Colby Parkinson could be Seahawks secret weapon in 2021

The Seahawks have two good tight ends in which to start with in Will Dissly and Gerald Everett. But a healthy Colby Parkinson will be very useful. Parkinson started 2020, his rookie year, injured and never really had a chance to be fully integrated into the Seattle offense.

2021 will be different for a number of reasons. First, Parkinson will be healthy to start the year presumably. Secondly, new offensive coordinator Shane Waldron knows a lot better how to get tight ends involved than former OC Brian Schottenheimer did.

Parkinson isn’t going to start unless Dissly and Everett get hurt. But he could be an extremely valuable red zone threat plus also play some outside receiver to mix things up. These are the kinds of things one does with a 6’7″ tight end/receiver.

Seahawks need to find a way to use Colby Parkinson in 2021

I do believe Waldron will be creative enough to not simply tell Parkinson, “Go play tight end in this set.” It would not be surprising if Waldron placed Parkinson in the backfield, or stacked high with D.K. Metcalf or lined up at receiver in a conventional set.

Parkinson’s size is unique and he needs to be used in uniquely original ways. Simply having him be a threat inside the opponent’s 20 is wasted as Parkinson shows good hands in college and in extremely limited time with Seattle in 2020 proved he could catch a throw from Russell Wilson. He was targeted just twice last year, caught both passes and made each catch into a first down.

True, Parkinson averaged just 5 yards a catch but the point is that when targeted he caught the ball and did his job. His job in 2021 will be the same, just with more targets. Maybe Parkinson can block as well but he will not likely be used that way much. Parkinson is a special player and Waldron will likely use him in special ways that will be fun to watch.