Tag: john schneider

Seahawks re-sign veteran DB Artie Burns to practice squad

Seahawks re-sign veteran DB Artie Burns to practice squad

The Seattle Seahawks released veteran defensive back Artie Burns from his contract earlier this week. Burns, who just recovered from a multi-week injury, was activated to the 53-man roster for the Sunday Night Football loss against the Green Bay Packers. However, he was ruled inactive prior to kickoff, and released on Tuesday.

Unsurprisingly, Seahawks general manager John Schneider has now re-added Burns to their practice squad.

Burns has been an on-again, off-again member of the Seahawks since 2022. He’s been through countless transactions, involving both the practice squad and injured reserve IR). This season, Burns was placed on IR following Seattle’s Week 6 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. He remained on that list until last Wednesday.

Overall this campaign, Burns has recorded one tackle and two passes defended. He’s totaled just 14 defensive snaps, according to Pro Football Reference. He’s also contributed seven special teams snaps for coordinator Jay Harbaugh. Burns played all 14 of his defensive snaps against the 49ers in Week 6, getting injured during that opportunity.

The Seahawks are fairly healthy in the secondary right now. Top three cornerbacks Riq Woolen, Devon Witherspoon, and Josh Jobe are all available in Mike Macdonald’s defensive backfield. Burns will hope another call-up from the practice squad arrives later this season.

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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 make several changes to 53 man roster

Seahawks make several changes to 53 man roster

The Seattle Seahawks made a pair of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon. General manager John Schneider claimed defensive back A.J. Finley off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers. To make room, defensive end Myles Adams was waived.

Finley was waived by the Chargers just earlier this week. Finley initially entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss in 2023. The former Rebels standout appeared in 12 games as a rookie with the Chargers last season, and another 10 this year before being waived.

Finley played a total of 370 snaps on special teams for the Chargers, and another 69 on defense. The Seahawks are dealing with various injuries across their defensive backs. Artie Burns and K’Von Wallace are currently on IR.

Defenders Mike Morris (215) and Drake Thomas (202), and wide receiver Jake Bobo (200) are the only Seahawks to play 200-plus snaps on special teams this season. Finley had totaled 170 special teams snaps for the Chargers before being cut. He should immediately earn a role in the underrated third phase of the game for the Seahawks.

Adams had totaled just 35 defensive snaps in Seattle this season. The Seahawks also made changes to the practice squad, signing cornerback Ryan Cooper and wide receiver Cornell Powell. To clear room, cornerback Faion Hicks and running back Brittain Brown were waived.

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Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks to entrust rookie LB Tyrice Knight after releasing Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks pulled a stunner earlier this week when they released starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract. Dodson has since been claimed by the Miami Dolphins off waivers. The move should afford rookie linebacker Tyrice Knight an opportunity to start next to Ernest Jones IV in a new-look linebacker corps.

A fourth-round rookie out of UTEP, Knight has played sporadically for the Seahawks defense this season. The rookie No. 119 overall selection has totaled 124 defensive snaps. In a Week 2 start against the New England Patriots, Knight posted a run-stopping grade of 70.3, according to Pro Football Focus.

Dodson led the Seahawks in tackles prior to his release with 71 takedowns. Dodson had also been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays, accounting for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps.

The Seahawks had however been displeased with Dodson’s performances and the overall state of their linebackers. Macdonald is unhappy with a 26th-ranked run defense that is allowing 139.4 yards per outing. Knight, who was an outstanding run defender in college, could prove to be an eventual upgrade if the Seahawks give him an opportunity, while staying patient with his development.

The Seahawks return from their Week 10 bye to face the San Francisco 49ers this weekend. Former Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey has returned for the 49ers. Knight and the new-look Seahawks defense will face a difficult challenge in their first post-Dodson test.

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Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald explains the decision to release LB Tyrel Dodson

Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald explains the decision to release LB Tyrel Dodson

The Seattle Seahawks made the shocking and unforeseen decision to release linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract on Monday. Prior to the move, Dodson had been Seattle’s most-snapped defensive player this season, totaling 604 plays. That accounted for 98.37% of Mike Macdonald’s defensive snaps heading into Week 11.

