Identifying Needs For The Seahawks Offseason

Since we have a few extra days between games, I’ve decided I’m going to to take a moment to look ahead to the upcoming offseason. This next offseason is going to be a very important one for the Seahawks. This is a team with many pieces in place to be able to contend for a title, so the pressure will be on the front office to fill in the remaining holes left on this team.

After going through the roster and looking at contracts, trying to figure out what the the Seahawks offseason “needs” are going to be. Here’s my take, position by position:

QB: Jackson will return, but a QB of the future needs to be found.

RB: Lynch is a free agent but is likely to be re-signed. Forsett seems to be a likely cut, so the Seahawks need a backup.

FB: Robinson is playing better. A solid Mack Strong caliber player would be nice, but isn’t required.

WR: Rice, Tate, Baldwin and Obomanu are all likely back. I expect Williams and Butler to move on.

OL: All 5 starters are in place and returning, but 2 are recovering from major knee injuries. Clearly depth is an issue.

DE: Red Bryant is a free agent, but he doesn’t fit any defense quite like he fits ours. I expect him to re-sign. Clemons isn’t going anywhere. I expect Brock to be gone. I see a need for a pass rusher to replace Bryant on passing downs, and a need for couple new backups.

DT: Both Mebane and Branch have been great and both are under contract. There’s a need for some depth there. I’ve also been convinced that a DT who can collapse the pocket, and replace one of the run stuffing starters on passing downs, would help the DEs.

LB: Both Hill and Hathorne are free agents, and the depth behind the starters is very weak already. This is a rather weak unit to begin with, and if either of the 2 starters leave it’ll only get weaker.

CB: Sherman looks like a budding star. Browner has been frustrating, but he’s improved enough that I think he could be the team’s third corner. (I don’t think he’s a starter on a contending team). Walter Thurmond will be back. I’d be shocked Marcus Trufant was back next season. Lewis is a decent nickel or dime back. That’s decent depth even without Trufant, but I think the Seahawks should pursue someone to start opposite Sherman.

S: Team is set with Thomas and Chancellor as the starters. Replacing or re-signing Bigby as the primary backup will keep the Seahawks solid at safety.

K/P: Ryan and Hauschka should both be back, and neither needs to be upgraded in my opinion.

What’s your thoughts on all this? Am I way off?