Four players the Seattle Seahawks need to sign Thursday
By Geoff Shull
Player three: Matthew Ioannidis
Matthew Ioannidis was recently cut as a cost-saving move by the Commanders. I cannot think of a better fit as a 3-4 defensive end than Ioannidis.
The 3-4 ends role is more edge containment than pass rushing. Ioannidis can do this with ease. In fact, he rushes the passer fairly well too. He has 31 QB hits, 16 tackles for a loss, and 12.5 sacks in his last 35 games. That’s not far off from the numbers that Jarran Reed accumulated during his peak with the Seahawks (2018-2020).
Picture this: the front three are Matthew Ioannidis ( pressure rate of 12% in the last 3 seasons), run-stuffer Poona ford in the middle, and Shelby Harris as the other defensive end (14.5 sacks in the last 3 seasons). Their job is edge contain with occasional pass rushing.
In the second level, Darrell Taylor and newly signed Uchenna Nwosu are the two OLBs that play with a pass-rushing focus. Both of these players were top 20 in pass rush win rate last year.
In coverage is ascending linebacker Jordyn Brooks and another player who focuses on coverage and run stuffing. This could potentially be Cody Barton who filled in admirably at the end of the 2021 season.
Try to tell me that this combination of pass-rushing, athleticism, run-stuffing ability, and upside isn’t something to get excited about on defense?
Suggested contract: 1 year, $6 million