Dodson leads the Seahawks in tackles with 71. The versatile ‘backer had also totaled two sacks, two pass breakups, and five tackles for loss. On Monday, Macdonald explained the logic behind the decision to release the proven Dodson from his contract.

“We took a step back and realized where we were at,” Macdonald said about the move. “It was the best thing for us to move forward [without Dodson]. We’re going to give the other [linebackers] an opportunity. I hope those guys grab the opportunity by the horns. This also gives Tyrel [Dodson] an opportunity to find another spot somewhere else so he can finish the season strong.”

The Seahawks signed Dodson to a one-year deal worth up to $5.51 million in free agency. His contract was actually $4.26 million with the ability to earn additional money via performance-based incentives. The Seahawks are inheriting $1 million in dead money, per Spotrac. If Dodson goes unclaimed on waivers, Seattle will owe him the remaining $4 million of his salary.

The Seahawks have been displeased with their linebacker play all season long. General manager John Schneider signed Dodson and Jerome Baker to be the linebacker pairing in the offseason. That strategy has backfired miserably. Seattle currently ranks 26th in run defense (139.4/game). Baker was recently traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for Ernest Jones IV, meaning both Week 1 starting linebackers are no longer on the roster.

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Seahawks sign former 1st round pick to practice squad

Seahawks sign former 1st round pick to practice squad

The Seattle Seahawks made various roster moves on Monday afternoon, the most shocking of which was releasing starting linebacker Tyrel Dodson from his contract. General manager John Schneider made other additions and subtractions to the roster. In perhaps the most unforeseen move, Schneider signed former first-round pick N’Keal Harry to the practice squad.

Harry initially entered the league as the No. 32 overall selection of the New England Patriots in the 2019 NFL Draft. In three seasons at Arizona State, Harry totaled 2123 receptions for 2,889 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. Unfortunately for the Patriots, the pick backfired in a major way.

Harry struggled to generate separation as a receiver, a concern that was mentioned throughout his pre-draft process. Harry thrived as a contested-catch winner in college. That did not carry over to the NFL.

Harry eventually landed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2023. He made the surprising decision to switch positions to tight end. Given his failure to separate from cornerbacks as a wide receiver, playing a less-athletic position was done in an attempt to salvage his career.

Harry hasn’t stuck on any NFL roster as a tight end either. The Seahawks currently have Noah Fant, Brady Russell, AJ Barner, and Pharaoh Brown at tight end on the 53-man roster. Harry joins Tyler Mabry on the practice squad. Seattle’s coaching staff will attempt to develop the failed first-round pick into a usable player.

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Seahawks host veteran DE Randy Gregory on free-agent visit

Seahawks host veteran DE Randy Gregory on free-agent visit

The Seattle Seahawks hosted free-agent veteran defensive lineman Randy Gregory on a visit, according to multiple reports. General manager John Schneider has dealt with various injuries to his front seven this season, though Mike Macdonald’s defense is mostly healthy now. Gregory would be an intriguing gamble as a low-risk, high-reward addition.

The controversial Gregory has often been entangled in off-field disappointments. Most recently, the former Nebraska standout was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after no-showing at training camp. Gregory has been available on the open market ever since.

The Seahawks have shown a willingness to roster familiar veteran pass rushers on the practice squad this season. They momentarily had Tyus Bowser before he was plucked by the Miami Dolphins. Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde briefly overlapped with Gregory in Dallas.

Ascending pass rushers Derick Hall and Boye Mafe have performed admirably for the Seahawks this season. Dre’Mont Jones is also playing on the edge more frequently this year. Gregory would have a difficult time earning snaps in Seattle when all rushers are healthy.

Gregory has occasionally flashed high-end talent throughout his career, but he was also suspended for the entire 2017 and 2019 campaigns. Gregory played for the Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers last season. He’d likely join the practice squad first if Seattle decides to add him.

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Financial details of Seahawks trade for DL Roy Robertson-Harris

Financial details of Seahawks trade for DL Roy Robertson-Harris

The Seattle Seahawks acquired veteran defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday. Veteran general manager John Schneider parted with a sixth-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft in order to secure Robertson-Harris’ services. The financial fallout of the trade has since been reported by Spotrac.

