NFL Free Agency 2014: Best and worst case scenarios for Seahawks

Dec 2, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett (72) runs the ball in for a touchdown after recovering the fumble by New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (not pictured) during the 1st quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

With March 11 fast approaching, the football world can momentarily forget about the fact that live NFL action is still six months away. For a couple of weeks, there will be activity on the Seahawks front and all 12’s are hoping for the greatest possible outcomes. Whether rejoice or despair falls upon our beloved franchise, the front office will make an attempt to field the best team available.

I’ve outlined a few crucial transactions to watch for come March 11, as well as the probability of certain players’ returns.

Best Case Scenario

• Michael Bennett is secured to a 3-4 year deal (he is 28) worth under $32 million
• Golden Tate is resigned to a long term contract similar to Riley Cooper’s (5 years, $25 million)
• Chris Clemons takes a significant pay cut to finish his playing days with the Hawks
• Zach Miller somehow stays on the roster due to his impeccable blocking ability
• Doug Baldwin stays with the team despite his restricted free agent status
• A catch-first TE like Jermichael Finley is added to give Russell Wilson more options
• Steven Hauschka is brought back a low cost
• Although not likely, Walter Thurmond signs a deal to stay with the Hawks and continue to be their nickel-back

Worst Case Scenario

• Bennett goes to the highest bidder, and Seattle loses a valuable inside pass rusher
• The Hawks make Tate the odd man out by giving Bennett a big deal and he ends up signing with a team like Jacksonville
• Clemons refuses a pay cut and retires seeing as aging pass rushers often tend to fare poorly on the open market
• Miller is cut and Seattle’s run game suffers a setback because they have no blocking TEs
• A team desperate for a WR like Oakland or St. Louis offers Baldwin an offer he can’t refuse and the Hawks lose their most clutch player
• Schneider and Carroll don’t address the team’s need for an electrifying TE and Luke Willson never develops fully
• Hauschka seeks the big money elsewhere and Seattle is forced to sign a veteran or draft a young kicker
• Thurmond signs with the 49ers