There are always rumors this time of year to fill up space waiting for something to happen. The QB Russell Wilson story is a bit more than rumor, but the reality falls back to what is possible. Is there a team that could even try to do a RB Herschel Walker kind of deal to get him let alone one that would actually pull the trigger on one? That is what this would take and it is just not going to happen. If the Jags were willing to mortgage their future, then maybe they could pull it off by giving Seattle the #1 pick and a bunch more. But I just do not see it happening.

But you can expect the team to change significantly over free agency, just not as significant as losing Wilson. And who knows what will happen with the draft since Seattle gave up most of it for SS Jamal Adams. Assuming no other changes that means Seattle will not pick until #56 and then not again until the 4th round.

QB -

Should the world go crazy and the Jags do the trade for Wilson, then Seattle would likely grab QB Trevor Lawrence in the draft along with a ton of cap room. Then Trevor can learn under QB Geno Smith. Assuming that is not the case, then I think Smith has seen his last vacation year in the Pacific Northwest and will be off to try to get back on the field somewhere else.

Seattle�s offensive line actually played better than it has in years. Which many might not expect given Wilson�s statements. LT Duane Brown is a small step down from Big Walt, which is still a big complement. RG Damien Lewis was a great pickup in last year�s draft and played solid in all 16 games. C Ethan Pocic looked good too. LG Mike Iupait has retired so they do need to replace him. LG Jordan Simmons or LG Cedric Ogbuehi may fit the bill. I would like to see them bring in someone to challenge RT Brandon Shell. And if they are young enough to flip over to the left side in a couple of years when Brown decides to retire, all the better. Free agent RT Tylor Moton might be that guy. Definitely he would be better than anyone left available at #56. I wouldn�t mind seeing LG JR Sweezy brought back to make Russ more comfortable either.

RB -

I am hoping that RB Chris Carson will get his big payday. Last year�s injury did not help him, but he should still be priced out of Seattle�s league. RB Carlos Hyde is likely gone to free agency as well. RB Rashaad Penny missed most of last year to his injury and we still do not know what he has to offer. Seattle has already brought back RB Alex Collins to compete with Penny. Rookie RB DeeJay Dallas showed some things last year, but he seems too small to be a feature back. RB Travis Homer is also likely more of a third down guy. I think Seattle will stand pat with these guys going into next year without Carson and Hyde.

WR -

Why would any quarterback walk away from WR DK Metcalf and WR Tyler Lockett. Metcalf will be even better next year when he can clear up some of his rookie mistakes. Seattle really needed a #3 guy though and WR David Moore just did not have it. I like him a lot, but he did not take the opportunity that was there. WR Phillip Dorsett was injured all season and could come out of camp as the #3 guy. But since both of these guys are Free Agents and letting them both go is probably the right choice. Rookie WR Freddie Swain would then be the next in line for that #3 spot. That just leaves WR Josh Gordon who will continue to be suspended. Seattle should grab another receiver in the draft. Even in the second round.

TE -

It�s not that I did not like TE Greg Olsen, but he just is not TE Will Dissly and he got all the press and Wilson�s praise. Now that he has retired Dissly will have a shot to show what he can do. TE Jacob Hollister has been a good backup, but he is likely gone to free agency. Dissly and rookie TE Colby Parkinson should be the guys next year.

K-

PK Jason Myers finally had a solid year and should have been more recognized for it. As soon as Wilson�s stats started the slow swirl into average, Myers made the most with his foot. Seattle should be solid here with Myers.

D -

I want Seattle to pay DE Carlos Dunlap II the $14+ mil to keep him a �Hawk. Same with DE Benson Mayowa and DT Poona Ford. I think DE Bruce Irvin needs to be the right price, but I would try to keep him too. He has unfinished business. Rookies DE Darrell Taylor, DE Alton Robinson, and essentially rookie DE LJ Collier all gave reasons to think they are on the way up last year. Keep them matched with these veterans along with DT Jarran Reed and they will just get better. I think Seattle should stand pat here.

Linebacker is a rough one. LB KJ Wright is up for a solid payday. I want him to stay with Seattle, but I think Seattle will be out bid. LB Bobby Wagner remains the solid middle of the D until he retires. LB Jordyn Brooks is coming off of a solid rookie year and will try to fill Wright�s shoes if he goes. LB Cody Barton had a good enough year 2 years ago to make people wonder why Brooks was drafted. Barton can step away from special teams and play his position with Wright gone.

Seattle also needs to take care of SS Jamal Adams�s contract to keep him paired with FS Quandre Diggs. Nothing to worry about with those two guys. Then comes the corners. If we can stand to see Wright suit up for another team, then we can stand seeing CB Shaquill Griffin do so as well. It is best to make sure he gets his payday. CB Quinton Dunbar did not get much of a chance to show what he can do, but he is probably out the free agency door as well. CB DJ Reed seemed to be better than either of them anyway, so that makes three secondary spots solid. The last corner spot might seem like it should go to CB Tre Flowers, but i do not think he can hold it. Seattle�s second or fourth round pick should go to a corner who can compete with CB Marquise Blair and CB Ugo Amadi for nickel vs. starting roles.

So my predictions are that these free agents are gone:

Geno Smith

Chris Carson

Carlos Hyde

David Moore

Jacob Hollister

KJ Wright

Shaquill Griffin

Quinton Dunbar

And Seattle keeps:

Ethan Pocic

Jordan Simmons

Cedric Ogubuehi

Benson Mayowa

Poona Ford

And they go after:

RT Tylor Moton

LG JR Sweezy

Then in the draft -

2nd round - Guard or Corner

4th round - Corner

5th round - Receiver

6th round - Safety

7th round - Linebacker

More to come in March!

End.