Tag: George Fant

6 Seahawks named potential cut candidates

6 Seahawks named potential cut candidates

The Seattle Seahawks need to create some salary cap space this offseason. General manager John Schneider is currently scheduled to possess a deficit in ‘effective cap space,’ according to OverTheCap. That’s precisely why OverTheCap releases an annual list compiling 100 potential cut candidates around the league.

OverTheCap acknowledges that many of the players listed won’t be outright released. There’s a few Seahawks that qualified for the list who definitely won’t be sacrificed. A few others are realistically on Schneider’s chopping block, however. The following six Seahawks made OTC’s list.

Geno Smith

Starting quarterback Geno Smith is on a contract that pays him $25 million per campaign, with $31 million cash due in 2025. The Seahawks won’t be releasing their No. 1 signal caller. Smith should conclude the remaining year of his three-year contract before deciding his fate in 2026.

D.K. Metcalf

DK Metcalf doesn’t possess any guaranteed salary in 2025, hence his qualification for this list. The Seahawks aren’t releasing Metcalf, who will be due another contract extension soon. Metcalf will continue serving as a big-time offensive playmaker for the next offensive coordinator.

George Fant

George Fant is a far likelier cut candidate. The veteran blocker was signed as insurance for Abe Lucas at right tackle, but suffered multiple injuries that completely prevented that hope from coming to fruition. Schneider will inevitably save nearly $4 million by releasing Fant.

Tyler Lockett

The legendary Tyler Lockett has likely played his final game for the Seahawks. His scheduled cap number of nearly $31 million qualifies as totally unmanageable. Lockett received a proper sending-off from the 12th Faithful this season.

Dre’Mont Jones

Dre’Mont Jones is a more interesting case. The Seahawks could create either $11.5 million (pre-June) or $16.5 million (post-June) by releasing him. They’d be waving goodbye to an effective defender who applied consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, however.

Noah Fant

Noah Fant could certainly be on the chopping block. Releasing the veteran tight end would create nearly $9 million in financial flexibility. Fant doesn’t possess any guaranteed money remaining on his contract, making it easy to sever ties.

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3 Seahawks who failed to meet financial expectations in 2024

3 Seahawks who failed to meet financial expectations in 2025

The Seattle Seahawks spent $253.3 million towards the salary cap in 2024, according to Spotrac. That ranked 13th in the league. General manager John Schneider also carried a 14th-highest $53.3 million in dead cap charges. With Seattle’s campaign officially in the book, we’ve identified three players who failed to meet financial expectations.

Tyler Lockett

Veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett carried the franchise’s second-largest cap hit in 2024 at $18,895 million, trailing just Geno Smith’s ($26.4 million). Lockett is a legend, but he did not meet those expectations, finishing third on offense in receiving yards (600) and receptions (49). With his scheduled cap hit rising to an unmanageable $30.8 million in 2025, a mutual parting of the ways is likely.

Uchenna Nwosu

Schneider managed to keep Uchenna Nwosu’s cap hit at a manageable $7.8 million, but recurring injuries prevented him from even reaching that ceiling, with him recording just one sack in six appearances. Luckily for the Seahawks, Nwosu doesn’t possess any guaranteed money remaining on his contract moving forward. He qualifies as a likely cap casualty, with Schneider saving nearly $15 million versus the 2025 cap by releasing the oft-injured pass rusher.

George Fant

The Seahawks signed offensive tackle George Fant to a two-year contract worth $9.1 million. The idea was for Fant to provide insurance at right tackle for Abe Lucas’ injury. The veteran swing tackle ended up getting injured himself, playing just 30 snaps. He’s a surefire release this offseason to save $3.8 million.

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Seahawks activate RT Abe Lucas from PUP list, George Fant placed on Injured Reserve

Seahawks activate RT Abe Lucas from PUP list, George Fant placed on Injured Reserve

The Seattle Seahawks have just given the 12th Man a jolt of much-needed good news this week. On Wednesday morning, the team officially activated right tackle Abe Lucas off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Lucas has been recovering from a procedure on his knee he had done this past winter, and it cost him the first nine games of the season this year.

Lucas began the 2024 campaign on the PUP list, but was recently designated to return to practice at the end of October. Once he returned to practice, the clock began on a 21-day window to be able to be ready to join the active 53-man roster or be shut down for the remainder of the season. The fact he has been upgraded off the PUP list is a great sign, and points to a potential season debut against the San Francisco 49ers this weekend.

Unfortunately, Lucas returning means someone loses their spot on the 53-man roster, and it appears it will once again be right tackle George Fant. In Week 9, Fant made his return after suffering a knee injury in Week 1. Sadly, his return was short lived as he re-injured his knee, and has once again been placed on injured reserve.

