Seahawks Add Inside Pass Rusher

The needs of the Seattle Seahawks coming into this offseason were pretty simple: Re-sign key players, QB, LB, pass rush, depth everywhere. Seattle has re-signed the needed players, so that is done. Now they’re starting to work on the pass rush.

The problem with improving the pass rush is that it has to be done with part-time players. The trio of run-stuffing defensive linemen; Bryant, Mebane and Branch, aren’t going anywhere. So the Seahawks need to find impact players who are willing to split time with their run stuffing counterparts.

Another thing to think about is that fixing the pass rush isn’t about just adding one player. The Seahawks desperately need a DE opposite of Chris Clemons who can get to the QB (unlike Raheem Brock who was completely ineffective in 2011) but that isn’t enough. Clemons beat many tackles over the course of the season, only to have the QB step up in the pocket and avoid the pressure. The Seahawks also need someone who can also create pressure up the middle and make the DEs more effective.

And that brings us to the point. Yesterday the Seahawks added that inside pass rusher by signing free agent DT James Jones. Jones will mostly play the 3-technique position on passing downs, replacing Alan Branch.

Jones was being aggressively pursued by the Rams, who are now coached by his former coach Jeff Fisher. Instead, Jones comes to Seattle where he will hopefully be a part of what is shaping up to be a very special defense.