Hawks must add their pass rusher by draft day

March 30, 2020 cc 1 Comment

The closer it gets to draft time, the closer it gets to decision time for the Seahawks about which established pass rusher they are going to add.

We already said the team needs to move on from Jadeveon Clowney if he is seeking just a one-year deal at this point, but now it seems he might be intent on waiting until the COVID-19 shutdown is lifted so he can undergo physicals in the hope of getting what he wants (at least $20 million a year).

If that is the case, it’s definitely time to move on; Seattle has to have a pass rusher before the draft begins April 23.

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It's bigger than football

If we flatten the curve, maybe ‘normal’ will return in July

March 28, 2020 cc Leave a comment

The COVID-19 pandemic has killed thousands around the world and will kill thousands more. It has changed the way we all live — for now, if not forever. It’s obviously so much bigger than football and sports, which mean nothing in the face of a deadly worldwide crisis.

That said, the sports world is doing everything it can to help. Among the first athletes to do so was Russell Wilson, who (with wife Ciara) is helping to contribute 10 million meals to those in need. Drew Brees and his wife are giving $5 million to hard-hit Louisiana to combat the virus. Many others are contributing as well, and athletes everywhere have joined the PSA calling for people to stay home and help flatten the curve.

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Free agency, The roster

Roster report: After pass rusher, what’s next?

March 22, 2020 cc Leave a comment

(UPDATED) The Seahawks are trying to resolve their biggest roster question, but they are still making other free-agent moves.

In addition to the premier pass rusher (or two), they also need a run-stuffing defensive tackle, a cornerback, a running back and a backup quarterback. (UPDATE: They acquired CB Quinton Dunbar from Washington on Monday.)

Let’s take stock of each position:

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Contracts, Free agency, Trades

If Clowney won’t commit, Seahawks should quickly grab Griffen

March 21, 2020 cc Leave a comment

If Jadeveon Clowney wants only a one-year deal, the Seahawks should sign Everson Griffen instead.

Clowney’s market might be under $15 million at this point, per 710 ESPN’s John Clayton. We all know about the pandemic hurdle to teams giving Clowney a physical, but Clayton brings up another interesting thought: There aren’t many 4-3 teams in need of pass rushers now.

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Contracts, Free agency

If reports are correct, Clowney should take Seattle’s offer

March 20, 2020 cc Leave a comment

It sounds like Jadeveon Clowney’s contract choice right now might be taking around $18 million a year in a four-season pact with the Seahawks or holding out for a big 2021 payday by playing 2020 for as little as $13 million.

If that is true, his choice should be simple: Take the Seattle deal. And become a free agent again in 2024 at age 31.

Continue reading If reports are correct, Clowney should take Seattle’s offer →

Contracts, Free agency, The roster, Video

Is Finney part of the pass-rush solution?

March 17, 2020 cc Leave a comment

Is B.J. Finney the precursor to the Seahawks signing two stud pass rushers?

They reportedly will sign the versatile lineman, who can play center, to a two-year deal worth $8 million (and up to $9.5 million). And that could be the way they bump expensive Justin Britt, which would save them a net $5 million in cap space on the exchange so they could sign Jadeveon Clowney and another pass rusher (Everson Griffen or Devon Kennard?).

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Free agency

With new CBA, salary cap space shrinks

March 16, 2020 cc Leave a comment

Passage of the new CBA was expected to add a few million in salary cap space, but it turns out the cap is actually a couple million less than originally thought: $198.2 million.

With minimum salaries going up $100,000 for rookies and $90,000 for veterans, and practice squad expenses going up (both roster size and salaries), the Seahawks will need to reserve an extra $4 million in cap space. Add $3.46 million in possible rookie proration from their eight draft picks and at least $3 million for injury replacements during the season, and their effective cap space for veterans is more like $35 million.

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Free agency, It's bigger than football, NFL draft

As coronavirus empties arenas, what will the NFL do?

March 13, 2020 cc Leave a comment

Nine years ago, NFL owners and players were negotiating a new CBA — and the start of the league year was delayed four months.

Now, with another CBA extension on the line, it’s possible the league year will be postponed again — for completely unrelated reasons.

The coronavirus pandemic has created a fearful environment in the U.S. (and the world) that has not existed since the days and weeks after Sept. 11, 2001. Even then, sports events were delayed for just a week as the nation grieved and tried to process what had happened.

This is very different.

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NFL Combine, NFL draft

Will Schneider keep playing the comp game, despite little return?

March 10, 2020 cc Leave a comment

Everyone knows Pete Carroll loves competition. And John Schneider loves COMPetition — working free agency so he ends up with compensatory draft picks the next year.

He has done it in four of the past six years — and he got three extra selections today when 2020 picks were announced. But is it really a game worth playing? Has Schneider found any diamonds in the rough with these extra picks?

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NFL draft, Trades

Good news: Schneider is willing to trade for ‘premier’ pass rusher

March 7, 2020 cc Leave a comment

“What we’re trying to find is a real premier pass-rush guy to play the LEO spot.” — Pete Carroll

John Schneider has never been shy to trade his first-round pick for a shot at an impact player. He did it in 2013 (for Percy Harvin) and 2015 (for Jimmy Graham). Now, fortunately, it looks like he is willing to do it again.

Continue reading Good news: Schneider is willing to trade for ‘premier’ pass rusher →