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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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Rams on offense in Week 18

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Rams on offense in Week 18

The Seattle Seahawks concluded their 2024 campaign with a 30-25 victory in Week 18 over their arch rival Los Angeles Rams. It was an impressive offensive performance, the final on Ryan Grubb’s tenure after he was fired as offensive coordinator on Monday. Pro Football Focus was especially impressed with the following Seahawks, their three highest-graded players from Sunday.

AJ Barner | 89.8

Rookie tight end AJ Barner recorded season-highs in receptions (five) and receiving yards (34). Barner also caught the fourth touchdown of his debut campaign, a four-yard score in the third quarter. It was a performance worth building on as the former Michigan standout heads into a critical offseason.

Noah Fant | 82.5

Veteran tight end Noah Fant wasn’t to be outdone by Barner. Fant led the Seahawks in receiving yards with 63, also tying Barner for the team-lead in receptions with five. The experienced weapon secured the game-winning touchdown, a 16-yard score in the fourth quarter.

Geno Smith | 81.7

Geno Smith was lights-out for the Seahawks at QB. The starting signal caller played a near-perfect game, completing 20-of-27 passing attempts for 223 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Smith maximized his earning potential as a result, gathering an additional $6 million in performance incentives.

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Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Bears on offense in Week 17

Pro Football Focus’ 3 highest-graded Seahawks vs. Bears on offense in Week 17

The Seattle Seahawks did not play an impressive offensive game in Thursday’s 6-3 Week 17 victory over the Chicago Bears. It was the lowest-scoring contest of the 2024 season. Ryan Grubb’s unit gained merely 265 yards of offense and failed to locate the end zone. Despite that, Pro Football Focus graded these three Seahawks as their best-performing offensive players versus the Bears.

Abraham Lucas | 79.2

Abraham Lucas’ 76.5 grade in pass protection was his highest of the campaign in that department. The former Washington State standout was credited with allowing just two pressures and zero sacks to the Bears’ defensive line. It was his second straight performance not having allowed a QB takedown. Lucas also scored extremely well as a run blocker (79.1).

Zach Charbonnet | 78.9

Zach Charbonnet got the start in place of Kenneth Walker III, who was placed on season-ending injured reserve (IR). The opportunistic back rushed for 57 yards via 15 carries. He was limited to 3.8 yards per carry, but also added 19 receiving yards to his offensive totals, accumulating a stellar team-high 76 yards from scrimmage.

Noah Fant | 74.0

Noah Fant was Geno Smith’s most reliable target. The veteran tight end posted team-highs in receptions (four) and receiving yards (43). In a game where yards and points were difficult to come by, Fant was a reliable chain-mover for Grubb’s struggling offense.

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Should Seahawks feature AJ Barner more in passing game?

Should Seahawks feature AJ Barner more in passing game?

Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end AJ Barner made an impact in Sunday’s heartbreaking 27-24 Week 16 loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Barner caught a four-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that gave the Seahawks a late 24-20 advantage. Unfortunately, Justin Jefferson would score the game-winning TD on the ensuing possession.

Barner recorded just two receptions for 13 yards. His end-zone visit was the third touchdown of his rookie season. The No. 121 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft seems to routinely take advantage of his rare opportunities. He possessed untapped potential as a pass catcher coming out of Michigan. It leads to the question, should Barner have a larger role in Ryan Grubb’s passing offense?

Barner is still playing a reserve role behind unquestioned starter Noah Fant. On Sunday, Barner was even out-snapped 21-19 by Pharaoh Brown. It’s worth noting Fant was effective, recording three receptions on six targets for 50 receiving yards, including one of Seattle’s longest passing gains of the afternoon.

Brown is playing on an expiring contract and is unlikely to return in 2025. Fant will be entering a fate-deciding contract year when next season kicks off. Barner could eventually find himself in a more front-facing offensive role. Until that time arrives, Mike Macdonald and Grubb should bestow Barner with more passing-down opportunities.

