Adam Hulse of SportsKeeda, Pearson’s official 40-yard-dash time at the Ole Miss Pro Day was 4.42 seconds. While that’s not quite as fast as the timed speed from Haslett, it’s still speedy by NFL standards.

“While he didn’t attend the 2022 NFL Combine, Pearson did work out during the Ole Miss Pro Day in an attempt to help his draft stock,” writes Hulse. “While he ran a solid 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash, that’s a long way from the blazing 4.28 that Haslett rumored to clock him at.”

We’ll see if Pearson can earn a contract with the Seahawks, but if he can land a deal, he has an opportunity to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

The Seattle Seahawks received high grades across the league for the 10 selections made in the 2023 NFL Draft, however, the influx of new young talent is putting several veterans in danger of losing their starting role.

With the first week of organized team activities (OTAs) in the books, Sports Illustrated‘s Corbin K. Smith pointed out the Seahawks veteran guard Phil Haynes faces a “fierce” competition against the team’s fourth-round pick, LSU standout Anthony Bradford.

When the Seahawks re-signed Haynes to a one-year, $4 million contract this offseason and released Gabe Jackson, all signs pointed toward the 27-year-old right guard finally taking over the starting role for the 2023 NFL season.

While a sports hernia injury kept the Wake Forest alum on the PUP list during the bulk of his rookie year, and a hip injury sidelined him in his sophomore season, the Seahawks trading for Jackson in 2021 kept the team’s former fourth-round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft from nabbing the starting spot. Last season, Haynes appeared in 15 games while rotating with Jackson and only started in three, but he did enough to impress head coach Pete Carroll.

“He’s got a starting caliber to us,” Carroll said during his end-of-season press conference. “We like him. He’s physical. Consistent is a good word for him because he’s there. He’s there for you. He’s a great kid… I’ve got high hopes that Phil could be a real factor for us.”

Phil Haynes Will Have to ‘Fight’ to Keep His Starting Job Over Anthony Bradford

One person who’s long been a huge fan of Bradford, the 6-foot-4, 332-pound versatile rookie right guard is Seahawks general manager John Schneider, who watched him play live against Tennessee, during which he was forced to play left tackle following a teammate’s pre-game injury.

“He moves out there and goes and plays tackle and he played well,” Schneider said after the draft, as reported by SI‘s Daniel Flick. “So, he’s a big man, he can compete to start, and he can get you out of a game at tackle… Square, power, heavy hands – you can see him finishing people.”

While Schneider said Bradford had a “great” pre-draft visit, he’s continued to impress the coaching staff during rookie minicamp and OTAs, and is already giving Haynes a run for his money.

Corbin wrote, “Haynes will have to fight to keep his starting job over the next couple of months. Staying healthy will be the first key, as injuries have been a persistent problem that have held him back from reaching his full potential to this point.

“Beyond availability, Haynes will also have to show marked improvement in pass protection to fend off Bradford, who only allowed 12 pressures at LSU last year and has impressed in his first couple weeks with the Seahawks. The competition between him and his rookie challenger should be fierce in the trenches with those two players duking it out at right guard.

Bradford still needs to make some improvements before stealing that staring spot, former Seahawks quarterback turned analyst Brock Huard told Seattle Sports on May 25. “There’s gonna be some ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ and you can probably hear that that sled creak a little bit in some of those pads. Because like (Rocky IV villain Ivan Drago), whatever he hits, he destroys. He is a powerful, powerful man.”

“His adjustment is all going to be about pass protecting. His adjustment is going to be about that interior quickness… The dude’s got power for days, but does he now have the eyes and the feet?…  Damien Lewis and even Phil Haynes are gonna look at him and go, ‘That dude is a monster.’ But now can you stay in front of these pass-rushers and can you be adept enough in the protection game that you can play? That will be the big question for Mr. Bradford.”

Phil Haynes Is Helping Mentor the Seahawks’ Young Talent

GettySeahawks guart Phil Haynes looks on during a game at Lumen Field on November 27, 2022.

Despite facing a make-or-break year in Seattle, offensive line coach Andy Dickerson praised Haynes for taking on a leadership role during OTAs.

“I thought he’s done a great job being one of the vets in the room, taking some of the leadership role,” Dickerson said, per SI. “You can feel the confidence and see how he’s practicing and it’s great to watch. Him, D-Lew, Abe [Lucas], Charles [Cross], the little things they do. People may not know, but you see the techniques and again, we’re teaching a new system and techniques and some things last year for the first time. But’ the second year, the third year, it’s a different thing, so it’s been great to see those guys get better.”

The Seattle Seahawks struggled to get to the quarterback in 2022, but CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso is suggesting the team consider releasing their top pass rusher Uchenna Nwosu. The analyst estimates the move would save the Seahawks more than $8 million in cap space with rookie Derick Hall and second-year defender Boye Mafe as potential replacements.

