SPORT REPORT: 3 moves the Seahawks must make in the offseason
Since Seahawk fans have gotten a taste of the divisional round loss to the Packers back in January, it is now time to turn our attention to what moves the front office can make to improve the team and reach yet another Super Bowl. Not only does the team still have the NFL draft to look forward to, but they also have salary cap space left that will allow them to make significant moves for the upcoming season. Keeping these in mind, the team has the chance to heavily improve if they fill a better supporting cast around Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner.
Resign Jaedaveon Clowney
When healthy, Jaedaveon Clowney is one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. In 2019, Clowney recorded three sacks, 31 tackles, and four forced fumbles. While these are not mind blowing numbers, watching him play demonstrates potential and shows that he can make a difference whenever on the field. Despite his potential, Clowney missed a number of games due to a nagging hip injury, but next season he should return fully healthy and is likely to make an immediate impact if he is re-signed.
Yet, considering the amount of money Clowney will be asking for, this may be difficult. It has been reported that he will be asking for a “market setting deal.” This deal would require the Seahawks to pay him upwards of $20 million a year — a move they decided against when they were going through the same dilemma with former Seahawk Frank Clark. Although it will substantially cost them, signing Clowney is a move they must make if they want to be a legitimate contender. The team has already had minimal production from the defensive line and losing Clowney would not help.
Sign Offensive Linemen
A top priority of Seahawks management should always be attributed to finding better ways of protecting Quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson — who will turn 32 this upcoming season — is still in the midst of his prime but may start to see durability issues as he gets older. These issues would call for immediate improvement of the offensive line. The Seahawks, previously ranked tenth worst in the league, averaged three sacks allowed per game. With this being said, there is room for improvement and there are names out there that can help.
Fifth year tackle Germain Ifedi will presumably be on his way out the door. Though he played well in his final year on his rookie contract, he will be asking for a high salary the Seahawks will most likely be unwilling to pay. Former Green Bay Packer Bryan Bulaga — who will be entering his tenth NFL season and bringing a veteren presence to the right tackle position — is a logical target to solidify the offensive line.
Draft a Top Defensive Back
The Seahawks hold the 27th pick in the upcoming NFL draft but will most likely trade back for more future picks. However, utilizing the 27th pick could be of great benefit for the Seahawks considering they have a defense that struggled this past season. One area of concern was the defensive back position — aside from Shaquill Griffin and Quandre Diggs, the position group was young, inexperienced and faced injury problems.
Shaq Griffin has proven to be a solid NFL corner but needs support on the other side of the field. Tre Flowers showed promising flashes of what he could be but failed to be consistent for most of the season. Drafting a legitimate first round talent corner could turn things around for the once dominant Legion of Boom. Trevon Diggs out of the University of Alabama would be a great choice — that is if he is still on the draft board. At 6’2” and 207 pounds Diggs fits the mold of what Pete Carroll wants in a corner and has the potential to be an all-pro player.