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Seahawks looking relatively healthy going into Week 12 vs Cardinals

Seahawks looking relatively healthy going into Week 12 vs Cardinals

The Seattle Seahawks have announced their game designations for the Week 12 showdown against the Arizona Cardinals. After several lengthy injury reports, which included defensive line staple Leonard Williams as a non-participant, the Seahawks are looking relatively healthy this weekend.

The only player officially ruled OUT for Sunday is tight end Brady Russell, who missed Week 11 vs the San Francisco 49ers. This will be the second-straight game Russell will miss with his foot injury.

The good news is no player is listed as DOUBTFUL. Additionally, Russell’s fellow tight end, Noah Fant, is listed as QUESTIONABLE. Fant has missed the previous two games, but he did return to practice in limited capacity. Wide receiver/return specialist Laviska Shenault Jr. is also listed as QUESTIONABLE.

The best news of the day is the fact Leonard Williams carries no gametime designation. This means he will be active on Sunday, which will be a considerable boost to Seattle’s defensive front as they try to contain quarterback Kyler Murray.

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Seahawks Week 2 injury report: TE Noah Fant a full participant

Seahawks Week 2 injury report: TE Noah Fant a full participant

The Seattle Seahawks are getting ready to play the New England Patriots in Week 2. Unfortunately, their injury report is considerably longer than it was in Week 1, and there was not much change from Wednesday to Thursday when it came to player participation or not.

The one improvement is the fact tight end Noah Fant went from being limited in Wednesday to being a full participant in practice on Thursday. Unless a major setback were to happen, it’s clear Fant is on track to play in New England this weekend.

The full injury report can be seen below.

Did Not Participate in Practice:

  • RB Kenneth Walker III – Oblique
  • T George Fant – Knee
  • LB Uchenna Nwosu – Knee
  • TE Pharaoh Brown – Foot

Limited Participation:

  • LB Tyrel Dodson – Shoulder
  • WR Tyler Lockett – Thigh
  • LB Jerome Baker – Hamstring
  • LB Dre’Mont Jones – Hamstring
  • CB Riq Woolen – Hamstring
  • CB Tre Brown – Quadricep

Full Participation:

  • TE Noah Fant – Toe
  • G Laken Tomlinson – Ankle
  • G Anthony Bradford – Knee

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Seahawks Week 1 injury report: Tyler Lockett QUESTIONABLE but expected to play

Seahawks Week 1 injury report: Tyler Lockett QUESTIONABLE but expected to play

The first Blue Friday of the year for the Seattle Seahawks! And with it, comes the first official injury designation for Sunday’s Week 1 game against the Denver Broncos. It has been relatively good news for the Seahawks, injury wise, this week. Seattle has had a very light injury report at practice. So far, only two players are ruled out, and only one is listed as questionable.

Wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who is listed as questionable, is still expected to play on Sunday. Lockett has been dealing with a lower leg injury for a few weeks now, but the veteran knows his body better than anyone else and has earned credibility within in the organization to know when to play.

Here is the full injury report for the Seahawks for Week 1:

Ruled OUT:

  • TE Pharaoh Brown – foot
  • LB Uchenna Nwosu – knee

Both Brown and Nwosu did not participate in Friday’s practice as well.

Doutbful:

  • No player is listed in this category

Questionable: 

  • WR Tyler Lockett – thigh

Full participation in practice:

  • TE Noah Fant – toe
  • WR Tyler Lockett – thigh
  • S Rayshawn Jenkins – calf
  • LB Dre’Mont Jones – hamstring

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3 ex-Broncos draft picks now play for the Seahawks

Three former Broncos — DE Dre’Mont Jones, TE Noah Fant and CB Faion Hicks — now play for the Seahawks, Denver’s Week 1 opponent.

When the Denver Broncos go on the road to face the Seattle Seahawks in Week 1, they will recognize three familiar faces.

Seattle has two ex-Denver players on its active roster — tight end Noah Fant on offense and defensive end Dre’Mont Jones on defense.

The Seahawks acquired Fant from the Broncos as part of the Russell Wilson trade in 2022. The two other players Denver sent to Seattle — quarterback Drew Lock and defensive lineman Shelby Harris — now play for the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns, respectively.

