HEADLINES

Richard Sherman

Poll: Who Should The Seahawks’ Top Priority Be This Offseason?

February 3rd, 2014 at 9:32pm CST by David Kipke

Yesterday, we passed along a report that suggested the Seahawks’ top priority this offseason is extending All-Pro safety Earl Thomas. However, giving Thomas a new contract would likely affect the team’s ability to negotiate a new contract with cornerback Richard Sherman this offseason. Both Thomas and Sherman are eligible for free agency a year from now, and if the Seahawks want to extend both players this offseason, they would likely have to cut receiver Sidney Rice.

Additionally, the Seahawks must decide if they want to table negotiations with the aforementioned players in order to retain receiver Golden Tate and/or defensive end Michael Bennett, who are hitting free agency this offseason. While the club may be able to re-sign or extend multiple players, it likely won’t be able to fit all of them under the cap.

Who do you think the Seahawks should prioritize this offseason?

Thomas Extension Top Priority For Seahawks

February 2nd, 2014 at 3:40pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Re-signing safety Earl Thomas will be the Seahawks’ number one priority this offseason, tweets NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. An extension for Thomas will take precedence over re-signing cornerback Richard Sherman, with whom the Seahawks may table discussions until more cap room is available. Rapoport further noted that extending both Thomas and Sherman this offseason may require other roster machinations, such as cutting receiver Sidney Rice (Twitter link).

Thomas, 24, was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. A three time All-Pro, he finished the 2013 with five interceptions and 10 passes deflected, and was graded as the league’s ninth-best safety by Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Along with his “Legion of Boom” teammates Sherman, Brandon Browner, and Kam Chancellor, Thomas helped the Seahawks rank first in defensive DVOA.

Thomas will look for a contract similar to the one signed by Eric Weddle in 2011, who received $19MM guaranteed over the course of a five-year deal. The Seahawks face will face other decisions with regards to free agency this offseason, as receiver Golden Tate, defensive end Michael Bennett, and cornerback Walter Thurmond are all free to test the market.