Should Lucas be able to go on Sunday, it will signify a considerable upgrade to a Seahawks offensive line in shambles… especially on the right side. Seattle will need all the help they can get if they want to upset the 49ers.

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Seahawks’ pass-blocking metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ pass-blocking metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to protect starting quarterback Geno Smith this season. Smith has been pressured on 153 of his dropbacks, according to data collected by Brian Nemhauser. That means the offensive line is leaking protection on 40% of their starting quarterback’s dropbacks.

The majority of those pressures have arrived from the right side of the offensive line. Pro Football Focus credits right guard Anthony Bradford with allowing 24 pressures, second-worst (112) among 113 qualifying guards. Bradford has also been whistled for a position-high nine penalties, and he’s allowed five sacks, ranking 110th out of 113.

The right tackle position has also struggled. Injuries have forced the Seahawks to start three different right tackles this year. George Fant, Stone Forsythe, and Mike Jerrell have all started for Mike Macdonald’s lackluster offensive line. Below-average results have been delivered.

The Seahawks have a 53% pass-block-win-rate (PBWR) this season, according to ESPN Stats & Info. Franchise left tackle Charles Cross has been far-and-away the team’s best blocker in pass protection. Cross is Seattle’s only offensive lineman that cracks ESPN’s leaderboard, posting an elite individual PBWR of 92%.

The Seahawks have allowed a sixth-worst 28 sacks this season. Smith has been outstanding when operating from a clean pocket, posting a passer rating of 108.6 in such rare scenarios, per PFF. When under pressure, that rating plummets to 49.5.

The offensive line remains a work in progress. Cross is outstanding, but the overall unit, particularly the right side, desperately needs improving. Hopefully Abe Lucas returns against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 and helps deliver clean pockets for Smith with more consistency.

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Seahawks’ run-blocking metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ run-blocking metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to effectively run the football this season. Entering their Week 10 bye, the offense is currently producing a 28th-ranked 91.2 rushing yards per game. As a unit, they are averaging a disappointing 4.1 yards per carry. Starting running back Kenneth Walker III has enjoyed just one 100-yard rushing showing this year, and it occurred way back in Week 1.

A struggling offensive line is largely to blame for the lackluster results. Head coach Mike Macdonald has rotated through an abundance of blockers at right guard and right tackle in search of the right combination, to no avail. Opposing defenders have routinely made plays in the backfield.

The Seahawks currently have the fourth-worst run-block-win-rate (RBWR) in the league at 67%, according to data collected by ESPN Stats & Info. Seattle doesn’t have a single offensive lineman on ESPN’s RBWR leaderboard.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has also struggled to commit to sticking with the struggling ground game. Despite owning a competitive record of 4-5, the Seahawks rank 29th in rushing attempts with just 201. Oddly enough, Seattle’s 11 rushing touchdowns are tied for sixth-most in the league.

The Seahawks have gone into pass-happy shells due to the nonexistent ground attack. Grubb’s rushing offense is scoring touchdowns despite few attempts and inconsistent results. The Seahawks require improved ground-game efficiency when they return from the Week 10 bye.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers encouraging Abe Lucas update

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald offers encouraging Abe Lucas update

The right tackle position was a major sore spot for the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday’s defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Veteran tackle George Fant received the start after being activated off IR. Fant was credited with allowing two pressures and one sack before re-injuring his knee and exiting the game.

Fant was replaced by rookie blocker Mike Jerrell, who had started the previous two contests at right tackle. Jerrell also struggled, allowing two sacks and four pressures. Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald offered an encouraging update about the position during Monday’s press conference.

Presumed starter Abe Lucas has missed the entire campaign on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Lucas recently returned to practice and is working towards making his debut. With the Seahawks on a Week 10 bye, Macdonald said Lucas may start at right tackle versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11.

The 4-5 Seahawks are currently dead-last in the NFC West. The standings will receive another shake-up in Week 10, but the following contest versus the 49ers is a potentially decisive one. Macdonald’s Seahawks are currently 0-2 in the division and must turn around their fortunes if they hope to qualify for the postseason. Getting Lucas back could provide Seattle’s lackluster offensive line with a much-needed jolt.

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Can Seahawks trust OT George Fant to stay healthy?

Can Seahawks trust OT George Fant to stay healthy?

The Seattle Seahawks activated offensive tackle George Fant off injured reserve (IR) ahead of Sunday’s Week 9 showdown versus their NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams. Fant was active for the first time since Week 1, when he suffered a knee injury in the regular-season opener. He opened Sunday’s contest as the starting right tackle, replacing rookie Mike Jerrell.

Fant unfortunately suffered another knee injury in the overtime defeat to the Rams. The veteran blocker exited the game and did not return. Jerrell replaced him and played the majority of snaps on Seattle’s offensive line.

