Although the Seahawks last night agreed to terms with free agent defender Dwight Freeney, Seattle is still searching for more pass rush help, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Projected to field one of the NFL’s best defensive lines in 2017, the Seahawks’ front four has disappointed thus far, as the unit ranks just 15th in adjusted line yards and 24th in adjusted sack rate. Veteran Cliff Avril is now on injured reserve and could be flirting with retirement following a neck injury, while fellow lineman Michael Bennett is playing through plantar fasciitis.
While the open market isn’t typically flush with options at any position at this point in the season, there are a few free agents who could potentially help the Seahawks going forward. Former Browns defensive lineman Desmond Bryant offers the versatility Seattle covets, and worked out for the team earlier this year. Veteran such as Paul Kruger, Mario Williams, and Armonty Bryant are still available, while younger players like Owa Odighizuwa and Devin Taylor could also serve as reinforcements.
Putting together a trade for an edge defender also isn’t out of the question, although parity in the NFL means few teams may be willing to deal. Bears outside linebacker Pernell McPhee could probably be had for little in the way of draft pick compensation, but his contract ($21MM in non-guaranteed base salary over the next three years) could present an issue. Kerry Wynn (Giants), Barkevious Mingo (Colts), Aaron Lynch (49ers), and Elvis Dumervil (49ers) are all on expiring deals and playing on non-contenders.
Help could also be on the way for Seattle in the form of internal options. Second-round rookie Malik McDowell — who could see time at either tackle or end — may be able to return this season after suffering a severe concussion in a July ATV accident. And Dion Jordan, the former No. 3 overall pick who inked a one-year pact with the Seahawks earlier this year, returned to practice today.
Could we please look for Offensive Linemen? That is the biggest need on this team. Not D-line, and not crybaby WR’s who throw teammates under the bus on instagram
If we could bring in a couple good OL and get rid of a tired and predictable OC it would do a lot to improve the OFF. RW is taking a beating and still playing good. Playing behind that OL for very long will shorten his career though. If I were him I wouldn’t sign another contract here if they continually gave me a crappy OL. Nobody could blame him either.