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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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 13: Jonnu Smith #81 of the Tennessee Titans plays against the Buffalo Bills at Nissan Stadium on October 13, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 13: Jonnu Smith #81 of the Tennessee Titans plays against the Buffalo Bills at Nissan Stadium on October 13, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Can’t miss player 4: Jonnu Smith, tight end

Seattle is reportedly going to be very aggressive in targeting a tight end. I have heard many fans being concerned with this news. Let me explain really quick why this is a huge get for the Seahawks.

  • Russell Wilson wants weapons. A quality tight receiving tight end (F-type) would provide just that. A big target in the middle of the field to act as a safety net.
  • Russell Wilson wants better protection. A quality blocking tight end (in-line blocker) would help anchor down the outside of the line. It also helps offer misdirection with running plays.
  • Wide-zone schemes often use 2 tight end sets known as 12-personnel. Seattle needs another proven entity outside of Will Dissly. This is the assumed scheme under the new OC.

Jonnu Smith is a proven starter. Yet, his best years are still ahead of him. He is amongst the most athletic tight ends in the NFL. He ranked between the 80th-95th percentile for all his speed, agility and explosive testing numbers at the combine.

It’s this type of weapon that could open up the middle of the field in the passing game. An aspect that has sorely been missed. Smith isn’t a slouch in the blocking game either. He has enough functional strength to help shore up the line.

However, this signing is mostly to help provide another receiving threat with a high upside.

Suggested contract: 4 years, $32 million.

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