Which free agents should Seahawks re-sign this offseason?
By Lee Vowell
The Seahawks have some decisions to make this offseason. Sure, there is some time left in 2017. But you know John Schneider is always thinking ahead. So why shouldn’t we?
The Seahawks currently have 17 free agents for the upcoming offseason. Some players would be nice to retain. Some others need to be let go. Here is my opinion of who Seattle should re-sign. And the chances are they do it.
The big decisions
Jimmy Graham
Graham is having probably his best overall season in Seattle this year. His yards-per-catch is the lowest of his career. But at the same time the tight end is on pace for his second-best season for touchdown receptions. Russell Wilson has found his comfort zone with Graham in 2017.
Should Seahawks re-sign Graham: Yes, within reason. Seattle’s cap space is beginning to get thin, so signing Graham to much beyond his current $10 million a year might be tough.
Chances Graham re-signs: 50%
Paul Richardson
Richardson is having by far his healthiest season this year. And he leads the Seahawks receivers with touchdown receptions with five. He is well ahead of everyone on Seattle’s roster with 16.7 yards a catch. Richardson has made several big plays, like the one that started the game-winning drive against the Houston Texans.
Should the Seahawks re-sign Richardson: Yes, unless some team offers him crazy money.
Chances Richardson re-signs: 60%
Sheldon Richardson
The defensive tackle has been great this year. Richardson has helped solidify a defensive line that could have been lost with Cliff Avril’s injury. Plus, he has been a great teammate.
Should the Seahawks re-sign Richardson: Yes. Absolutely Seattle give every penny it can to re-sign Richardson, but…
Chances Richardson re-signs: 25% (Richardson is simply be too expensive for Seattle, most likely. He will get huge money from another team.)
The next level
Luke Joeckel
Joeckel hasn’t been bad this year, but he hasn’t been great and he’s been injured.
Should the Seahawks re-sign Joeckel: No. Not unless he is willing to take a big pay cut from his current $8 million a year salary.
Chances Joeckel re-signs: 20% (See above.)
Eddie Lacy
No. Just no.
Should the Seahawks re-sign Lacy: No.
Chances Lacy re-signs: 10%
Bradley McDougald
McDougald has done everything Seattle has asked of him. He was brought in to backup Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor and has done both well enough. Has there been a game where there was an obvious absence of Thomas or Chancellor? No. That’s due to McDougald.
Should the Seahawks re-sign McDougald: Yes. Absolutely, yes.
Chances McDougald re-signs: 40% (McDougald could probably make more money elsewhere.)
Blair Walsh
Walsh started off well, but the Seahawks need a better kicker. Seattle needs someone who can make a kick beyond 50 yards and is simply not a risk to have mental issues.
Should the Seahawks re-sign Walsh: No.
Chances Walsh re-signs: 50% (Seattle signed him in the first place, so…)
Others
Seattle has other players who may still be with the Seahawks in 2018.
But will Deshawn Shead? He has been wasted money this year. Maybe Seattle signed him thinking he would take a discount to stay in Seattle beyond 2017.
Byron Maxwell has been decent in two games, but with the return in 2018 of Richard Sherman and, possibly, Shead, Maxwell is expendable.
Luke Willson was a late re-signee this past offseason. Nick Vannett is getting better. If Graham re-signs, Willson is probably gone.
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Oday Aboushi has started most of the games at right guard. He wasn’t horrible. But George Fant will return in 2018 and Duane Brown is signed through 2018. Rees Odhiambo could move to Aboushi’s spot. Or Ethan Pocic. Aboushi will probably be playing elsewhere next season.