“Nwosu was an integral part of the Seahawks’ defense in 2022, playing on nearly 80% of the snaps and littering the stat sheet with production He had 66 tackles and 9.5 sacks,” Trapasso wrote on May 11, 2023. “But I don’t think it’d be bonkers if Seattle let him go. And my reasoning has many layers.

“…Also, in the last calendar year, Pete Carroll and John Schneider have added Boye [Mafe] — a 2022 second-round pick — Derick Hall — a 2023 second-round pick — and spent a fifth-round choice on Mike Morris a few weeks ago. They’ll be getting back Tyreke Smith too, a fifth-round pick from 2022, who missed his rookie season due to injury. Nwosu’s inclusion on this list isn’t to suggest he’s as good as gone, but at his current price, with the youth around him on the edge of Seattle’s defensive line, he could be expendable.”

Uchenna Nwosu Was the Seahawks’ Best Pass Rusher in 2022

Despite the cap savings, this is not a move the Seahawks can afford to make given how the team has approached the offseason. Seattle chose to bolster the middle of their defensive line with additions such as Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed.

Jones does have position flexibility to line up inside and outside on the defensive line. The Seahawks also passed on available defensive linemen like Tyree Wilson and Jalen Carter in favor of cornerback Devon Witherspoon.

Consider these numbers Nwosu posted in 2022: 66 tackles, 26 quarterback hits, 12 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in 17 starts. Nwosu was able to be effective despite having less than ideal circumstance with an overall weak Seahawks defense last season.

The pass rusher earned a respectable 72.6 grade from Pro Football Focus for his play in 2022. Given the significant defensive upgrades made by Seattle this offseason, Nwosu is poised for an even bigger 2023 season thanks to a revamped defensive line.

Uchenna Nwosu Has 1 Season Remaining on a 2-Year, $19 Million Contract

Nwosu has one season remaining on a two-year, $19 million contract and is slated to have a $7.5 million salary in 2023. While this number is on the higher end, it is a reasonable amount for a pass rusher given the rising cost of the position around the league. If Hall or Mafe emerge as legitimate starter candidates this season, the Seahawks have flexibility to move on from Nwosu next offseason when the veteran becomes a free agent.

The only way cutting Nwosu begins to make sense is if Seattle is going to re-sign Frank Clark or make a major trade for another veteran edge rusher. For now, the Seahawks would be more than wise to keep their most consistent pass rusher and save money at other positions. Nwosu is coming off career-high numbers in nearly every major statistical category.

The Seattle Seahawks are still in the business of tweaking their roster following the first week of organized team activities (OTAs), as they recently moved to re-sign veteran cornerback Artie Burns following Tariq Woolen‘s unexpected knee surgery.

One of the Seahawks’ biggest goals this offseason is to beef up their defense, and as Bleacher Report‘s Kristopher Knox pointed out on Friday, May 25, he “can’t believe’ that former Kansas City Chiefs edge Frank Clark, who’s recorded 13.5 playoff sacks during his career, the third-most of any player in NFL history, is still available.

The Chiefs announced back in March that they were releasing the three-time Pro Bowler as a major cash-saving move and Knox believes a return to Seattle is the most “logical landing spot.” Clark’s market value is predicted to earn him a two-year, $24.8 million contract, per Spotrac.com, but as each week passes, it seems unlikely Seattle’s former second-round pick from the 2015 NFL Draft will get that kind of money.

“The Kansas City Chiefs parted with Frank Clark in order to get younger and cheaper on the edge—they used a first-round pick on Felix Anudike-Uzomah. However, Clark, who had 2.5 sacks in the 2022 postseason, can still get after quarterbacks at a high level,” Knox wrote.

“A return to the team that drafted him, the Seattle Seahawks, would make a lot of sense for the team and for Clark. Seattle recently brought back linebacker Bobby Wagner, so they’re clearly open to returning players. The Seahawks also lost Quinton Jefferson, who had 5.5 sacks last season, in free agency. While Seattle did draft pass-rusher Derick Hall, adding another veteran to the mix could help it repeat as a playoff team.”

Former NFL GM Says Frank Clark Would Push the Seahawks Past the 49ers

GettyFormer Seahawks defensive end Frank Clark celebrates after a sack at CenturyLink Field on September 11, 2016.

While the idea of Clark making a return to Seattle after winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs is not new, former NFL general manager Jeff Diamond believes he’s the missing defensive piece to propel the Seahawks in the postseason.

According to OvertheCap.com, the Seahawks have approximately $8.23 million in cap space, “So they may have to structure a deal with voidable years to get a cap number that works,” Diamond wrote for 33rd Team.

“Such a deal could include big incentives if Clark exceeds five sacks in the regular season, then the incentives earned would come out of next year’s cap if it pushes the team over the cap this season. Clark could be the player who nudges the Seahawks past the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC West.”

