Tag: Seahawks Roster

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.

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3 Seahawks who deserve more playing time in 2025

3 Seahawks who deserve more playing time in 2025

The Seattle Seahawks received contributions from unlikely sources as the 2024 regular-season campaign progressed forward. Whether it was veterans taking advantage of opportunities due to injury, or rookies that proved they belonged in the lineup, various Seahawks players earned a right to be on the field for head coach Mike Macdonald. We’ve identified three of those talents in particular that deserve more playing time from the get-go in 2025.

Josh Jobe

Josh Jobe didn’t play his first snap at cornerback until Week 7. The former undrafted free agent out of Alabama quickly played his way into Macdonald’s lineup, forcing a healthy Tre Brown to the bench. Brown is now slated for unrestricted free agency and is unlikely to return. Jobe should open training camp as a starter at cornerback opposite Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon. First, he must be retained as a restricted free agent.

Tyrice Knight

Dissatisfied with the play he was receiving from his off-ball linebackers, Macdonald swapped out initial starters Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker for Ernest Jones IV and Tyrice Knight. A fourth-round rookie, Knight concluded the season with an impressive 88 total tackles despite making his full-time debut in Week 11. A bigger sophomore season is on the horizon.

Coby Bryant

Versatile safety Coby Bryant was arguably Seattle’s biggest revelation in 2024. Taking advantage of a midseason injury to Rayshawn Jenkins, The former Cincinnati standout recorded multiple interceptions down the stretch en route to becoming an every-down defender. Bryant, Jenkins, and Julian Love all remain under contract through next season.

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3 improved Seahawks we’re thankful for this Holiday season

3 improved Seahawks we’re thankful for this Holiday season

The Holidays are a time for self-reflection and positivity. The 8-7 Seattle Seahawks have endured an inconsistent season. Entering Week 17, Mike Macdonald’s club requires help to re-steal the NFC West division from the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the disappointing situation they currently find themselves in, several Seahawks players have showcased improvement throughout this campaign.

We’ve identified three in particular we’re thankful for this holiday season.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Sophomore wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has developed into the Seahawks’ go-to playmaker this season. After an up-and-down rookie campaign, JSN currently leads the offense in receptions (93), receiving yards (1,089), and catching touchdowns (six). Smith-Njigba has already destroyed his rookie-season receiving line (63-628-4). His ascension has been a terrific development for Ryan Grubb’s offense.

Zach Charbonnet

No. 2 running back Zach Charbonnet has been the unsung hero of the offense this season. Preferred ball carrier Kenneth Walker III has been nursing ankle and calf injuries in recent weeks. The sophomore Charbonnet leads all Seahawks skill players in touchdowns with nine (eight rushing, one receiving) through Week 16. In a recent opportunity to lead the backfield, he rushed for a career-high 134 yards and two scores.

Derick Hall

The third and final member of John Schneider’s excellent 2023 draft class to make this list, Derick Hall has flashed legitimate improvement as a pass rusher this season. After playing a part-time role as a rookie that had many questioning the value of his second-round pick status, Hall has exploded in 2024. The former Auburn standout is tied with Leonard Williams for the team-lead in sacks with 7.0 quarterback takedowns.

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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 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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Rookie CB DJ James is Seahawks scouting failure

Rookie CB DJ James is Seahawks scouting failure

The Seattle Seahawks waived and released approximately two dozen players during Tuesday’s roster cut-down process. One of the minor surprises included rookie cornerback DJ James, who was waived and passed through the waiver wire process. A bigger surprise arrived when the Seahawks declined opportunities to add James to their practice squad, seemingly admitting defeat on a player they drafted four months ago.

General manager John Schneider drafted James with the No. 193 overall selection in April’s 2024 NFL Draft. It wasn’t necessarily surprising that James didn’t make the roster. He joined a deep cornerback room that features Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen, Tre Brown, and his former Auburn teammate Nehemiah Pritchett, who was drafted one round earlier.

The real shocking development was that James wasn’t re-added to the practice squad. The Seahawks announced a 15-player practice squad, leaving one spot open (16 maximum) for another addition. Veteran corner Artie Burns is the only cornerback on the practice squad. Other defensive backs include safeties Marquise Blair and Ty Okada.

Perhaps that final practice squad addition will be another cornerback, but early indications are it won’t be James. That seemingly indicates the Seahawks didn’t see enough developmental potential to continue investing in James. It sounds harsh, but it means they did not assess his abilities to be NFL-caliber throughout training camp.