The Seahawks are simply inheriting $1.4 million in salary for the remainder of the 2024 campaign. Robertson-Harris previously signed a three-year contract extension worth $30 million with the Jaguars, keeping him under contract through the 2026 season. That means Schneider is tentatively taking on $6.6 and $6.8 million in scheduled salary in 2025 and 2026, but there’s a catch.

 

Robertson-Harris does not possess any guaranteed money remaining on his contract beyond this current season. That means Schneider could sever ties with Robertson-Harris in the upcoming offseason without fretting about sizable financial penalties. The veteran defensive lineman could simply be a one-year rental with the Seahawks currently in postseason contention.

The Jaguars are absorbing sizable financial penalties in 2024 ($3.4 million) and 2025 ($6.9 million) via dead cap charges. Through six games, Robertson-Harris has recorded two sacks and four quarterback hits. Acquiring Robertson-Harris in exchange for a Day Three selection two drafts away was a straightforward decision given the lack of overwhelming financial responsibility.

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Seahawks are paying Dre’Mont Jones too much for limited production

Seahawks are paying Dre’Mont Jones too much for limited production

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider believed he was getting an impactful difference-maker when he signed defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year, $51.5 million contract last offseason. Jones was fresh off a career-best season with the Denver Broncos, in which he recorded 6.5 sacks. Fast forward roughly a year and a half into his tenure with the Seahawks, and it hasn’t been good enough.

Jones appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Seahawks last season. The former Ohio State standout had a minimal impact, totaling 4.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus assigned Jones a middling overall defensive grade of 61.7.

Mike Macdonald’s appointment as head coach offered hope that Jones would elevate his game to another level. Through six contests, including three consecutive defeats, he’s been borderline invisible at times. Jones has accumulated two sacks, 11 pressures, and three quarterback hits. He was credited with two tackles in Thursday’s disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Macdonald and the defensive coaching staff have moved Jones around the defensive line in an attempt to fully unlock his potential. When playing inside, Jones appears undersized. When playing the edge, he lacks the athleticism of a typical edge-rushing outside linebacker.

Jones earns $17.1 million per season, according to Over The Cap. He’s currently the 16th-highest paid interior defensive lineman in the league, but he ranked significantly higher than that when he signed his contract, as several defensive tackles have since surpassed him. Jones’ earning capacity places him alongside defenders like Vita Vea ($17.7 million APY) and Grady Jarrett ($16.5 million APY, who are having much larger impacts for their respective defenses.

Schneider may have whiffed on committing big-time dollars to Jones. The Seahawks could release him next offseason in a transaction that would clear $14 million in financial flexibility, but they’d inherit $11.5 million in dead money. Seattle will continue coaching Jones up.

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Geno Smith confirms he approached the Seahawks for a new contract

Geno Smith confirms he approached the Seahawks for a new contract

One of the more unexpected storylines emerging from the Seattle Seahawks during the preseason was a report about quarterback Geno Smith wanting a new contract. The Seahawks signed Smith to a three-year deal prior to the start of last season, which puts Smith squarely in year two for the 2024 campaign. Still, NFL insider Mike Garafolo broke the news in mid-August that Smith’s camp had reached out to the Seahawks regarding a new deal.

When asked about this report, Seahawks general manager John Schneider did not go into much detail, clearly not allowing the rumor to be a distraction. He essentially brushed off the question as simply being business as usual.

This attitude is clearly shared by the man who wants the new contract himself, Geno Smith. On Thursday, Smith confirmed to the media he and his team did reach out to the Seahawks about a new contract. However, Smith was equally as vague with the specific details.

Smith mentioned “I mean, that’s just normal business. Nothing wrong with that.” 

It is understandable why Smith would be interested in another contract extension. Although he is signed through the 2025 season, there is no more guaranteed money left on the deal. On the flip side, it’s also understandable why Seattle isn’t racing to give Smith another contract. With no more guaranteed money left, and a young quarterback waiting in the wings in Sam Howell, it makes sense for the Seahawks to see how the 2024 season plays out.

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