Tag: Jarran Reed

Analyzing Seahawks’ pending 2025 free agents on defense

Analyzing Seahawks’ pending 2025 free agents on defense

The Seattle Seahawks have just 10 unrestricted free agents currently scheduled to reach the open market in March. General manager John Schneider has 16 total contracts to address, including restricted (2) and exclusive rights (4) free agents. Of those 16, the following are defensive players.

Ernest Jones IV | LB

Jones was a complete game-changer for Seattle’s struggling run defense after arriving from the Tennessee Titans in a pre-deadline trade. A Mike Macdonald linebacker through and through, Jones racked up 94 tackles in 10 appearances while helping the defense replace underperforming players at the position. Re-signing him should be a big-time priority for Schneider.

Josh Jobe (restricted) | CB 

Jobe was arguably the biggest surprise performer of Seattle’s 2024 season. Initially joining the practice squad, the former undrafted free agent earned a starting gig at cornerback opposite Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon following an injury to Tre Brown. Jove accumulated five pass breakups and an interception in 10 games. His restricted free agency status should make it rather easy for Schneider to retain his services.

Jarran Reed | DT

The aging Reed offered Seattle’s defensive line a versatile skill-set up the middle. A true three-down defender, Reed totaled 4.5 sacks while being a veteran member of Macdonald’s first-year defense. The Seahawks should consider bringing him back on a short-term, team-friendly deal.

Tre Brown | CB

Brown eventually lost his starting job following an ankle injury. Recurring injuries and inconsistent performances have prevented Brown from routinely reaching his potential in Seattle. It’s probably best for both parties to go their separate ways, as the former Oklahoma cover-man would benefit from a change of scenery.

K’Von Wallace | S

Rayshawn Jenkins, Coby Bryant, and Julian Love are all under contract through next season. Jenkins qualifies as a potential cap casualty, however. If the Seahawks part ways with the veteran starter, perhaps Schneider will possess interest in bringing K’Von Wallace back as a third safety and core special teamer.

Johnathan Hankins | DT

A past-his-prime defender with a run-stopping skill set, Johnathan Hankins offered the Seahawks some quality reps, particularly on early downs. Hankins still gains backfield penetration, so perhaps a reunion will come to fruition. He’d play a rotational role behind Seattle’s more versatile defensive tackles.

Artie Burns | CB

Recurring injuries keep preventing Burns from getting into a rhythm with the Seahawks. His versatile performances have been intriguing, but availability has been a routine issue. Perhaps Burns will return on a veteran minimum contract that allows him to compete for a roster spot throughout the preseason.

Trevis Gipson | EDGE

The Seahawks are incredibly deep at EDGE. Gipson was acquired to provide depth following Uchenna Nwosu’s injury, but he rarely saw the field. Macdonald will continue rolling with Boye Mafe, Derick Hall, and Dre’Mont Jones as his preferred outside linebackers.

John Ross (ERFA) | LB

Onujiogu has suffered significant injuries two campaigns in a row. He’s essentially a practice squad or training camp body until proven otherwise. Onujiogu must remain healthy enough to compete for a special teams role.

Joshua Onujiogu (ERFA) | LB

Macdonald is familiar with Ross through their shared tenure together at Michigan. He was a special teams contributor for coordinator Jay Harbaugh this season. Ross’ familiarity with Macdonald and special teams could make him a returning asset.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Vikings on defense in Week 16

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Vikings on defense in Week 16

The Seattle Seahawks fell short of upsetting the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, dropping their Week 16 contest 27-24. Mike Macdonald’s defense struggled to get stops. Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 246 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson was unstoppable, totaling 10 catches for 144 yards and two scores. Kevin O’Connell had the offense cooking against Aden Durde’s defense.

These Seahawks were their highest-graded players on defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jarran Reed | 86.5

Veteran interior defender Jarran Reed earned an elite grade of 86.5, his single-best score of the season. Reed recorded a strip-sack of Darnold, and the Vikings were fortunate to recover the football. The underrated defensive tackle totaled three quarterback pressures.

