The Seahawks should trade B.J. Finney back to Steelers

The Seahawks signed B.J. Finney anticipating him to be Justin Britt’s replacement. However, the move has been a flop thus far. It appears a trade would be best for all parties.

The Seahawks appeared to decide very early on in the preseason that Ethan Pocic was going to be the starter over BJ Finney. Finney was simply outplayed by Pocic. He was also outplayed by Kyle Fuller, who was on the practice squad last year.

Finney was then moved to guard. In that position, he was outplayed by rookie sensation Damien Lewis, Mike Iupati, Jamarco Jones and Jordan Simmons. With Kyle Fuller back on the active roster from suspension, it is completely possible that Finney is one of the inactive on game days.

This is a very bad look for a player that the team invested a 2 year, $8 million contract. Many fans have asked why he wasn’t simply cut when the team made the 53 man roster. The problem is in his contract. His deal has $4.5 million guaranteed. So, the team would have actually lost $1 million if he were released from 2020’s cap.

The way Finney’s contract was written, the only way the Seahawks can get out on top is if he was traded. In that scenario, Seattle would actually save $2.5 million. If he were traded his cap hit this year would decrease from $3.5 million down to $1 million. Next season the team would be left with $1 million in dead cap as well.

This brings me to the trade idea. Finney was a sensation for the Steelers. It’s a big part of the reason that the Seahawks felt so comfortable with him taking over for Britt. He has the versatility to play all interior line positions, and he did so effectively. The problem is, he is struggling with the new concept and playbook.

Meanwhile, the Steelers are dealing with a rash of injuries on their offensive line.
Guard Stefen Wisniewski and tackle Zach Banner have both been placed on the injury reserve. Star guard David DeCastro has yet to play this season because of injuries.

Given it is mid-season, the Steelers would benefit from a player who has a complete understanding of their playbook and can slot in all over the line. So, a trade would make sense for the Steelers as well.

Suggested trade between Seahawks and Steelers

The trade would be a win-win-win for all three parties. The Seahawks can recoup some draft capital after the Jamal Adams trade as well as shedding some salary. The Steelers get a player who is plug and play ready. B.J. Finney gets a chance to see the field this season. Something that appears unlikely with the Seahawks.

This extra draft capital and cap space could also help the Seahawks trade for some defensive line help. Perhaps someone like Ryan Kerrigan, which I recently wrote about.