Tag: seahawks free agency

Ernest Jones IV named Seahawks’ player team “can’t afford to lose” this offseason

Ernest Jones IV named Seahawks’ player team “can’t afford to lose” this offseason

Displeased with their off-ball linebackers, the Seattle Seahawks acquired Ernest Jones IV in a trade with the Tennessee Titans in October. Jones was a complete game-changer for Mike Macdonald’s struggling run defense, elevating that unit to new heights. A standout talent on a weekly basis, Jones accumulated 94 tackles in 10 appearances while undeniably upgrading the position.

Jones performed on an expiring contract, hence why he was available at the trade deadline. Re-signing him should be a big-time offseason priority for general manager John Schneider. He’s a Macdonald linebacker through and through.

Unsurprisingly, Pro Football Focus recently named Jones the one free agent the Seahawks can’t afford to lose this offseason.

“The Seahawks traded for Jones mid-season to improve their run defense,” Dalton Wasserman recently wrote. “After arriving from Tennessee in Week 8, Jones earned a solid 72.9 PFF run-defense grade, providing stability alongside rookie Tyrice Knight. Still just 25 years old, Jones could continue to build a solid rapport with Knight as the Seahawks develop their young defense.”

Schneider should make a valiant effort to re-sign Jones this offseason. Linebackers are the beating heart of Macdonald’s defense, further proven by his stint as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator. Jones should return to Seattle in 2025 via a multi-year extension.

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Top 3 Guards Seahawks could pursue in free agency

Top 3 Guards Seahawks could pursue in free agency

The Seattle Seahawks failed to receive adequate play from their offensive guards throughout the 2024 season. Hamstrung at both left and right guard, Seattle’s offensive line was a weakness all campaign long. Veteran Laken Tomlinson was underwhelming while performing on a one-year contract, and is unlikely to return in 2025. The right-sided spot saw three rookies and sophomores alternate snaps, with Anthony Bradford, Christian Haynes, and Sataoa Luamea failing to truly establish themselves as long-term pieces.

General manager John Schneider must continue addressing the guard position this offseason. With a plethora of young blockers already on the roster, adding a veteran via free agency may be a more appropriate strategy. Pro Football Focus identified the top three guards currently slated to hit the market.

Trey Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Trey Smith is arguably the best scheduled free agent at any position. PFF’s 11th-ranked guard throughout 2024, the former Tennessee Volunteer is well-positioned to sign a multi-year contract worth more than $20 million annually. Smith may price himself outside Seattle’s comfort zone, but if John Schneider truly wants to make an expensive splash at the position, this is the player he’d pursue.

Will Fries, Indianapolis Colts

Will Fries’ situation will be complicated. He was enjoying a career-best season when he suffered a season-ending fractured tibia in Week 5. Fries had earned an 86.8 PFF overall grade prior to being placed on the mend. If his injury leads to a slightly discounted rate, Schneider should monitor the situation.

Teven Jenkins, Chicago Bears

Teven Jenkins once looked like a second-round bust at offensive tackle, but kicking inside to guard salvaged his pro career. Jenkins has dealt with injuries and various position changes, but he’s been a steady performer at guard. Coming off his rookie contract, there’s plenty of productive football ahead of him.

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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 names Seahawks’ top offseason priority

Pro Football Focus names Seahawks’ top offseason priority

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider is tasked with improving the team’s weaknesses this offseason after missing the postseason in 2024. Schneider will need to address several areas, none more pressing the lackluster offensive line.

Pro Football Focus recently released their offseason priority list for every NFL team that missed the playoffs. Wisely, they claimed the Seahawks must acquire talent on the offensive line this summer, particularly via the 2025 NFL Draft and free agency.

“Seattle’s offensive line finished the 2023 season ranked 29th in overall grade,” Dalton Wasserman noted. “They moved just two spots upward to 27th this season. Their interior pass protection collapsed in several of their biggest games this season. They still managed to go 10-7, but they had a legitimate chance to make the postseason if they could block at an adequate level.”

Wasserman is correct that Seattle didn’t showcase enough improvement on the offensive line this season after struggling in 2023 as well. Offseason acquisitions like Laken Tomlinson and Connor Williams, the latter of which retired abruptly midseason, did not improve Seattle’s situation up front.

“Left tackle Charles Cross had a fine season, but no other offensive lineman on their roster graded above 65.0,” Wasserman added. “They shuffled players at center, right guard and right tackle all season due to injuries. If they don’t find long-term solutions up front on offense, that 10-7 record will likely represent their ceiling as a team.”

Cross is easily Seattle’s best offensive linemen. Schneider must identify and acquire talent that matches his level, particularly across the interior. The Seahawks’ most logical route to 2025 improvement includes upgrading the protection in front of Geno Smith.

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Seahawks have 0 free agents on Top 50 list

Seahawks have 0 free agents on Top 50 list

NFL free agency is slated to begin in March. It may be a quiet month for the Seattle Seahawks, who only possess 10 unrestricted free agents and 16 total players with contracts that require addressing. General manager John Schneider is currently slated to be nearly $31 million over the cap in “effective cap space,” per OverTheCap’s salary calculator.

Pro Football Focus recently released their list of the Top 50 free agents scheduled to reach the open market in mid March. Unsurprisingly, the Seahawks possess exactly zero players on PFF’s list. Schneider isn’t necessarily at risk of losing any big-time contributors this offseason.

It’s worth acknowledging the Seahawks do have a pair of veteran players who qualify as potential cap casualties. Scheduled to be over the cap, Schneider could create a significant amount of financial flexibility by releasing veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett and outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu. Both players have likely played their final downs in Seattle.

Would Lockett and/or Nwosu make this list if they were officially available? That’s for PFF to decide. Players on the list who could intrigue Schneider in free agency at the right price include offensive tackles Alaric Jackson and Dan Moore Jr., guard Mekhi Becton, and more.

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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.

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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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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.

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Seahawks sign 11 players to futures/reserve contracts

Seahawks sign 11 players to futures/reserve contracts

The Seattle Seahawks concluded their 2024 season by defeating the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18. Having missed the postseason, the offseason has already begun for Seattle. Head coach Mike Macdonald made the first big decision of the summer by firing first-year offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb.

Meanwhile, general manager John Schneider is also preparing for his portion of the offseason. The first step is often retaining developmental talents heading into the summer. Schneider recently signed the following 11 players to future/reserve contracts:

  • DT Quinton Bohanna
  • CB Ryan Cooper
  • LB Michael Dowell
  • CB Tyler Hall
  • C Mike Novitsky
  • DE Kenneth Odumegwu
  • S Ty Okada
  • WR Cornell Powell
  • LB Jamie Sheriff
  • LB Tyreke Smith
  • CB Damarion Williams

The most notable player listed is Jamie Sheriff. The undrafted rookie was a standout preseason performer, but didn’t make the initial 53-man roster. He spent the majority of the campaign developing on the practice squad.

If all of these names look familiar, it’s because they all appeared on Seattle’s practice squad at some point during the 2024 campaign. Practice squaders become unrestricted free agents when the season ends, forcing Seattle to offer the players they wanted to retain futures/reserve contracts. Defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna is among the most experienced talents on the list, and safety Ty Okada has been a contributor on special teams. Linebacker Michael Dowell was acquired in a trade during the preseason.

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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.

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