Devon Witherspoon | 75.9

Despite Minnesota’s passing-game success, versatile cornerback Devon Witherspoon forfeited very little through the air. He was credited with allowing four receptions on six targets for just 38 receiving yards. Witherspoon has allowed just one touchdown catch throughout this entire 2024 campaign.

Josh Jobe | 75.4

Boundary corner Josh Jobe was very competitive in coverage. The former undrafted free agent out of Alabama allowed five catches for 55 receiving yards, but wasn’t tagged with responsibility for any of Darnold’s touchdowns. Jobe only allowed nine yards after catch, and also recorded a pass breakup.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on defense in Week 14

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Cardinals on defense in Week 14

The Seattle Seahawks captured their fourth consecutive victory on Sunday, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 30-18 in Week 14. Mike Macdonald’s defense limited the Cardinals to 356 total yards and forced two turnovers, completing the regular-season sweep over their NFC West rivals. Analyzing the advanced metrics, these were Seattle’s three highest-graded players on defense, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jarran Reed | 84.1

Veteran defensive tackle Jarran Reed was his usual disruptive self. The former Alabama standout recorded three pressures and logged a QB hit on Kyler Murray. Reed also broke up a pass and routinely dominated the line of scrimmage versus an outmatched Cardinals interior offensive line.

Rayshawn Jenkins | 76.3

Rayshawn Jenkins was Seattle’ second-highest graded overall defender at 76.3. The versatile safety recorded three tackles and one of Macdonald’s two team sacks on a well-timed blitz. Jenkins accumulated two additional tackles and two stops. He was never targeted in coverage by Murray.

Coby Bryant | 73.4

Rotational safety Coby Bryant continues to take advantage of his opportunities. With Jenkins still easing into the lineup, Bryant has captured a full-time starting role for himself. The ex Cincinnati Bearcat played 100 percent of Macdonald’s defensive snaps for a sixth straight game. He recorded his team-high third interception of the season, his second takeaway in three games.

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Seahawks defense has been dominant vs. the run throughout ongoing win streak

Seahawks defense has been dominant vs. the run throughout ongoing win streak

The Seattle Seahawks were struggling mightily to defend the run earlier this season. Approximately just one month ago, Mike Macdonald’s inconsistent unit entered their Week 9 contest versus the Los Angeles Rams allowing a 29th-ranked 148.4 rushing yards per contest. They were also allowing the fifth-highest yards per carry average (4.9) in the league.

Things have changed drastically in recent weeks. In Sunday’s Week 13 victory over the New York Jets, their third consecutive triumph, the combination of Breece Hall and Braelon Allen were limited to 71 rushing yards and zero touchdowns via 17 carries. The Jets were ultimately held under 100 net rushing yards.

Seattle’s run-stopping metrics have drastically improved since that Week 9 update. Macdonald’s disciplined run defense now ranks 22nd in the league, allowing 127 yards per outing. They are surviving their lackluster early-season start, and are consistently climbing the charts.

In fact, the Seahawks have faced four outstanding running backs over the previous four weeks. The list includes Hall, Kyren Williams, Christian McCaffrey, and James Conner. The results? Macdonald’s defense has allowed 216 rushing yards and zero touchdowns via 60 carries. That equals just 3.6 yards per carry.

They’ve been spearheaded forward by dominant performances from Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed and Co.

The turning point for Seattle’s run defense was arguably swapping out linebackers Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson for Ernest Jones IV and Tyrice Knight. Jones has been a tackling machine since being acquired in a trade with the Tennessee Titans. Seattle’s improving run defense is peaking at the right time.

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Seahawks DT Jarran Reed reaches milestone in Week 13 win

Seahawks DT Jarran Reed reaches milestone in Week 13 win

The Seattle Seahawks claimed their third consecutive victory on Sunday, defeating the New York Jets 26-21 in Week 13. It was an absurd game that featured multiple special teams gaffs by the Seahawks, and a historic 92-yard pick-six touchdown by 300-plus pound defensive lineman Leonard Williams. Lost in the craziness was some team history made by veteran defensive tackle Jarran Reed.

