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Seahawks: Al Woods is the perfect replacement for Jarran Reed

By Lee Vowell

Dec 8, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Al Woods (72) pressures Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Block on the play is Los Angeles Rams offensive guard David Edwards (73). Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Al Woods (72) pressures Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the third quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Block on the play is Los Angeles Rams offensive guard David Edwards (73). Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Seahawks have made lots of moves over the last week. On Friday, Seattle signed Al Woods who will be Jarran Reed’s replacement. Well, I should say Woods won’t be Reed’s direct replacement but he will take a lot of the snaps that Reed played, especially on early downs. Woods is a great run defender and is exactly what Seattle needs in 2021.

Woods is not going to offer the potential that Reed did to supply internal pressure on quarterbacks. Reed was at times terrific in forcing quarterbacks to make rushed throws, but he could seemingly only do that if he had a player like Frank Clark or Carlos Dunlap playing next to him. Reed could do little on his own.

This means Reed was not so much an impact player by himself but more like a Robin to Dunlap or Clark’s Batman. With what Seahawks general manager John Schneider has managed to do this offseason, Reed became expendable. For instance, free agent signee Kerry Hyder can play tackle and end and on passing downs, Hyder can play Reed’s old spot at tackle.

Seahawks ability to rush the passer in 2021

A pass-rushing defensive line that could potentially be Carlos Dunlap, Kerry Hyder, Poona Ford and a combination of L.J. Collier, Benson Mayowa, Darrell Taylor or Rasheem Green can be a formidable one. That is a lot of good talent and depth and nearly as good as the 2013 team was. Jarran Reed was no longer needed with his hefty $14 million price tag.

Plus, Woods is a better run defender than Reed ever was or will be. Woods might be 34 years old during the 2021 season but he plays an interior position where he can be good for at least a year or two. Plus, Woods opted-out of the 2020 season due to COVID-19 concerns so he will have fresh legs going into this coming season.

Next. What a new KJ Wright contract would look like for Seahawks. dark

The Seahawks release of Jarran Reed saves the team about $9 million. He does carry $5 million in dead cap space next year. But the $9 million saved affords Seattle to pay Woods $3 million contract in 2021 and almost pays for Dunlap’s contract too. John Schneider is simply continuing to have a stellar offseason.

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