James definitely struggled throughout the preseason. Pro Football Focus tagged the former Auburn product with eight receptions on nine targets for 84 yards and two touchdowns. His coverage grade was a generous 60.8 considering opposing quarterbacks had a passer rating of 145.1 when targeting him.

Sixth-round selections flame out of the league all the time. What makes this particular case unique is how quickly the Seahawks are calling quits on James, a prospect they drafted ahead of 65 selected players in the 2024 draft. That indicates the scouting staff failed when it came to assessing James’ abilities.

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Seahawks lose OLB Jamie Sheriff, LB Jon Rhattigan to waiver claims

Seahawks lose OLB Jamie Sheriff, LB Jon Rhattigan to waiver claims

Releasing a player and exposing them to the waivers claim process always comes with a risk. Unfortunately, the Seattle Seahawks were burned on two occasions when Wednesday’s claims were officially processed by the league office. The Carolina Panthers claimed Seahawks EDGE rusher Jamie Sheriff and off-ball linebacker Jon Rhattigan, according to multiple sources.

 

Both Rhattigan and Sheriff were waived during Tuesday’s final roster cuts. Sheriff is the one Seahawks fans will especially mourn. The rookie undrafted free agent from South Alabama recorded three sacks during the preseason and was a constant thorn in the backside of quarterbacks. He finished just half a sack away from leading the league in exhibition sacks.

The Seahawks clearly didn’t think Sheriff was ready for regular-season football. Instead of keeping him on the active roster, general manager John Schneider traded for veteran EDGE Trevis Gipson, who made the team. Sheriff was waived as a result, and the Panthers used their top waiver-wire priority to pounce on his availability.

The issue between the Seahawks and Rhattigan was apparently salary related. By claiming Rhattigan, the Panthers are inheriting his base salary of $2.985 million, which the Seahawks felt was bloated, per Bob Condotta. Again, the Panthers utilized their top priority here.

The Seahawks revamped their linebacker room earlier this offseason. Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson are expected to serve as the starters. They also drafted Tyrice Knight, and recently traded for rookie linebacker Michael Barrett, who is expected to re-join Seattle via the practice squad after he was waived on Tuesday. All of those moves made Rhattigan and his salary more expendable.

It’s worth acknowledging new Panthers general manager Dan Morgan worked under Schneider for five years in Seattle, first as a scout (2010), and later as assistant director of pro personnel (2011-14). Carolina’s staff features various ex Seahawks coaches, including their head coach Dave Canales. It’s not surprising that the Panthers opted to claim two Seahawks players.

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3 positions Seattle Seahawks could upgrade via waiver wire

3 positions Seattle Seahawks could upgrade via waiver wire

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider is currently in the process of “finalizing” his initial 53 man roster. Tuesday’s mid-afternoon deadline mandates that all 32 NFL clubs trim their roster down to 53 in preparation for the regular season. On Wednesday at 9am Pacific, the league office will process waiver claims that were submitted on any eligible players that were released.

Schneider could use this system as an opportunity to upgrade his depth at a position that fails to meet his standards. An average of 25-30 players are claimed around the league annually. The waiver wire order is determined by the 2024 NFL Draft order, meaning the Seahawks will place 16th in the waiver priority.

With that in mind, we’ve identified three positions the Seahawks could target on the waiver wire.

Nose Tackle

Are the Seahawks good enough at the nose tackle position? Veteran 12-year pro Johnathan Hankins is currently entering the season as the starter. Hankins was signed by Schneider earlier this offseason in a move that reunited him with defensive coordinator Aden Durde.

Fourth-round sophomore nose tackle Cameron Young is currently on the Physically Unable To Perform (PUP) List and doesn’t appear to be nearing a return. The Tennessee Titans, who the Seahawks held joint practices with and played against in the preseason, are a team to watch for a potential nose tackle claim. They have Keondre Coburn and Quinton Bohanna on the roster, and are unlikely to keep both behind T’Vondre Sweat. Bohanna would be especially intriguing given that he previously played for Durde in Dallas.

Tight End

The Seahawks have been banged up at tight end as of late. Noah Fant, Jack Westover, and Pharaoh Brown all missed recent practices, prompting Schneider to sign two tight ends to simply get through practice and the preseason. Michael Ezeike and Devon Garrison were the players signed, but are unlikely to make the 53 man roster.

