Five free agents Seahawks should look at signing

Austin Hooper, tight end

This one gets a little tricky. If Will Dissly were ever to stay healthy for most of a season, the Seahawks wouldn’t need a starter at tight end. But Dissly hasn’t stayed healthy in his first two seasons, though he has been very good when he has played. Therefore, enter Austin Hooper as a free agent possibility for Seattle.

With Hooper, several good things would happen for Seattle. One is that he is clearly a good receiver and Russell Wilson needs a viable third option beyond Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf. In 2019 with the Falcons, Hooper caught 75 passes for 787 yards and 6 touchdowns in just 13 games. He caught 77 percent of his targets which was sixth among all tight ends who were targeted 40 or more times. Hooper caught 71 passes in 2018 and caught 80.7 percent of his targets.

Another positive for the Seahawks would be that Hooper gives Seattle more versatility. The offensive line is going to have some changes next year in Seattle. Mike Iupati, George Fant and Germain Ifedi are all free agents. Seattle likely signs Fant or Ifedi but not both. If Ifedi leaves, Fant might move to the starter at right tackle.

Seattle used Fant a bunch as an extra tight end this season. Dissly could take on the same role but actually be able to catch passes where Fant could not. Hooper could line up in the slot then or as another tight end.

Lastly, Hooper gives Seattle either an added weapon for Wilson or simply insurance in case Dissly gets hurt again. The Falcons have limited cap space making re-signing Hooper difficult. Seattle may not want to pay Hooper market value, but they should at least think about it.