Tag: john schneider

Seahawks projected to receive 3 compensatory selections in 2025 NFL Draft

Seahawks projected to receive 3 compensatory selections in 2025 NFL Draft

The Seattle Seahawks currently own five definitive selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. General manager John Schneider notably owns two picks in the top 50 overall, but Seattle is projected to own far more picks than meets the eye. They’re currently on-track to receive three additional selections via the compensatory format, according to Over The Cap’s Nick Korte.

Schneider is projected to receive a fourth-round pick for losing offensive linemen Damien Lewis, a fifth-rounder for parting with linebacker Jordyn Brooks, and a sixth-round selection for legendary linebacker Bobby Wagner. That would give Seattle eight picks in all — one per round, plus an extra sixth.

Brooks signed a three-year contract worth $26.25 million with the Miami Dolphins last offseason. Brooks was his usual workhorse self in Miami this season, recording 143 tackles. The Seahawks initially struggled to replace him at off-ball linebacker, eventually landing on a successful off-ball partnership between Ernest Jones IV and Tyrice Knight.

Lewis inked a four-year deal with the Carolina Panthers worth a sizable $53 million. The Seahawks received putrid play from their replacement guards, Laken Tomlinson and Anthony Bradford. At least they’re getting a compensatory selection.

The legendary Wagner landed a one-year deal worth $6.5 million with the Washington Commanders. The future Hall of Famer is an ageless talent, totaling 132 regular-season tackles, helping the Commanders embark on an ongoing playoff run that’s thus far reached the NFC Championship Game.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Analyzing Seahawks’ pending 2025 free agents on offense

Analyzing Seahawks’ pending 2025 free agents on offense

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 six are offensive players.

Laken Tomlinson | G

Laken Tomlinson was signed to a one-year contract to provide starting-caliber play and experience to the offensive line. Instead, the aging guard struggled mightily, contributing to a horrid interior offensive line. Tomlinson won’t be back, with the Seahawks expected to try and upgrade the protection in front of the quarterbacks.

Pharaoh Brown | TE

Brown consistently made errors throughout 2024, both as a blocker and pass catcher. Noah Fant and AJ Barner are under contract at tight end for the Seahawks. Brown shouldn’t be re-signed by Schneider.

Stone Forsythe | OT

Right tackle was a revolving door for the Seahawks while waiting for Abe Lucas to return from injury. Forsythe received his opportunity via five starts, struggling mightily and failing to play himself into a longer-term role. Schneider should attempt to upgrade the swing tackle position this offseason.

Jaelen Darden (restricted) | WR/KR

Darden helped steady Seattle’s special teams return units following the releases of Laviska Shenault and Dee Williams. Darden was the Seahawks’ best return-man in 2024. Given the early-season difficulties, he should be back in 2025.

Brady Russell (ERFA) | TE

Russell was sidelined for approximately half of the 2024 campaign with a foot injury. Prior to his injury, Russell was a starting special teamer, and former offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb sometimes used him in goal line packages. The Seahawks will probably take advantage of his exclusive rights free agent (ERFA) status to retain him.

Cody White (ERFA) | WR

White has been a back-end-of-roster receiver for the Seahawks. He’s occasionally been a contributor when afforded opportunities. White is a willing special teams performer, so re-signing his versatile services ahead of training camp remains a realistic outcome.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

3 Seahawks players who won’t return in 2025

3 Seahawks players who won’t return in 2025

The offseason unfortunately came early for the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks were the only 10-win team that failed to make the postseason in 2024. General manager John Schneider and head coach Mike Macdonald are now mapping out an offseason plan that includes hiring a new offensive coordinator.

The Seahawks are slated to possess 16 free agents of different varieties (unrestricted, restricted, and exclusive rights). Schneider may also consider releasing a veteran player or two to create additional financial flexibility. With all those possibilities in mind, we’ve identified three Seahawks who are unlikely to return to the team in 2025.

Uchenna Nwosu

Unfortunately, Uchenna Nwosu qualifies as a likely salary cap casualty. He missed considerable time in 2023 and 2024 with injury, and doesn’t possess any guaranteed money remaining on his contract moving forward. Schneider could release Nwosu from his deal and save nearly $15 million versus the 2025 cap if he designates the transaction as a post-June move, according to Over The Cap. The Seahawks have gotten good production from Boye Mafe, Derick Hall, and Dre’Mont Jones at the position, and could use the extra wiggle room.

