Seattle Seahawks roster analysis: wide receivers and tight ends
By Keith Myers
Our Seattle Seahawks roster analysis for 2015 is nearing completion. This time we turn our attention to the wide receivers and tight ends. This is a group that doesn’t get much respect, both from the media and Seattle’s opponents.
It might make Doug Baldwin angry, but most of that criticism is justified. The Seahawks simply lack any passing-game weapons that scare anyone. Baldwin is a good player, but a football team needs more than one guy capable of getting open with some regularity.
Other positions groups completed:
Tight ends listed are in italics.
Players on 2015 Roster:
Key Players: Doug Baldwin, Paul Richardson, Zach Miller, Luke Willson
Depth: Chris Matthews, Kevin Norwood, Douglas McNeil, Kevin Smith, Cooper Helfet, Kaevon Milton, Rasheun Allen
Free Agents:
Unrestricted: Ricardo Lockette, Brian Walters, Anthony McCoy, Tony Moeaki
Restricted: Jermaine Kearse
Outlook:
More from 12th Man Rising
- 4 prospects Seahawks could reach for at No. 20 in 2023 NFL Draft
- Seattle Seahawks Mock Draft: Post-first wave of free agency
- Seahawks podcast: A review of the first week of free agency
- 4 experiments the Seattle Seahawks could cut short in 2023
- 3 pros and cons of Seattle Seahawks drafting Anthony Richardson
The Seahawks must upgrade the weapons in the passing game for next season. Lynch and Wilson were able to cover up this deficiency at times, but good defenses were able to exploit Seattle’s lack of weapons.
Complicating things is that Paul Richardson’s ACL injury means he cannot be counted on for next season. He likely won’t be back for the start of the season, if he plays at all in 2015. Combine that with the fact that Zach Miller could be a salary cap casualty, and the Seahawks seriously lack players who’ve shown they can be productive in the passing game.
Ricardo Lockette will likely be offered a contract to return. Hopefully his contract demands are close to the league minimum. His special teams play is enough to get warrant a roster spot.
Kearse is a restricted free agent, but in this case that doesn’t mean he’ll return. Seattle will likely tender him at the lowest level. This means they’ll get no compensation if he leaves. It will get the team the right to match any contract offered to him, but anything significantly above the minimum just isn’t worth it.
The Seahawks are going to have to address TE and WR through the draft and free agency. Luckily, there are plenty of options this season. They will also be looking for major development from both Matthews and Noorwood for next season.