Seattle is not staying quiet in Free Agency, but some of what they have done has surprised me.

QB -

On and on the media goes with QB Russell Wilson’s emotions towards the team. Russ is a ‘Hawk. Period, end of story. The trade of one of the few remaining picks in the upcoming draft was much more about the retirement of LG Mike Iupati and the insanity of the destruction of the Vegas offensive line for chicken feed than it was about calming down Russ. RG Gabe Jackson is a solid 8 year starter who has been rarely injured and will likely start at his natural position in Seattle with RG Damien Lewis moving to the left side. Combining that with the signing of C Ethan Pocic and we probably have the starting offensive line settled as those three join the tackles LT Duane Brown and RT Brandon Shell. I would like to see something done to improve the right tackle spot, but it is what it is.

There seems to be little noise around UFA QB Geno Smith who should really be starting somewhere. But he does have a pretty nice gig watching Russ cook, but someone else may be doing that soon.

RB -

It is a surprise to me that RB Chris Carson did not wait longer and get more green to take care of him and his, but I am very happy to see him remain a ‘Hawk. Seattle lost RB Carlos Hyde to the Jags which was expected so Carson will be backed by RB DeeJay Dallas who has tons of promise as a 3rd down/change of speed guy. Seattle also made a move you do not see on every board bringing back RB Alex Collins who could have an impact especially if RB Rashaad Penny does not perform.

WR -

The loss of WR David Moore was expected but leaves open a question as to who will be #3 behind WR DK Metcalf and WR Tyler Lockett. WR Phillip Dorsett is gone now too as is WR Josh Gordon if you ever thought of him as being here at all. Rookie WR Freddie Swain could work out as the #3 but this looks to be a work in progress and likely one of Seattle’s 3 draft picks could be here.

TE -

TE Will Dissly gets to continue to be the bridesmaid. Dissly has tons of talent and should have stats to go with it, but Russ seems to want the names from other teams. (Ok and Dissly has had unfortunate luck with injury) As TE Greg Olsen rides off to retirement after an okay year, now here comes TE Gerald Everett for a bundle of cash. TE Jacob Hollister was lost the Bills, but rookie TE Colbe Parkinson looks ready to step up. I do not really understand the spending at a deep position like this, but you can expect Russ to look for the shiny new guy over Dissly when the season starts.

K-

No change is expected as PK Jason Myers seems to have finally found his footing in the Pacific Northwest.

D -

How many of those tight end dollars could have gone to keep DE Carlos Dunlap II a ‘Hawk? This guy had tons of unfinished business in Seattle, but instead he was released to avoid the cap hit. At least we have the good news that DT Poona Ford will stay a ‘Hawk. And I love the way Rookies DE Darrell Taylor and DE Alton Robinson grew throughout last year as well as DE LJ Collier, but Dunlap was a game changing force especially combined with SS Jamal Adams who also has a contract issue. I expect DE Bruce Irvin to remain a ‘Hawk, but he is the edge rush guy. DE Benson Mayowa may still be lost in free agency and if he is Seattle will need someone to replace him and help out the young guys.

LB KJ Wright is still lined up for his solid payday. And with the lowered cap LB Bobby Wagner’s contract is probably being renegotiated. Wagner will always be a ‘Hawk, but I think we will lose Wright to the highest bidder. A future with Wagner, LB Jordyn Brooks and LB Cody Barton seems to be all but assured.

Hopefully, Seattle will keep Adams in the fold so we can watch him starting with FS Quandre Diggs. CB Shaquill Griffin moved on as I expected and Seattle brought in CB Ahkello Witherspoon from San Fran to help ease that pain. CB Quinton Dunbar will likely go as well and CB DJ Reed will start likely with Witherspoon.

I predict that these free agents will be gone:

Geno Smith

KJ Wright

Quinton Dunbar

And Seattle will keep:

Jordan Simmons

Cedric Ogubuehi

Benson Mayowa

They may yet go after:

LG JR Sweezy

Then in the draft with only 3 picks -

2nd round - Offensive Tackle or Corner or Wide Receiver

4th round - Wide Receiver

7th round - Linebacker or Corner

More to come next month!

End.