Laken Tomlinson

Laken Tomlinson was signed to a one-year contract last offseason to bring much-needed experience and pedigree to the offensive line. Instead, he struggled mightily, allowing 38 pressures and six sacks, ranking as a bottom-six guard in both categories. The 32-year old veteran is seeing his physical ability decline. Improving the interior offensive line is Schneider’s biggest offseason priority, so moving on from Tomlinson is a must.

Tre Brown

Cornerback Tre Brown opened the season as the boundary starter opposite Riq Woolen, but injuries and inconsistencies eventually got him placed on the bench. Reserve defender Josh Jobe took advantage of his opportunity to play and never relinquished his midseason grip on the starting job. Brown and the Seahawks appear headed for a mutual split.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks front-office executive is interviewing for Titans’ GM job

Seahawks front-office executive is interviewing for Titans’ GM job

One of the Seattle Seahawks’ front-office executives is receiving outside interest. Senior director of player personnel Matt Berry had a virtual interview for the Tennessee Titans’ vacant general manager job. Berry appears to be a legitimate candidate for Tennessee’s opening.

Berry has been a long-time John Schneider disciple. He just completed his 17th season with the Seahawks, his second in his current role. Prior to being named senior director of player personnel, he served eight seasons as director of college scouting (2015-22).

Prior to joining the Seahawks, Berry spent five seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, spending his final three campaigns in Atlanta as the Falcons’ south-central scout. The Titans have mentioned that they want a true football scout in the GM role. Berry’s background as a grinder fits their criteria.

It’s also worth noting that Berry is a local native of Nashville, Tennessee. That could increase their interest in his availability. Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker is overseeing the process to appoint the next general manager.

It’s also worth noting that Berry and Brinker have a loose connection through Schneider. Brinker and Schneider previously crossed paths with the Green Bay Packers. That will give Tennessee a lot of insight into Berry as a candidate.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV offers encouraging update on contract negotiations

Seahawks LB Ernest Jones IV offers encouraging update on contract negotiations

The Seattle Seahawks concluded their 2024 campaign by defeating the Los Angeles Rams 30-25 on Sunday. The 10-win Seahawks unfortunately missed the postseason despite capturing double-digit victories for the first time since 2020. Following the game, several players offered updates regarding their future in the locker room. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV was one of them.

The Seahawks acquired Jones in a midseason trade with the Tennessee Titans involving draft capital and Jerome Baker. Jones immediately established himself in Mike Macdonald’s defense, helping captain the front seven to improvement. The only issue is that he played on an expiring contract.

Discussions over a long-term contract extension to keep Jones in Seattle are expected to take place. We received a concerning midweek update that indicated general manager John Schneider and Jones’ agent had paused negotiations. The veteran linebacker commented on that speculation, claiming he’s confident something will get done.

“We’re going to get it done,” Jones said. I’m gonna be a Seahawk. I firmly believe that. I definitely think we get it done. It’s the process of it, the prices of it. I’m just playing the process out. We just gotta get there. That’s it. That’s all it is.”

Jones totaled 138 tackles this campaign while splitting time with the Seahawks and Titans. The Seahawks should possess interest in retaining him for the foreseeable future. Jones should remain in Seattle through 2025 and beyond.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Seahawks and LB Ernest Jones IV pause contract extension talks

Seahawks and LB Ernest Jones IV pause contract extension talks

The Seattle Seahawks made a massive move earlier in the season to acquire linebacker Ernest Jones IV from the Tennessee Titans. Seattle had a dire need at linebacker, as Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson were simply not getting it done. So enter Jones, who made an immediate impact in improving the Seahawks run defense.

Trading for Jones was always going to be a risk, because similar to Leonard Williams last season, he is on the final year of his contract. The expectation has been both sides will figure out an extension, as the team and Jones want to get something done. Seattle clearly wants to keep a stud linebacker in the fold and Jones has a desire to remain a Seahawk.

However, it appears contract negotiations have come to a standstill. As reported by Ian Rapoport, both sides have decided to pause negotiations.

The initial reaction online from fans has been sharp, as the 12’s are not thrilled at the possibility of Jones leaving. My take on the situation is general manager John Schneider has never given an in-season extension before, and when two sides have a desire to get something done, it will be done eventually.

Still, if Jones does decide to take meetings elsewhere there is always the risk a team in a much better cap situation blows him away with an offer he cannot refuse. Should this be the case, and the Seahawks lose out on keeping a playmaker at linebacker, it will be a considerable blow to this organization.

Ultimately, to the 12’s I would say have faith in Schneider being able to get something done. As I mentioned earlier, this was the case with Leonard Williams last year and even Geno Smith the year prior to that.

[lawrence-auto-related count=4 category=1360]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

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.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]