Five positions Seahawks MUST address in free agency

DEFENSIVE TACKLE:

One area the Seahawks have excelled in free agency is at defensive tackle. Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, Tony McDaniel and Clinton McDaniel are among the outstanding finds they’ve brought in under Pete Carroll and John Schneider. With Brandon Mebane and Ahtyba Rubin both entering free agency, and top reserve Jordan Hill seemingly injured more than he’s healthy, it’s essential the Hawks add some quality bodies up front on defense.

Here are some free agent options:

Nick Fairly, LA Rams, 28, $4.75 million 2015 cap hit. Fairly was the 13th pick of the 2011 draft after an All-American career at Auburn. After four inconsistent years in Detroit, Fairly didn’t find a long-term deal to his liking as a free agent last year, so he agreed to a one year contract with the Rams. At just 28 years old still, the Hawks coaching staff just might be what the 6’4″ 277 lb Fairly needs to finally realize his potential.

Ian Williams, San Francisco, 26, $1.5 million. Williams was a starter at nose tackle and defensive captain for the 49ers last season. Just entering his prime at 26, he could be in line for a multi-year deal and would fit nicely in the Hawks rotation.

Tony McDaniel, Tampa Bay, 31, $1.5 million. McDaniel was extremely effective for Seattle from 2014-2014 in the spot Rubin played last year. If Rubin chases bigger money elsewhere, Could there possibly be a reunion?

Jaye Howard, Kansas City, 27, $660,000. And speaking of possible reunions….. Howard was a 4th round pick of the Seahawks in 2012 but failed to make the team out of training camp. Once the light went on he flourished in Kansas City, starting 24 games for the Chiefs the last two years. Might Seattle want to take another look?

Next: Looking outside for outside help