There Were No ‘Hard Feelings’ Between Frank Clark & the Seahawks

GettyFormer Chiefs edge Frank Clark looks on against the Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on December 11, 2022.

While Seattle traded Clark to Kansas City during the 2019 offseason in exchange for a first, second, and third-round pick, Sports Illustrated‘s Mike Fisher wrote on May 21, “It’s worth noting that over the years, Clark has insisted he had a ‘good time’ in Seattle… so no hard feelings.”

Clark may also be enticed to reunite with both Wagner and Reed, the latter of whom told Mike Salk on Seattle Sports on Friday, May 26, that coming back to the Seahawks “was like a breath of fresh air.”

“I get to come back to where it all started and hopefully go chase one of these rings. That’s the dream, especially to win it where you started. But it’s a goal that I want to get to.”

While the Seattle Seahawks have officially moved from the blockbuster trade that sent Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos last season, the franchise is facing major backlash for what many NFL analysts perceive as “disrespect” toward their former superstar quarterback.

Earlier this week, the Seahawks re-signed cornerback Artie Burns as a depth piece after Tariq Woolen underwent unexpected knee surgery, and Seattle’s website revealed he would wear jersey No. 3, Wilson’s former number, which Sports Illustrated‘s Keith Cummings called a form of “indignity.”

“As the only quarterback to ever win a Super Bowl in Seattle, some of the flak directed at Wilson has crossed over the boundaries of good taste. The Wilson shade has morphed into the malignant sort,” Cummings wrote.

“It’s an ignominious end for the iconic No. 3, some might say, but it’s clear the Seahawks are keen to present the appearance that they’ve quickly moved on from their former poster boy. On the flip side, such over-the-top disrespect shown to the organization’s greatest-ever player reveals a distinct lack of class on Seattle’s part.”

Yahoo! Sports NFL writer Frank Schwab balked at Seattle giving their former nine-time Pro Bowler’s jersey number to Burns, a player who appeared in just three games last season and didn’t record any statistics, per Pro Football Reference.

“The Seahawks could revisit it all at some point, and maybe Wilson will have his number retired someday no matter who wears it in the meantime,” Schwab noted. “But it sure seemed like another sign of the Seahawks moving further away from a player who you’d assume would be treated like a franchise icon.”

USA Today‘s Tim Weaver surmised, “While it’s not a huge deal, it is another blow to the legacy of Wilson, who’s undoubtedly the greatest quarterback in franchise history. At some point we expect him to mend the fences with the organization and retire as a Seahawk, but that may be far in the future.”

There’s a Chance Artie Burns Never Wears No. 3 in an Official NFL Game

Last season, no Seahawks players wore a No. 3 jersey, and there’s a strong chance that that happens again this season. When Seattle decided to re-sign Burns, they already assigned his former No. 21 jersey to cornerback Devon Witherspoon, their No. 5 overall pick from the 2023 NFL Draft.

While it’s clearly jarring for many people to see Wilson’s No. 3 jersey given away, it’s important to note the timing of the reassignment. The Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta tweeted, “Worth noting here, with a 90-man roster there are few numbers not used… There were basically no other DB numbers left.”

For Schwab, this still wasn’t a great excuse. “It seems like something could have been worked out,” the Yahoo! Sports analyst wrote. “Teams keep numbers out of circulation for famous players either for a few years or forever. The Pittsburgh Steelers have a handful of numbers that aren’t retired but have never been reissued. It can be done if a team cares to keep a number from being worn again.”

The Russell Wilson/Broncos Trade Became Complete Following the 2023 NFL Draft

When the Seahawks traded Wilson and a fourth-round pick to the Broncos, they received two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, quarterback Drew Lock, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, and tight end Noah Fant. This trade is why Seattle had 10 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, including two selections in the first round.

The Seahawks were able to land Witherspoon at No. 5 thanks to Wilson, as well as outside linebacker Derick Hall in the second round.

While there’s a complicated history between the Seattle and Wilson, Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf recently asked fans on Twitter to give his former teammate a break from constant bashing.

Metcalf also give Wilson credit for mentoring his current QB1. During an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd in April, Metcalf exuded his confidence in Geno Smith, who took over the starting role following Wilson’s exit.

GettySeahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (L) of and Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (R) after a game at Lumen Field on September 12, 2022.

“I believe sitting behind Russ really like motivated him and really showed him how good he could really be in this league cause even at practice, he’s yelling at the practice squad guys to run their routes right. He’s like, ‘This is my opportunity too.’ And I’m like, ‘Ok I respect that because you understand what’s at stake,’” Metcalf said.

“The year we traded Russ and he’s the starter, he comes into training camp and he’s locked in, like body wise, mentally, watching the film. I saw the transition from ‘Ok, I’m a backup’ to ‘Ok, this is my team, I’m a starter.’”

While Wilson statistically had the worst season of his career in 2022, Smith had his best, throwing for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, along with 366 rushing yards and one rushing score.