Matthew Judon should be Seahawks preferred trade target at edge rusher

With the Seahawks already housing the league’s highest-paid QB and LB, they may elect for a more cost-effective approach to fixing the pass rush.

The Seahawks and Jadeveon Clowney have been running circles around one another for quite some time now. Rumors have run rampant with Seattle being connected to star defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. However, perhaps it’s another edge rusher that Seattle has its eye on?

The Seahawks need to make some moves and make them fast. While hoping Clowney decides to re-sign on the cheap has its advantages, it also carries some risk. Teams have been worried about offering Clowney big money with the thought he may stop trying once he gets paid. This leads me to worry about what may happen if he thinks he is being underpaid. From the sounds of it, Seattle has not offered a low-risk 1-year deal.

Considering how drawn out the negotiation process has gone for Clowney, it’s also possible that irreparable damage has been done between player and team. Reports came out saying Clowney would be more than happy to leave Seattle if the right offer came in.

This report came out right before free agency. Something changed between the end of the season where Clowney went into John Schneider’s office and told him he wants to be in Seattle and free agency. This leads speculation that the negotiation table may have divided the parties to the point where the interest is no longer there.

Perhaps Seattle has waited long enough. The team simply can’t wait forever; they have to make a move to ensure they draft appropriately to fill the roster for next season. If my speculation is accurate, and Clowney hasn’t signed by the draft, we could see Seattle make a trade for a veteran pass rusher during the draft.