Tag: john schneider

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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Seahawks make practice squad moves that indicate more transactions are coming

Seahawks make practice squad moves that indicate more transactions are coming.

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider finalized his initial 53 man roster and practice squad last week. Schneider hasn’t made any changes to the active roster since, but he continues to churn his practice squad. The Seahawks released several players from their reserve team, creating room for potential new additions.

Schneider released defensive tackle Kyon Barrs and offensive lineman Max Pircher from the practice squad. It’s worth noting that Pircher was an International Pathway Player, which means the Seahawks revert to having a 16-man practice squad instead of possessing the exception to add a 17th player. That also means that releasing Barrs and Pircher freed up just one practice squad spot. Defensive lineman Buddha Jones was also released from injured reserve.

https://twitter.com/bcondotta/status/1831076411446296830

One interesting potential addition is free-agent wide receiver Kadarius Toney. The Seahawks recently hosted the former first-rounder on a visit, though additional reports have since claimed a deal isn’t imminent. Toney and the Seahawks could soon circle back on an agreement that sees the versatile wideout join the practice squad.

In other news, former Seahawks offensive lineman Raiqwon O’Neal signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad on Tuesday. O’Neal was formerly a member of Tampa before he joined the Seahawks’ 53 man roster. He was released by Schneider during the roster cut-down period, and has since returned to his old stomping grounds.

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Report: No deal imminent between Seahawks and Kadarius Toney

Report: No deal imminent between Seahawks and Kadarius Toney

Free agent wide receiver Kadarius Toney has concluded his visit with the Seattle Seahawks, according to national reports. A contract between Toney and Seahawks general manager John Schneider isn’t imminent, and the versatile wideout is expected to take at least one more team visit elsewhere. The update was provided via social media by ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler.

https://twitter.com/JFowlerESPN/status/1831300685482094733

Toney was released from his contract by the Chiefs during last week’s roster cut-down period. The former Florida standout finished the 2024 preseason with five receptions for 22 yards. Toney failed to meet the Chiefs’ expectations as he routinely struggled with drops and inconsistencies. He caught just 27 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown with five drops in 13 regular-season appearances last season. He couldn’t earn considerable playing-time on a Chiefs roster that lacked wideout depth.

Toney originally entered the league as a first-round selection of the New York Giants in the 2021 NFL Draft. One tumultuous campaign with the Big Blue led to his trade to the Chiefs. Toney hasn’t proven himself as an NFL-caliber receiver through three completed campaigns.

The Seahawks are deep at receiver with the trio of DK Metcalf, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Tyler Lockett. The practice squad, which would likely be Toney’s first destination if he joined Seattle, only has Cody White at receiver following Easop Winston Jr.’s release, so a second wideout could soon be added to the reserve team.

We’ll continue following Toney’s journey as he’s reportedly set to meet with another franchise before making a decision.

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Seahawks won’t allow Geno Smith’s contract to serve as a distraction this season

Seahawks won’t allow Geno Smith’s contract to serve as a distraction this season.

Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith is entering a critical season. Having signed a three-year extension with the team in 2023 following his breakout 2022 campaign, Smith now finds himself in the second of a three-year deal. Unsurprisingly, his representation thinks it’s time to negotiate a new agreement.

General manager John Schneider was recently asked to address a rumor that Smith’s camp approached Seattle’s front office to discuss a new contract. Schneider didn’t reveal much, though he did indicate he did not take their alleged approach very seriously, assuming an approach was made.

“Yeah, like broached a new contract? I think I’ll leave contract stuff aside,” Schneider responded. “There’s a lot of people that want contract extensions and I’m not going to get into specifics of who they are and all that. But that’s part of the job. It happens every year, all the time.”

“No,” Schneider responded to a follow-up question asking if the Seahawks discussed a new contract with Smith.

Smith is preparing to play his first season under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. In two campaigns as the unquestioned starting quarterback, Smith has thrown for 7,906 yards, 50 touchdowns, and 20 interceptions. His numbers could improve under Grubb, who is expected to field a pass-happier offense.

Smith is scheduled to earn a base salary of $12.7 million this season with that figure increasing to $14.8 million in 2025, according to OverTheCap. His slated cap charges are $26.4 million this year and $38.5 million in 2025. Releasing Smith next offseason would clear $25 million in cap while creating a manageable dead charge of $13.5 million.

Smith’s representation hopes he instead performs well enough to reignite extension discussions with Schneider next offseason.

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