How Seahawks can fix the defensive line in 4 free agent signings
By Geoff Shull
All four of the Seahawks starting defensive linemen are set to hit free agency. But with free agent signings, Seattle can fix the defensive line issues.
The Seahawks are both blessed and cursed at the defensive line position. They face an offseason of free agency questions with the unit. This creates a massive need along the defensive front as well as a tremendous opportunity. Seattle can use this to recreate the once-vaunted defensive line from scratch in what appears to be a deep free agency class.
When we look at Seattle’s defense line last season, the first thing that pops into mind is the lack of pass rush. The team had the 2nd (tied) fewest sacks in the NFL with only 28. In comparison, the season prior Frank Clark and Jarran Reed amassed 24.5 by themselves. Meanwhile, this season no player eclipsed 4 sacks.
While the pass rush is definitely an aspect that needs to be addressed, it is not the only one on the defensive front. Seattle gave up the 5th most rushing yards per carry in the NFL at 4.9 per last season. They also gave up the 3rd most rushing touchdowns last season at 22.
What I am getting to is that the defensive line needs a full overhaul, and it won’t be as simple as just signing Clowney and Reed. We need to address the weaknesses with specific players. Fortunately, Seattle has $52 million in cap space after the Greg Olsen signing, this leaves the team plenty of room to dramatically improve their defensive line this year.