Top 10 needs for the Seahawks heading into the 2019 offseason
By Lee Vowell
2. Get a long-term defensive tackle to pair with Jarran Reed
Seattle had some major issues stopping the run in 2018. They weren’t the worst in the league but did find a way to get gashed at times, especially against the Rams and Panthers. Reed was a beast and could get better in 2019, which is the final year of his current contract. He will be playing to get paid.
Beyond Reed, however, the defensive tackle situation is messy. Nazair Jones showed some potential two seasons ago but was a healthy scratch many games in 2018. Now Jones seems to be being groomed to move to defensive end.
Shamar Stephen was simply decent but not a long-term answer to start beside Reed. The Seahawks need a tackle who is young enough to play several years and be a good run-stopper. Or maybe they have that in Poona Ford and simply need to give him the starting job.
1. Get a defensive end to help Frank Clark be even better
Clark was magnificent in 2018. Sure, he is a free agent but there is no way the Seahawks let him walk away. But Clark needs help. Pair him with another defensive end who can consistently scare the opposing quarterback and watch Clark’s pressure numbers rise.
Next. Potential pass rushers to help Frank Clark. dark
Seattle was 11th in sacks in the NFL in 2018 with 43, but 24.5 of those sacks came from two players, Reed and Clark. That isn’t sustainable for long-term success. Whether it is through the draft or free agency, Seattle needs to get Clark some help at end. Doing so will only make Seattle a better football team for the next three to four seasons. And getting Clark help is Seattle’s most glaring need in the 2019 offseason.