A Look at the Seattle Seahawks Impending Free Agents

The Seattle Seahawks head into the 2017 offseason with a confident outlook on the future. The organization is poised to show significant growth between this season and next, as all core players are signed through at least 2017. The offensive line, which Pete Carroll has said the team would like to keep intact moving forward, will also have a valuable year of experience under their belts and look to improve next season. And while injuries are never a certainty in the National Football League, Seattle is undoubtedly hopeful that Russell Wilson, Tyler Lockett, Earl Thomas and other playmakers can stay healthy for the whole season. Seattle does, however, have a number of players entering free agency this offseason that could contribute in the future.

Unrestricted Free Agents

Devin Hester/ Kick Returner

Though Hester gave a spark in the return game during the playoffs, his time in Seattle was always a short tour. He was brought in to replace Tyler Lockett’s production as a return, and with Lockett returning next season, Hester would needlessly take up a roster spot. It was fun watching the greatest kick returner of all time running down the field in a blur of action green, but it will be more fun to see Lockett return to action.

Steven Hauschka/ Kicker

Seattle likes Hauschka. In fact, they think so highly of him that Pete Carroll was one of the coaches that advocated moving PATs back. But the usually consistent kicker struggled last season. He missed several important field goals that potentially cost Seattle wins. Carroll believes in his players, but with Hauschka’s troubles, it may be an opportunity to move to a more inexpensive kicker. Hauschka would likely command nearly $3 million per year to re-sign with Seattle.

Bradley Sowell/ Offensive Tackle

Sowell was largely a disappointment this season. Brought in to provide a veteran presence on a young line, Sowell was less than desirable and was replaced by the end of the season. There are a number of replacement level tackles in free agency this season and Seattle may prefer taking a chance on one of them rather than re-signing Bradley Sowell. He should not be expected to return.

Michael Morgan/ Outside Linebacker

Morgan has supplied important depth at linebacker for Seattle since signing as an undrafted free agent with the team in 2011. However, he has never ascended to a starting role with the team. While he would provide depth next season as well, he is aging. Seattle is likely to take a linebacker late in the 2017 draft that could effectively replace Morgan.

Tony McDaniel/ Defensive Tackle

McDaniel is 32 years old and a talented run stopping defensive tackle. But Seattle already has a number of run stoppers including Jarran Reed, who just finished his rookie season. Seattle needs interior pass rushers and McDaniel is the most expendable defensive tackle on the roster. He is unlikely to return.

Marcel Reece/ Fullback

Reece was a great addition to Seattle at the end of the season. His ability to lead block in the hole and act as a proficient pass catcher were valuable to Seattle. Additionally, his unique skill set made him a personnel nightmare for defensive coordinators, as they were often unsure whether he would line up in the backfield or out wide. Reece is an aging veteran, but he should return next season to compete for the starting fullback job.

Will Tukuafu/ Fullback

Tukuafu was injured last season and is not the most versatile fullback. His massive size makes him an exclusive run blocker. Seattle is more dynamic with a receiving fullback and Tukuafu is unlikely to return.

Jeron Johnson/ Safety

Johnson was brought into Seattle after Earl Thomas’s season ending injury. His return to Seattle was as a backup and he rarely saw the field. With Kelcie McCray also entering free agency, Johnson is unlikely to return.

McCray/ Safety

McCray is a safety that Seattle really likes. His role as a depth player provides the Seahawks with flexibility. Between Johnson and him, McCray is more likely to return to the Legion of Boom. However, it is entirely possible that Seattle will draft Budda Baker or Jabril Peppers early, which would potentially displace McCray.

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Brandon Williams/ Tight End

Williams provided value for Seattle at tight end this season. His huge frame made him an easy target in the passing game and he was willing to get dirty in the trenches blocking. Williams is likely to return as Seattle’s third tight end, unless Seattle chooses to add another youthful member to the position group via the draft.

Neiko Thorpe/ Cornerback

Thorpe is highly respected as one of the best special teams players on Seattle’s roster. For that alone, John Schneider and Pete Carroll are likely to bring him back for at least another season. He also provided depth at cornerback and was needed down the stretch and in the playoffs due to injuries.

Damontre Moore/ Defensive End

Moore is not coming back. Moore was arrested on DUI charges and Seattle historically has little tolerance for such mishaps.

John Jenkins/ Defensive Tackle

Jenkins represents yet another run stopper on the interior defensive line. With productive players ahead of him on the roster, he provides little value to a position that needs more pass rushers.

Luke Willson/ Tight End

Willson was the second best tight end on Seattle’s roster last season. His time in Seattle has been productive, but with the tight end market in its current state, he likely is not worth the money he would command and Schneider knows as much. Seattle essentially wished him well at the end of the season and it appears both parties know that he will not be returning. He is Seattle’s biggest free agency loss.

Restricted Free Agents

DeShawn Shead/ Cornerback

Shead suffered a nasty injury in Seattle’s playoff game against Atlanta. His production this year as a run support corner was strong and he was good enough in pass coverage to merit starting. Shead’s injury also means that Seattle might be able to retain him for less than had he entered the offseason healthy. All signs indicate that Shead will return.

Steven Terrell/ Safety

Terrell replaced the injured Earl Thomas this season and left what felt like a gaping hole in the Seattle secondary. His inability to tackle in key moments was painful and his coverage left something to be desired. He flashed potential and was serviceable however. Terrell is likely to return, but if Seattle drafts Budda Baker, there may not be a need for Terrell.

Garry Gilliam/ Offensive Tackle

Gilliam was Seattle’s best pass blocker this season, but he was benched during the season for an undisclosed reason. Tom Cable and company do not seem to be crazy about the offensive lineman, and though they wish to preserve their starting unit, Gilliam is likely the most expendable if Seattle wishes to bring in a talented veteran tackle. Gilliam would provide good depth if Seattle chose to keep him and bring in an outside veteran as well. His 2017 tender is cheap enough that he would be a great 6th lineman if his attitude is appropriate.

Brock Coyle/ Middle Linebacker

Coyle has been a great backup in Seattle since entering the league and he should continue to be a valuable depth player on Seattle’s defense. He also provides value in the special teams game. Coyle should return with Seattle next season.

Luckily for John Schneider, Seattle does not have any major free agents this season. It will make his job easier and there are certainly starting caliber talents in free agency that could shore up Seattle’s weaknesses.

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