Seahawks position preview: Linebacker breakdowns, starters and cuts
The young and talented Seahawks
Jordyn Brooks
Age: 22
Contract: 4 years $12.23 million (Rookie)
I have a full in-depth breakdown of Brooks from a previous post of mine where I talk about why Jordyn Brooks will be the next great Seahawks linebacker. I discuss his time at Texas Tech, the unexpected first-round selection, his pros and cons, and a lot more. But since that post, the one development is that Brooks finally signed his rookie contract, totaling $12.23 million in potential earnings over 4 years and a fifth-year option as all first-round picks have on their contracts.
Cody Barton
Age: 23
Contract: 4 years 3,626,124 (2nd year)
2019 Stats: 23 tackles, 1 pass defended, 1 QB hit
Barton got to play a good deal his rookie season after Mychal Kendricks got injured, and he had an up and down year. His PFF grade for the season was a 48.7, and he had some plays when he really struggled in coverage. The playoffs were when Barton got to shine, starting both games and recording a sack, tackle for loss, and a QB hit against the Eagles and 3 tackles against Green Bay. Barton will have to fight with Brooks for the third starting spot, but he will be first in line if he loses that battle and someone gets hurt to be thrust into a starting spot.
Ben Burr-Kirven
Age: 22
Contract: 4 years $2,862,920 (2nd year)
2019 Stats: 8 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Ben Burr-Kirven was drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 draft and then spent all of his time in his rookie season on special teams. He was a key piece for the unit however blocking and pursuing from the middle on punts, and he forced a fumble during his first career game on special teams against the Bengals. With the addition of Brooks and Barton being ahead of him on the depth chart, Burr-Kirven will again be a special teams only player if everyone is healthy.
Shaquem Griffin
Age: 25
Contract: 4 years $2,777,620 (3rd year)
2019 Stats: 5 tackles, 3 QB hits, 1 sack (Playoffs vs GB)
I already did an in-depth breakdown of Griffin in my defensive end position preview, because with the depth the Seahawks have at linebacker Griffin will most likely only find time on defense in pass rush.