Timmy Jernigan could be a low cost high reward signing for Seahawks

Timmy Jernigan’s contract with the Texans fell through. The Seahawks should sign Jernigan to fill the hole from Al Woods’ departure.

The Seahawks are incredibly thin at defensive tackle. Their roster consists of Jarran Reed, Poona Ford, Bryan Mone, Demarcus Christmas and Josh Avery. Outside of Reed and Ford, there is no sheer talent I would bank on making the roster, if it weren’t for lack of depth. Timmy Jernigan could be the missing piece to bring some much needed veteran presence to the group.

Timmy Jernigan was selected in the second round of the 2014 draft by the Ravens. During his 3-year career with the Ravens, he tallied 91 tackles, 13 sacks, and 16 tackles for a loss. He was a highly effective nose tackle for the team and excelled in playing both the run and pass.

After his third year, Jernigan was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. He later signed a 4-year, $48 million contract extension. His first year with the team was very productive. However, in year two he was injured, resulting in back surgery that cost him the majority of the season. Since his surgery, he has struggled with consistency.

Early in free agency, the Texans reached an agreement with DT Timmy Jernigan for the upcoming season. It was supposed to be a 1-year, $3.75 million contract. However, the transaction was never officially reported to the NFL. It appears something happened, Timmy Jernigan recently announced he was no longer going to the Texans and is excited about another opportunity.

This could be precisely the type of buy low, high reward signing the Seahawks need at defensive tackle. Jernigan is just 27 years old. You can bet he is excited to prove his value in the NFL after his recent struggle with injuries and consistency on the Eagles.

With it being so late into free agency, Jernigan likely won’t be expensive. Jernigan shouldn’t be focused on his one-year contract value. His sole focus should be proving to the NFL he is still a force and can stay healthy. If he can do that on a low-cost contract with a playoff team, he could seriously cash in next off-season.

My proposed contract

Terms: 1 year, $1.75 million

Gtd: $500k

Cap hit:

• 2020: $1.75 million

Jernigan is a great space eater. He picks up multiple men to help teammates with the pass rush and plugs lanes to stop the run. His floor would be that he gets injured early in the year but is an effective run stopper while playing. Meanwhile, his ceiling would be similar to Jarran Reed if he can rediscover his pre-injury form.

This would be a low risk, high reward signing. Seattle would be the perfect landing spot given their current need for depth at the defensive tackle. For Jernigan, it offers a chance to prove he still belongs and can do so on a perineal playoff team. Coach Carroll loves redemption signings, perhaps defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan will be the next great one.