5 defensive tackles the Seahawks should chase in free agency

The Seahawks need to fix the interior of their defensive line. A unit that looked solid, especially stopping the run in 2021, was atrocious in 2022. Maybe it was scheme or maybe the players just weren’t good enough overall.

Thankfully, there are some really good options at DT in free agency should general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll choose to sign a high-impact player. The question is how much to spend on someone. Also, depending on who the Seahawks sign, that could affect the 2023 NFL draft.

The draft is where the Seahawks are going to find long-term solutions to its defensive line, of course. But a free agent could bridge the gap for at least two seasons. Adding a high-end free agent could transform Seattle’s defensive line from an underperforming one to a good one. Here are some free agent options.

Defensive tackles that Seahawks should try to sign in free agency

Premium players: Javon Hargrave, Da’Ron Payne

Team-friendly options: Derrick Nnadi, Taven Bryan, Jerry Tillery

Javon Hargrave (Eagles)

No one in this free agent class cashed in more than Javon Hargrave did with the Philidelphia Eagles last season. Hargrave had a career-high 11 sacks and ten tackles for loss last season for Philidelphia. Due to that, Hargrave has commanded a projected market value of 20.7 million dollars per season, and Javon might be an excellent fit for Seattle’s interior line. Still, I’ll be surprised if the Seahawks break the bank for a player like Hargrave.

Daron Payne (Commanders)

Daron Payne may be the future of the NFL at nose tackle, and no one knows it. If any player can come in and fix Seattle’s run defense from the interior, it will be Payne. Payne had a whopping 18 tackles for loss last season and has been an absolute force throughout his five-year career with the Commanders. Payne is also only 26 years old by next season. Still, unfortunately, he will be expensive as his projected market value is 19.5 million dollars, and he would likely command a contract of 3-5 years.

Derrick Nnadi (Chiefs)

Nnadi reminds me a lot of Poona Ford and could serve as an excellent replacement. Derrick is a shorter stout run stopper, and with a projected market value of 3 million dollars a year, Nnadi could pique John Schnieder’s interest.

Taven Bryan (Browns)

At 26 years of age, Taven Bryan has shown flashes of being a great player but has also seemingly disappeared from the tape altogether at times. Bryan shows strength inside and fights well with his hands. At a projected 5.6 million dollars a season, Bryan could prove to be a diamond in the rough for Seattle.

Jerry Tillery (Raiders)

Jerry Tillery coming out of college was considered a blue-chip prospect. Standing at 6″ 6 300 pounds, Tillery offers Elite size inside but has been on a gradual decline as of late. Tillery had only one sack and no tackles for loss in only four starts last season. If Seattle could unlock his potential, Jerry Tillery could be a very productive team-friendly deal, as he currently sits at a projected market value of 3.3 million dollars.