Reed appeared in his 100th career contest for Seattle on Sunday, according to Seahawks PR. Over 1,200 players have played for the Seahawks. Reed became just the 50th to play in 100 games for the franchise.

Reed made his usual impact for a Seahawks defense that was stout versus the Jets offense. Reed played a total of 35 snaps, accounting for 51 percent of Mike Macdonald’s available plays. He consistently supported a dominant Williams on the defensive line.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider originally drafted Reed with a second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The former Alabama standout played out his entire rookie contract with the franchise before joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021. He later played a single season for the Green Bay Packers before re-joining the Seahawks in 2023 via a two-year contract worth $9 million.

Reed has totaled 31 tackles and 2.5 sacks throughout 2024. He made heartwarming history for the Seahawks on Sunday. Reed is an underrated performer that deserved Sunday’s accolade.

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Seahawks’ pass-rushing metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ pass-rushing metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks are tied for 15th in the NFL in sacks with 21 quarterback takedowns through nine contests heading into this weekend’s bye. Mike Macdonald’s defense has taken a by-committee approach to rushing the passer. Three Seahawks defenders have produced three-or-more sacks, with Derick Hall (5.0), Boye Mafe (4.0), and Dre’Mont Jones (3.0) sitting atop the team leaderboard.

Leonard Williams (2.5), Tyrel Dodson (2.0), and Jarran Reed (2.0) aren’t far off from joining that club. Williams actually leads the Seahawks in pressures with 28, and Mafe (27), Hall (26), Reed (26), and Jones (25) aren’t far behind, according to Pro Football Focus. It’s been a team-effort for Seattle’s front seven this season.

The advanced analytics are in-line with these tangible results. The Seahawks have posted a league-average 41% pass-block-win-rate (PBWR) so far this season, ranking 17th in the NFL through nine weeks, according to data provided by ESPN Stats & Info. Seattle has been effective at getting after opposing passers.

Williams has posted 15 pass-rushing-wins out of 100 reps, also per ESPN. Williams’ 15% PRWR ranks third-best (tied with Calais Campbell) among all qualifying defensive tackles, trailing just Zach Allen (21%) and Chris Jones (20%). There’s no denying his production this season.

Applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks hasn’t been Seattle’s issue this season. The 4-5 Seahawks are entering a Week 10 bye. When they return, a productive, all-hands-on-deck pass rushing unit will attempt to aid other areas of struggle.

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Seahawks’ run-stopping metrics through Week 9

Seahawks’ run-stopping metrics through Week 9

The Seattle Seahawks have struggled to stop the run this season. Entering their Week 10 bye, the defense is currently ranked 27th in defending the run, allowing opposing offenses to produce 139.4 rushing yards per game. Missed tackles and gap discipline have been recurring issues across the front seven.

Seahawks general manager John Schneider recently made a notable change to the run defense. Schneider acquired linebacker Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in exchange for 2025 draft-pick capital and fellow linebacker Jerome Baker. Despite losing to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 9, their starting back Kyren Williams was limited to 69 yards and 3.1 yards per carry. Jones has already improved Seattle’s run defense.

The season-long metrics still leave plenty to be desired. As things stand, the Seahawks have posted a run-stopping-win-rate (RSWR) of 29%, 23rd-best in the league, according to data collected by ESPN Stats & Info. That ranking aligns with what Seattle’s undisciplined run defense has put on tape.

Opposing backfields are rushing for 4.8 yards per carry against Seattle’s defense. That’s tied for the sixth-most yards per carry average allowed by any defense in the NFL. Mike Macdonald’s unit has forfeited a middling nine rushing touchdowns this season.

The Seahawks must defend the run with better efficiency when they return from their Week 10 bye. Acquiring Jones has slightly pushed the needle in a better direction. Using the off-week to course-correct their gap-sound discipline issues could lead to more desirable results versus the San Francisco 49ers in Week 11.

