4 ways the Seattle Seahawks are winning the 2023 offseason
By Lee Vowell
The Seattle Seahawks exceeded expectations in 2022 in what some considered to be a rebuilding year. But 2023 is shaping up to be even better after some near-genius offseason decisions by general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll. In fact, what seemed to be the closing of an era after releasing Bobby Wagner and trading Russell Wilson last offseason has turned into what appears to be the beginning of long-term goodness.
I use the word goodness there for a reason. Jumping ahead to greatness is a bit presumptuous. While Seattle made the playoffs last year and should be better this coming season, nothing is proven yet. Just as much as 2022 exceeded the hopes of most 12s, 2023 could disappoint just as much.
Still, Schneider and Carroll seem to have enough self-awareness of what was wrong before 2022 and then what were some issues during the 2022 season that they have specifically tried to address those issues this offseason. If Seattle can make sure the run defense is better and get the interior of the offensive line correct, then 2023 should be very good. And with the way free agency was approached, there could be enough cap room next offseason to make 2024 great as well.
The Seattle Seahawks are winning the NFL offseason
There are certain things that have to occur prior to the 2023 season starting for any real hope of Seattle being a Super Bowl contender happening in 2024 and beyond, however. The draft doesn’t have to be as good as 2022 because that might turn out to be one of the best drafts in the history of the franchise, but it still needs to produce several players who are starters quickly and high contributors. The free agents signed need to be good, of course. The Seahawks that were brought back in free agency need to be as good as expected.
But based on the history of Schneider and Carroll we should trust their valuations of players. And for the record, if Seattle chooses defensive tackle Jalen Carter in the 2023 NFL draft, I hope he works out perfectly. He might be a high-risk player, but let’s hope he pays off if Seattle selects him. No matter, here is how the Seahawks are winning the offseason so far.