Seahawks: 3 recently released players that Seattle should sign

With free agency underway, the Seattle Seahawks have been pretty quiet. For the most part, they have been focused on retaining their own guys.

With plenty of money still left to spend, many 12s are confused as to why the Seahawks haven’t been that big of a player thus far. As we have seen over the years, Seattle has become more of a bargain shopper in free agency. They try to fill voids at positions with cheap contracts on guys who are looking for a second or third chance. We saw them do this with D.J. Reed and they are now doing it on CB Artie Burns.

Regardless of what direction this franchise is heading in, the Seahawks should use the money on pivotal positions. Such as offensive tackle, center or edge rusher. While the draft class is deep at those positions, it certainly couldn’t hurt to bring in guys who have an established presence in this league and serve as a foundation for a rebuild if they were to go in that direction. Obviously, with no real answer at the quarterback position, many are just assuming they are going to rebuild.

3 players Seattle Seahawks should sign who got released

If the Seahawks were to go with the rookie route and draft Malik Willis or Matt Coral in the draft, it is still critically important to surround them with pieces that can help elevate this team while they grow and develop. We saw them do this very successfully early on in Russell Wilson’s career.

With many good players still left to be had in free agency, I think the Seahawks should shift their focus to players who recently just entered the pool. Primarily because the three players I’m referring to not only fit a need but can be locked up and contribute to this team for years.

Here are three players who just got released that the Seahawks should sign.

Myles Jack

Earlier in the week, in a surprising move, the Jacksonville Jaguars released 26-year-old linebacker, Myles Jack. Who, by the way, finished last year with 100+ tackles. After releasing Bobby Wagner, the Seahawks can bring in a tackle machine that is considerably younger and, who will be way cheaper.

A potential pairing of Myles Jack and Jordyn Brooks can result in something special. Given his young age, he can contribute to this team for years to come. He has some experience playing in a 3-4 defense as well as serving as a captain for that team.

Bobby’s leadership will never be duplicated in Seattle, but rather than turning to the draft and hoping that a player can have solid production in the NFL, they can sign a player in Jack who has already proved what he is capable of.

That doesn’t mean the Seahawks still can’t draft a linebacker. Rather, it allows them to address a bigger need earlier on in the draft. The big spending spree for the Jacksonville Jaguars has caused the casualty of releasing Jack and, I am sure more cuts are to follow. But, the bigger picture here, the Seahawks can be the beneficiary of this situation by giving Jack a chance.

Za’Darius Smith

Speaking of cap casualties, the Green Bay Packers had to release Za’Darius Smith. Smith is regarded as one of the better edge rushers around the league and I am honestly shocked that no one has signed him yet. Last year, he did deal with an injury that pretty much kept him sidelined for the season. But, there is no doubt he can help make an immense contribution to a team that is need of some pass rush.

In 2020, Smith finished top 5 in sacks (12.5). It is also worth noting that he does show up in the big games during the playoffs. Seattle has been trying to find a consistent home-run pass rusher for years now. Last year, Darrell Taylor showed flashes. But, he, along with Carlos Dunlap and Rasheem Green were all too inconsistent. One of the bigger disappointments in the previous season was the lack of havoc caused by this front four.

With the recent promotion of Clint Hurtt and a scheme shift to 3-4, one can argue Smith would be a great fit in Seattle. At 29-years-old, the Seahawks can get him at a relatively fair rate. Also, signing him doesn’t mean they stray away from drafting an edge rusher in the draft. One can argue signing Smith should only encourage Seattle to draft an edge rusher.

Bring in some young blood who can learn from one of the better rushers in the league and mix them in the rotation to prove themselves. An aggressive defensive coordinator will require fresh legs on certain blitz packages.

JC Tretter

One can argue that outside of the quarterback position, the center position is the biggest hole on this roster. The Seahawks have been looking to find a steady center ever since moving off Max Unger. Ethan Pocic finished the season strong, but I do not think he did enough to secure the starting position for the 2022 regular season. He is also a free agent, who could be brought back as a backup for a cheap rate. But, with JC Tretter recently becoming available, the Seahawks should go all in.

Tretter served as the foundation on one of the better offensive lines in the entire NFL with Cleveland. In the past 4 seasons, Tretter has recorded a top 3 pass-blocking grade amongst all centers in the NFL. Not to mention the fact, he’s incredible in the run game.

With no more Russell Wilson, the ground-and-pound game is going to be more critical to the success of this team than ever before. Although there has been no news on Duane Brown or any left tackle for that matter, the Seahawks can address that need through the draft.

There is more depth at the tackle position than the center position in the draft. JC Tretter is going to be a hot commodity on the market. Given the current cap situation for the Seahawks, it would be great if they could retain Brown and sign Tretter. Although, it is quite alarming that there has been no news on Duane Brown thus far. Regardless, Tretter can serve as a pillar on this offensive line that definitely needs some overhaul.