Seahawks sign Uchenna Nwosu who can be impact edge rusher

The Seahawks made their first big free agent signing of 2022 (at least from another team) by reportedly signing linebacker Uchenna Nwosu from the Los Angeles Chargers. There are several things to like about Nwosu.

One is that Nwosu, though he has played in the NFL for four seasons, is still only 25 years old. Seattle signed him to a two-year deal worth up to $20 million, but Nwosu could be in Seattle for far longer if he produces well over the next two seasons.

Nwosu stays healthy, too. He has missed just three games in his four years and started 15 in 2022. He basically became expendable after the Chargers traded for Khalil Mack recently. So, no. Nwosu isn’t Mack but he is still better than most of the edge rushers the Seahawks had in 2021.

Seahawks sign young edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu

This past year, Nwosu had 5 sacks but 17 quarterback hits. Had Nwosu played for Seattle in 2021, he would have led the team in QB hits. Nwosu also had 8 tackles for loss which would have ranked second on the Seahawks. And Nwosu’s 30 quarterback pressures would have led Seattle.

Nwosu likely won’t be a starter in Seattle but will be a big part of the pass rush rotation. As a linebacker, the Seahawks will likely start Jordyn Brooks and Cody Barton. However, if Seattle does play more 3-4 in 2022 than in the last decade, Nwosu could be part of that package often.

Nwosu’s contract also leaves room for Seattle to still make signings. On average, he will make $10 million a season. That’s still quite a bit of money but would only rank 30th in the NFL in 2021 for edge rushers. He will join a rotation that includes Darrell Taylor and Carlos Dunlap, among others, though he and Taylor could form an excellent duo for several seasons.

Grade for signing Nwosu: B+