Seattle Seahawks Roster Analysis: Defensive Backs
By Keith Myers
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
It is time to wrap up the defensive side of this year’s Seattle Seahawks roster analysis. Seattle’s defensive backs are as good as any position group on any team in the NFL. There are also a lot of questions for next season, as the team looks to rebuild the depth it had back the 2013.
Other position groups:
Players on 2015 Roster:
Key Players: Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Jeremy Lane
Depth: Tharold Simon, Marcus Burley, Eric Pinkins, Steven Terrell, Dion Bailey
Free Agents:
Unrestricted: Bryon Maxwell, Jeron Johnson
Exclusive Rights: DeShean Shead
Outlook:
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The Seahawks have arguably the most talented secondary in the NFL no matter who is starting at CB opposite Sherman in 2015. Figuring out who that is going to be though is going to be one of the big questions for the Seahawks this offseason.
Seattle has said that Byron Maxwell is a priority to bring back, but it remains unlikely that we see that happen. Maxwell is the best CB who is set to hit the market this offseason, and someone is going to pay top dollar for his services. Seattle has too much money already wrapped up in their secondary to get into that bidding war for Maxwell.
Tharold Simon looked like the answer there early in the season, but be struggled in the playoffs. He no longer looks to be next in line. Jeremy Lane certainly can be once he returns from the broken arm be suffered in the Super Bowl. He’s had a tough time staying healthy though, so the Seahawks will need to look at their other options as well.
Seattle currently has no backup safeties from this season under contract for 2015. Dion Bailey is undersized, but has the skills to replace Jeron Johnson if Johnson doesn’t return.
Being an ERFA means that Shead has no option outside of playing for Seattle. He’ll either be a Seahawk, or he’ll have to go play in Canada. It is safe to say he’ll be back.