Four Seahawks who might not return in 2019

Barkevious Mingo

Mingo was actually pretty good overall for Seattle in 2018. He was a key member of special teams and in limited time he put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Seattle didn’t have enough players supply consistent pressure and Mingo showed he might do more with more playing time.

I think there is a good chance he doesn’t get that with the Seahawks, though. In 2017, Seattle had a bunch of linebackers on one year contracts like Michael Wilhoite and Terance Garvin. John Schneider appears to think he can get production while saving some money at linebacker.

And maybe he is right. Linebacker used to be a bigger deal in the NFL because most teams played with three on the field during basic schemes and then also have plenty of linebackers on coverage on special teams. Now a lot of teams play with just two linebackers and five defensive backs. Plus, the way the NFL has restructured kickoff rules, smaller and quicker players are needed to cover kicks rather than bigger linebackers.

Mingo will save the Seahawks $3 million if they cut him from the 2019 roster. Seattle can probably find a cheaper and just as productive linebacker for next year. And if Shaquem Griffin can take a step forward, Seattle may already have Mingo’s replacement on the team.