In a day of big Seahawks surprises, wide receiver Jaron Brown has been released. Seattle is clearly banking on their young receivers for 2019.
One a day of surprises, none bigger than the trade for Jadeveon Clowney, the Seahawks added another. Jaron Brown got a visit from the Turk in what had to be one of the least expected moves Seattle could make. I see this as indicative as more about the current team dynamics than Brown’s performance itself.
Jaron Brown had what could only be called a very successful preseason. While he only had three catches, he was held out to give the sea of Seahawks rookies a chance to show what they could do. The coaching staff had made it clear they had basically forgotten Brown last year despite excellent numbers in limited use. Almost everyone had penciled Brown to start. He was practically the only other veteran receiver on the team other than Tyler Lockett. David Moore has all of seven career starts, and he’ll start his third season on the bench with a broken arm.
The release of Brown points less to his talent than to exactly what the team needs at this moment. Picking up Jadeveon Clowney’s contract wasn’t exactly light work, as he’ll be paid nearly $17 million this season. Trading Barkevious Mingo saved over $4 million. That’s a nice start, but cutting Brown saved nearly $3 million more. Mainly, this was all about the money.
Clearly the Seahawks feel that DK Metcalf is ready for the big time. Brown was expected to man one outside position with Lockett the other. When the Hawks move to three-receiver formations, Lockett would often slide to the slot and Moore would take the field. Now it’s going to be Lockett and Metcalf, and quite possibly John Ursua as the slot receiver in three-man sets. Metcalf certainly looks ready for the challenge. Ursua has been one of the surprises of the preseason. This could also mean Gary Jennings is safe, despite a weak preseason.
Jaron Brown is out, more due to circumstance than his own performance. Basically, he was released for the same reason that DeShawn Shead is gone: money. I believe Brown will be snapped up quickly. He not only looked good in preseason games, but he was a red zone terror last year. Expect more surprises from the Hawks, maybe even bigger than cutting a projected starter at a position very thin on veterans. We wish Mr. Brown the best of luck – hopefully in the AFC.