Fant only managed 17 offensive snaps before re-injuring the leg that landed him on IR in September. Jerrell played the remaining 63 snaps on offense. Seattle’s offensive line was totally ineffective once again, with starting quarterback Geno Smith under constant duress from the Rams’ offensive line, leading to seven sacks for the defense.

Assuming Fant’s season isn’t over, the Seahawks unfortunately can’t rely on his availability for the rest of the season. Ideally, presumed starting right tackle Abe Lucas, who has been practicing lately, is getting closer to being activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Otherwise, Jerrell will likely serve as the starting right tackle against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11 when the Seahawks return from their bye week.

Fant simply can’t be relied on.

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Seahawks RT George Fant active for first time since Week 1

Seahawks RT George Fant active for first time since Week 1

There is some good injury news for the Seattle Seahawks headed into their Week 9 showdown against the Los Angeles Rams. On Saturday, the Seahawks officially activated right tackle George Fant off the injured reserve list. Fant has been among Seattle’s wounded ever since Week 1 against the Denver Broncos.

The right tackle position for the Seahawks has been devastated by injury this year. Right from the get-go, presumed starter Abe Lucas was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin the year. Fant was lost in Week 1 like I mentioned, and eventually third-stringer Stone Forsythe was placed on injured reserve himself.

Fant and Lucas returned to practice nearly two full weeks ago. While Lucas clearly still has a ways to go, it is encouraging Fant is able to play once more. The Seahawks offensive line has been nothing short of a disaster this year, and they need all the help they can get.

Sadly, the return of Fant means someone needs to be moved off the 53-man active roster. Nose tackle Cam Young, who began the year on the PUP list and was recently activated off it, has been placed on injured reserve.

Additional roster moves include elevating wide receiver Cody White and cornerback Josh Jobe. Last week against the Bills, Jobe was responsible for snagging the first intercepted pass from quarterback Josh Allen of the year.

Seahawks Week 9 injury report: DK Metcalf still not practicing

Seahawks Week 9 injury report: DK Metcalf still not practicing

The Seattle Seahawks have a must-win game this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams. It will determine if they can stay competitive for the division lead, or fall to dead last in the NFC West. Unfortunately, after Wednesday’s practice, they have quite a lengthy injury report.

The most concerning name is of course star wide receiver DK Metcalf, who is not practicing. Metcalf missed last week’s game against Buffalo due to a Grade 1 MCL sprain he suffered in Week 7. Metcalf did not practice last week, and is starting off the week with the same status.

Some good news is the fact Abe Lucas and George Fant remain limited participants. It may be a while before either see the field, but these are encouraging signs for their progression forward.

The full injury report from Wednesday’s practice can be seen below.

Did Not Participate:

  • WR DK Metcalf – Knee
  • WR Laviska Shenault Jr. – Knee
  • CB Devon Witherspoon – Foot
  • DE Leonard Williams – NIR/Rest

Limited Participation:

  • T George Fant – Knee
  • T Abe Lucas – Knee
  • WR Tyler Lockett – Oblique
  • LB Dre’Mont Jones – Shoulder
  • CB Nehemiah Pritchett – Ankle
  • NT Cameron Young – Knee
  • TE Noah Fant – Groin
  • G Laken Tomlinson – NIR/Rest

Full Participation:

  • T Michael Jerrell – Shoulder
  • LB Boye Mafe – Knee
  • CB Tre Brown – Ankle
  • CB Riq Woolen – Ankle

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Mike Jerrell could make his third consecutive start vs. Rams in Week 9

Mike Jerrell could make his third consecutive start vs. Rams in Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a critical NFC West showdown game against the Los Angeles Rams this weekend. The 4-4 Seahawks are in a three-way tie for first place in the division with the Arizona Cardinals and San Francisco 49ers. In preparation for their big-time game, it sounds like rookie right tackle Mike Jerrell could be making his third consecutive start.

Jerrell was thrust into the lineup against the Atlanta Falcons because George Fant and Stone Forsythe were on IR. With Fant eligible to return against the Buffalo Bills in Week 9, the Seahawks stuck with Jerrell. It sounds like head coach Mike Macdonald is considering sticking with the sixth-round rookie from Findlay.

Jerrell played all 51 offensive snaps in Sunday’s blowout defeat to the Bills. Pro Football Focus credited Jerrell with allowing four pressures, and he was blamed for giving up the lone sack Geno Smith took. As a result, Jerrell earned a lackluster pass-blocking grade of 48.3.

Initial expectations were that Fant would be activated off IR and start in a critical divisional game versus the Rams. It currently sounds like Jerrell, one of Seattle’s ongoing heartwarming stories, is preparing to make a third consecutive start. Macdonald continues placing trust in the obscure small-school performer.

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