How Seahawks can fix the defensive line in 4 free agent signings

Step 4: focus solely on stopping the run

The final piece of the equation is to bring another elite run-stuffer to plug in at defensive tackle. The player I have in mind is Damon “Snacks” Harrison. He was recently released by the Lions as the team is looking like they are heading for a full rebuild. Harrison was reportedly contemplating retirement before his release, but he has confirmed through Twitter that he is looking for one last hurrah to see if he can join a contender and win a ring.

Snacks has been amongst the best run stuffers in the NFL for the past 7 seasons. He is in sole possession of first place in run stops for interior defensive lineman from 2013 to today, with 254. That number is 75 higher than second place, which shows just how elite he has been. He has been a beacon of consistency in stopping the run which is something Seattle desperately needs. He could also be a good mentor for Poona Ford as they both were UDFA and play a similar game.

With Snacks coming back purely to see if he can win a ring this year, his price tag shouldn’t be daunting. I think a 1-year, $4.5 million contract will get the deal done. This would leave Seattle with $24.5 million in cap space. Again, that number is before any potential roster cuts such as Ed Dickson, Tedric Thompson, Bradley McDougald, KJ Wright or Justin Britt. If all 5 of those players were cut (not saying they all should be), Seattle would accumulate an additional $25 million in cap space.

Through these 4 signings, Seattle would bring back high upside in Jadeveon Clowney. They would bring a player who is fully in his prime and a pass-rushing specialist in Robert Quinn. They would bring one player who I suspect to be the key to Aaron Donald and Shaquil Barrett’s big numbers in Ndamukong Suh. Finally, they would bring one of the best and most consistent run defending defensive tackles in Damon “Snacks” Harrison.

They could do all of this and still have almost half their cap space left to address other positions and extend key players. I can’t think of a better situation to be in and the Seahawks would be firmly in the conversation for the Super Bowl next season with all 4 signings.