The Seahawks’ 2019 campaign ended in the divisional round of the playoffs, but they were neck-and-neck with the NFC champion 49ers for the entire season before slipping to a wildcard spot in Week 17. They have a talented roster, a star quarterback, and more financial flexibility than they’ve had in years, and Russell Wilson wants them to take advantage of that flexibility.
“I think we need a couple more (players),” Wilson told ESPN earlier this week (h/t Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times). “I think we need a couple more. (Defensive end) Jadeveon (Clowney) is a big-time guy that we would love to get back on our football team. He was so good in the locker room. He brought so many just havoc plays to the field. Hopefully, we can get a few other players there on the defense.”
Seattle head coach Pete Carroll had previously expressed his desire to bring Clowney back, and the club surely wants to re-sign Jarran Reed. But Carroll also said he wants to keep the O-line intact, while Wilson may privately disagree. The Seahawks graded out 30th in pass blocking and 14th in run blocking, according to Pro Football Focus, and the PFF grades for their pending FA O-linemen were all below average.
In addition to his comments regarding defensive reinforcements, Wilson talked about the offensive side of the ball. “Then also on offense, we have a great offense, but I think we can always add more pieces,” Wilson said. “Free agency is very, very key to getting those superstars on your team and try to get great players that can fill the space.”
As far as outside free agents that could represent upgrades to the offensive line, Packers RT Bryan Bulaga and Saints G Andrus Peat could be available. Unfortunately, Seattle may continue to struggle upgrading the tight end position, as Austin Hooper looks like the only top-tier TE that could hit the open market, unless someone can pry Hunter Henry away from the Chargers.
In any event, Wilson’s willingness to speak openly about his team’s free agency plans is a bit of a rarity for him, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes, and it underscores the urgency that the six-time Pro Bowler is feeling as he prepares for his ninth season in the league.
I agree with the people that say Russ is on his way to Canton. So why still stick w/ the run first O? Let him air it out.
LMAO. They only enshrine winners. Wilson has done squat..
More rings than Kershaw
Squat is winning as many super bowls as Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers.
Won one super bowl almost won a second round as a clear front runner for MVP until Lamar did Lamar things. Makes every right end he has look better then they are besides jimmy graham. Lost his best receiver to retirement and still posted his best statistical season. Yeah super trash
Two Super Bowls won one of them. What a foolish comment
Could have taken less to allow the team to surround him with more talent.
Just wait til they sign superstar Kareem Hunt
That’s a stretch cause they don’t need to with Carson making dirt and penny on the last year of his rookie deal
How often does that happen? Name once that you know it has happened on a players first opportunity for a big contract. It happens when guys are at the end of their career not in their prime.