Seattle Seahawks Roster Analysis: Linebackers

Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) runs onto the field during player introductions before the 2013 NFC Championship football game against the San Francisco 49ers at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the 49ers 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

This is going to be a very busy offseason for the Seahawks. They’re still working out all the details of the coaching staff, but the Scouting Combine is only a few day away. To help us get ready for for this busy part of the offseason, we’re starting with some Seattle Seahawks roster analysis.

Keep in mind we are only discussing players who are with the team in some capacity right now. Free agents additions and draftable players that might fill some holes will be discussed later.

Players on 2015 Roster:

Key Players: Bruce Irvin, Bobby Wagner, K.J. Wright

Depth: Kevin Pierre-Louis, Brock Coyle, Mike Taylor

Free Agents:

Unrestricted: Malcolm Smith, Michael Morgan, Heath Farwell, Allen Bradford

Outlook:

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The Seahawks are pretty much set at linebacker for 2015. All three starters will be back, as well as key backups Coyle and Pierre-Louis. KPL even provides a nice upgrade at the fourth LB spot that Malcolm Smith has held down the last few years.

Speaking of Smith, there is very little chance he returns for next season. The Super Bowl XLVIII MVP did not play well in 2014, and saw his playing time evaporate as the season progressed.

Seattle should be expected to draft another linebacker this year though, though it likely won’t be until the third day of the draft. A team can never have enough depth heading into training camp, especially at linebacker. Backup linebackers are often key special teams players.

Speaking of special teams, Heath Farwell is an interesting case. He is completely worthless as a linebacker on defense, but that isn’t where he earns his roster spot. Farwell is a special teams captain and a standout player on coverage units.

Farwell also missed all of 2014 to an injury. It isn’t like Seattle’s coverage unit appeared to miss him either. That makes it is difficult to predict how much the Seahawks will value Farwell when planning for 2015.

Bobby Wagner’s contract situation is likely one has some people confused. Wagner is still under contract for 2015. That is the final year of his rookie contract. No matter what, he’ll be in Seattle for next season.

Now that he’s been in the league for three seasons though, Wagner and the Seahawks can finally negotiate a contract extension. Before now, the current collective bargaining agreement prohibited them from discussing it. So when you read about “needing to re-sign Wagner” this offseason, that about 2016, not next year.