Jones signed with the Seahawks in 2023 after his rookie contract with the Broncos expired. He totaled 49 tackles and 4.5 sacks last fall. Fant has hauled in 82 receptions for 900 yards and four touchdowns over the last two seasons.

A third ex-Denver player, cornerback Faion Hicks, is on Seattle’s practice squad. A former Broncos seventh-round draft pick in 2022, Hicks joined the Seahawks’ practice squad after roster cuts last month.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on select CBS networks.

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Seahawks sign 2 TEs amidst several injuries at position

Seahawks sign TE amidst several injuries at position

The Seattle Seahawks went into Saturday’s preseason game versus the Tennessee Titans with several injuries at the tight end position. Brady Russell, A.J. Barner, and Tyler Mabry were the lone tight ends to appear in the exhibition contest.

Rookie tight end Jack Westover missed the game with a hamstring injury after participating in both joint practices with the Titans earlier this week. Noah Fant left Thursday’s practice session and did not play on Saturday. Pharaoh Brown was recently carted off the field with a scary-looking injury, though the Seahawks are still working through the severity.

With another week of training camp practices looming ahead, and a Week 3 preseason finale with the Cleveland Browns scheduled for Saturday evening, general manager John Schneider made two transactions at the position on Sunday evening. Seattle is adding tight ends Michael Ezeike and Devon Garrison to their 90 man roster, according to widespread reports.

Ezeike spent five seasons at UCLA, catching 35 passes for 407 yards and seven touchdowns. After going undrafted in 2023, Ezeike was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers, but he failed to make their final roster. He was more recently contracted to play in the USFL league.

Garrison caught 97 passes for 1,581 yards and 16 touchdowns in four seasons at Pittsburg State. He was routinely a standout performer at the D-II level, earning several All-American honors. Garrison was invited to Green Bay Packers minicamp earlier this offseason, but it’s the Seahawks who are now pouncing on his availability.

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5 Seahawks missing second joint practice with Titans

5 Seahawks missing second joint practice with Titans

The Seattle Seahawks are on the practice field in Nashville on Thursday morning for their second and final joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. The competitive session is a useful dress rehearsal for Saturday’s preseason game versus the Titans, which will feature fewer starting-caliber players given the physicality of joint practices. Both teams find these shared practice sessions to be more practical for preparation purposes than exhibition games are.

Unfortunately, a handful of keynote Seahawks talents aren’t practicing versus the Titans on Thursday. Some of the absentees feature players who exited Wednesday’s practice, and others are injured players who didn’t feature in either practice. The following five Seahawks aren’t practicing on Thursday.

Jerome Baker & Jon Rhattigan, LB

The Seahawks are without off-ball linebackers Jerome Baker and Jon Rhattigan for a second straight practice. Baker is still being sidelined by a hamstring issue that has afforded rookie defender Tyrice Knight more reps with the first-team defense. The Seahawks were so light at the position heading to Nashville that they re-added undrafted linebacker Easton Gibbs to the 90-man roster after waiving him earlier this summer.

Zach Charbonnet, RB

Zach Charbonnet is missing his second consecutive practice, which means he won’t be afforded an opportunity to practice against the Titans at all. Kenneth Walker III continues to be the workhorse back, and George Holani and Kenny McIntosh are continuing their RB3 position battle. Charbonnet is missing crucial reps here.

Dre’Mont Jones, DE

Defensive end Dre’Mont Jones recently returned to practice after missing approximately two weeks with a hamstring injury. The veteran lineman exited Wednesday’s practice after feeling a flare-up. Head coach Mike Macdonald indicated it wasn’t a serious setback, but the Seahawks are wisely being cautious with their $51 million pass rusher. Jones is not practicing on Thursday.

Noah Fant, TE

Starting tight end Noah Fant did not finish Wednesday’s practice. Head coach Mike Macdonald declined opportunities to specify why he exited practice early. Macdonald and his staff must be playing things safe because Fant isn’t present for Thursday’s session with the Titans. Pharaoh Brown and Brady Russell should see increased reps in his absence.

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