Fant and Brown are Seattle’s two top tight ends, and Brown and A.J. Barner should make the roster as well. Given the mounting injuries and uncertainty, Schneider could consider acquiring a veteran player at the position to ensure offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb has enough bodies for the Denver Broncos in Week 1.

Offensive Tackle

The Seahawks are thin at offensive tackle because Abe Lucas appears primed to remain on the PUP. Thankfully, Mike Macdonald has a veteran right tackle in George Fant to replace him in the starting lineup. Lucas’ absence still delivers a blow to Seattle’s offensive line depth.

Stone Forsythe is currently the swing tackle. The Seahawks have rookie offensive tackles Michael Jerrell and Garret Greenfield on the roster, as well as sophomore Raiqwon O’Neal. O’Neal is likely to claim the fourth offensive tackle spot, but this position could potentially be upgraded via the wire while Lucas continues recovering.

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Seahawks acquire EDGE Trevis Gipson via trade with Jacksonville Jaguars

Seahawks acquire EDGE Trevis Gipson via trade with Jacksonville Jaguars

The Seattle Seahawks are acquiring veteran EDGE Trevis Gipson in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to multiple reports. General manager John Schneider is shipping a late-round pick to Jacksonville in exchange for Gipson’s services. He arrives after Uchenna Nwosu suffered an injury in Saturday’s preseason finale.

Nwosu suffered a knee injury in the preseason Week 3 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Nwosu was the victim of a nasty chop-block penalty by Browns guard Wyatt Teller. The severity is currently unknown, but acquiring a pass rusher through trade indicates he’s potentially headed for a multi-week stint on the sidelines.

Gipson initially entered the league as a fifth-round selection of the Chicago Bears in the 2020 NFL Draft. He exploded as a sophomore in 2021 by recording seven sacks, but regressed in 2022 after the Bears underwent a schematic change defensively. He was traded to the Tennessee Titans ahead of the 2023 season, where he played in a deep reserve role.

Gipson signed a one-year contract with the Jaguars earlier this March. With roster cuts looming around the league on Monday and Tuesday, this trade indicates he wasn’t going to make Jacksonville’s 53 man roster. The Seahawks have a newly-minted need at the position following Nwosu’s injury, which arrived mere days after they traded EDGE Darrell Taylor to the Bears.

Acquiring Gipson also indicates the Seahawks don’t possess much faith in their in-house options to replace Nwosu in the rotation. This trade spells bad news for Jamie Sheriff and Nelson Ceaser. Gipson will be on Seattle’s initial 53-man roster, and he’ll join Boye Mafe, Dre’Mont Jones, and Derick Hall in the early-season rotation while Nwosu heals up.

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Seahawks EDGE Jamie Sheriff possesses clearer pathway to 53 man roster

Seahawks EDGE Jamie Sheriff possesses clearer pathway to 53 man roster

Seattle Seahawks rookie undrafted EDGE Jamie Sheriff has written one of the more heartwarming stories of training camp and the preseason. A regular standout, Sheriff put forth another eye-opening performance in Saturday’s preseason finale victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Sheriff recorded two sacks and three quarterback hits versus the Browns. One of Sheriff’s sacks occurred on fourth down to give Seattle possession back leading 34-26 with nine minutes remaining. He concludes the preseason with three sacks and multiple QB pressures.

Will Sheriff make Seattle’s 53-man roster? It’s one of the larger questions heading into Monday’s and Tuesday’s cut-down days around the league. Sheriff’s pathway to the roster became clearer following Darrell Taylor’s trade, but he’s not guaranteed to survive roster cuts.

“There might be an opportunity [for him] to come back, and hopefully the guys feel like we’re invested in their growth as well,” head coach Mike Macdonald said when asked about Sheriff post game.

The Seahawks could go extremely light at outside linebacker. Reps at the position this season are expected to be dominated by Dre’Mont Jones, Uchenna Nwosu, Derick Hall, and Boye Mafe. That expected usage could be what prevents Sheriff from making the roster, though the Seahawks would undoubtedly attempt to get him back on the practice squad, per Macdonald’s comments.

Nwosu’s injury status could also play a determining role on Sheriff’s roster spot. The former South Alabama standout has undeniably done enough to make John Schneider’s roster. Will the Seahawks reward his play, or will they cut a preseason darling?

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