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Seahawks DL Jarran Reed clears air after sideline dust-up with Derick Hall

Seahawks DL Jarran Reed clears air after sideline dust-up with Derick Hall

The Seattle Seahawks were embarrassed by the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, losing their Week 8 contest 31-10. Emotions tend to boil over when suffering such a lopsided defeat. At one point, those emotions boiled over when veteran defensive lineman Jarran Reed decided to address Derick Hall on the sideline following his critical roughing the passer penalty.

Reed claims the Seahawks had discussed how Bills quarterback Josh Allen is a well-known flopper that draws roughing the passer penalties. That was at the heart of Reed’s disappointment with Hall’s 15-yard penalty. The two defenders have since buried the hatchet, per recent comments.

“Emotions run high in football,” Reed told the media on Wednesday. “We talked about what [Bills QB] Josh Allen could do all week with the flopping. It was a boneheaded play, and I just wanted him [Derick Hall] to know that we couldn’t do that. It was a critical play in a critical time of the game. It created an explosive play, which is what we’re trying to eliminate. That’s all we were talking about. We’re just two guys who care about football. Look, D-Hall is my guy, he’s one of my friends on this team. We’re still cool. There’s no love lost, it just happens,” Reed concluded.

Hall leads the Seahawks in sacks this season with five quarterback takedowns. Reed has been effective, totaling 25 tackles, three for loss, and two sacks. The Seahawks need Hall and Reed to continue playing quality football for Mike Macdonald’s struggling defense.

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The Seahawks were fighting on their sideline during loss vs. Bills

The Seahawks were fighting on their sideline during loss vs. Bills

Cameras caught the Seahawks fighting when their game against the Bills was slipping away from them.

Down 14-3, Seahawks defenders Jarren Reed and Derick Hall got into it late in the first half. The two began fighting out of frustration and multiple players around them had to break the two up.

The Seahawks went on to lose big, a 31-10 final. That’s the effect Josh Allen and the Bills can have on you, evidently.

Check out their scrap in the clip below:

Causes for concern as the Bills face the Seahawks in Week 8

Causes for concern as the Bills face the Seahawks in Week 8

The Buffalo Bills take to the road in Week 8 to face the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.

The Bills (5-2) and Seahawks (4-3) clash as a couple of the better teams in the NFL through seven weeks.

The Bills are favored by just a field goal in the game, as the Seahawks have shown they can compete on both sides of the ball under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald.

Macdonald’s last two seasons were spent as the defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. The defensive-minded head coach also has an explosive offense led by veteran gunslinger Geno Smith. To improve to 6-2 on the year, the Bills will need to execute.

There are always a few things that make executing difficult each week, and the Bills will need to be wary of them. Here are three causes for concern for the Bills in Week 8:

Seattle’s air attack

USA TODAY Sports

The Seahawks pass the ball at the highest rate in the NFL. Not only does Geno Smith lead the league in attempts with 279, but he also leads the NFL in attempts of ten or more yards downfield.

Not having DK Metcalf due to his knee injury would hurt what the Seahawks can do downfield, but Smith will most likely still be willing to sling it. The secondary and linebackers for the Bills will be tested in coverage.

No Terrel Bernard

Getty Images

The Bills announced on Friday that linebacker and captain Terrel Bernard will miss the game at Seattle on Sunday. A big blow to the defense.

Any game that Terrel Bernard can’t play for the Bills is a concern, but this particular matchup especially hurts the Bills. The Seahawks love to throw it around the yard and Bernard is the best cover linebacker the Bills have. Not only that but he is the one communicating the defense pre-snap. With Bernard not in the middle of the field, it will make for an easier day for Geno Smith and the Seahawks offense.

Playmakers on defense

Getty Images

The Seahawks aren’t among the league leaders in any defensive categories but they are solid across the board.

They have a couple of standout players in the secondary with safety Julian Love and cornerback Tariq Woolen. And opposite of Woolen is Devon Witherspoon who is solid on the outside too. Love is the eighth-highest-graded safety in the NFL per Pro Football Focus, and Woolen is the 11th-highest-graded corner.

Their defensive line is also a problem. They have one of the better defensive tackle duos in Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed. Josh Allen and Joe Brady need to be aware of where a lot of these guys are on every play.

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