12th Man Rising
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Five free agents that need to be Seahawks next year

By Geoff Shull

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 11: Jonnu Smith #81 of the Tennessee Titans catches a touchdown over Brandon Carr #39 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 11: Jonnu Smith #81 of the Tennessee Titans catches a touchdown over Brandon Carr #39 of the Baltimore Ravens in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 24: Center Corey Linsley #63 of the Green Bay Packers lines up to snap the ball in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 24: Center Corey Linsley #63 of the Green Bay Packers lines up to snap the ball in the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Can’t miss player 1: Corey Linsley, center

This has to be the most connected players out there for the Seahawks. If not Linsley, it’s likely some mixture of Thuney or Scherff. The connection a center has to a QB is more important than the premium that is placed at the left guard (Thuney and Scherff). Investing in the middle of the line is the right move here.

Honestly, this has been a hole on the roster since Max Unger was traded. The difference having a leader in the middle of the line makes is astounding. Justin Britt was solid, and Ethan Pocic was alright. It’s time for Seattle to get a true game-changer and leader in the middle of the offensive line.

Linsley is all but guaranteed to hit free agency. The Packers don’t have the cap space to sign the All-Pro center. Linsley had the second-fewest-blown blocks amongst centers in 2020 at just 2 (across 411 snaps) during passing downs. A true shutdown center during the passing sets.

He isn’t a slouch either during the running sets either. He had just 4 blown blocks across 286 offensive snaps. Linsley also possesses the lateral mobility necessary to excel in a wide zone scheme that could (should) be implemented with the new offensive coordinator.

Linsley is often talked about for a reason. He is truly one of – if not the can’t miss player – for the Seahawks this off-season. If you want Russell Wilson to be happy, this is the move to make.

Projected contract: 3 years, $35 million.

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