Seahawks need to re-sign these five Seattle free agents

Seahawks turnover is bound to occur. Even the most decorated can part ways with a fan base and team that loves what they brought to the franchise. Considering all the speculation around the Seahawks players, here are a few necessities Seattle has to re-sign.

5. Wide Receiver Paul Richardson

Like Doug Baldwin, Richardson possesses a swagger and big play capability the other Pac-12 standout has. Heck, Richardson with quarterback Russell Wilson kept Seattle in the game against Houston. Baldwin has taken the spot at slot and become more of a reliable third down threat. But Richardson, the former Colorado Buffalo, finally came into his own on the outside against some of the best defenders in the league.

With his play-making ability, Richardson could see what else is out there for more money than the Seahawks could offer. But, with Jimmy Graham potentially on his way out, continuity with Wilson is a must.

4. Tight end Luke Willson

All things considered, the Graham experiment did not completely fail. But a Seattle team focused around the pass compared to the run did not bode well.

Together with Bevell and, possibly, Graham departing, Willson has to fit in the 2018 plans for Seattle. The Seahawks need to circle back to the run, and use passing downs with a play action approach. Willson, coupled with second-year Nick Vannett, are viable options as tight ends who can block, as well as run proper routes.

Although Graham recorded more touchdown catches than Willson (10 to 4), Willson gained more yards per reception, 10.2 yards per catch compared to 9.1 yards per catch.

3. Nickel Justin Coleman

As much importance as the Seahawks put on the draft, it was two trades last season that provided impactful players. If there was change-of-momentum play in 2017 that was needed on defense, it more than likely came from Justin Coleman. For instance, when the offense sputtered against the Indianapolis Colts, he came through with an interception and returned it for a touchdown.

Or, against the Dallas Cowboys, after a quick three and out for Seattle to start the 3rd quarter. The Seahawks were down 9-7. An errant pass by Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott fell into the hands of Coleman, who returned it 30 yards for a touchdown.

The 24-year-old, restricted free agent should be sought after to continue his role in Seattle to cover slot receivers in 2018 and beyond.

2. Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson

Considering the age (27) and his dynamic ability, Richardson should sit high atop the Seahawks board. Richardson, with his play-making capabilities, along with two other young defensive tackles in Jarran Reed and Naz Jones, should be a must to new defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. He can develop Richardson-Reed-Jones into a three-headed monster.

Coupled with the idea uncertain future of Malik McDowell, the 2017 trade acquisition proved himself to be a needed re-sign for a system where he has already succeeded. If the other reports are true about many core players moving on from the team, there should be money available to sign Richardson.

1. Safety Bradley McDougald

After signing a one-year contract from Tampa Bay, McDougald was part of the defense more often than anticipated due to injury and he excelled.

One of the glaring issues in the 2016 season was the injury to safety Earl Thomas. This put Steven Terrell in the starting role and that did not work out well. With the career of strong safety Kam Chancellor in doubt, McDougald is a strong candidate to work with well Thomas on the exterior of the defense for the foreseeable future.

McDougald’s style will not necessarily punish a wide receiver or tight end, but he plays within himself. And he fits nearly perfectly with what the Seahawks do on defense.

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