Seahawks outlook for 2018: Defensive line
By Lee Vowell
Contracts
In 2018, the Seahawks currently have seven players under contract along the defensive line. Bennett, McDowell and Jones are all signed through 2020. Two out of three of those players (Bennett and McDowell) might not be in Seattle in 2018, however.
If Seattle cuts Bennett post-June 1st, though, Seattle would save $5.5 million. That is a lot of money. If Seattle thinks there are other (i.e. younger) players that will be available after the beginning of June and before training camp starts, they might be willing to part with Bennett and try to sign someone they think could be part of the future core of the team.
Reed and Noble Nwachukwu are signed through 2019. Reed will probably be extended beyond that. Nwachukwu, of course, is anyone’s guess. There is no chance that Seattle extends Reed beyond 2019 in the next year, but Reed should take another step to being very good in 2018. Reed showed he could get some interior pressure on quarterbacks this year, including late in the year when the rest of the team was devolving. Post-2018, Reed might get his extension.
Clark and Avril are unrestricted free agents after 2018. It could be good for Seattle that Clark is in the final year of his contract next season. That always motivates a player. But no one knows if Avril will choose to ever play again.
Prediction for next year
Coach Pete Carroll loves pass rushers. The defensive line was in the bottom half of the NFL is quarterback pressures this year. Very un-Seahawks like. Bennett and Avril – even if Avril returns – are older.
I can definitely see Jordan being re-signed. I think Seattle liked what they saw from him late. Jordan probably won’t be offered a lot of money, but the Seahawks might risk offering him a multi-year contract at a relatively low price.
Clark will be in the final year of his contract and I think he has a big year. But Seattle will draft for pass rushers this year.
Related Story: Can the Seahawks offensive line be better in 2018?
My feeling is we 12s see a starting line of Clark and Bennett at ends, while Reed and Jones are the interior. Avril won’t return. Richardson signs for a lot of money elsewhere. I am not even going to venture a guess on McDowell.