A week ago, Seattle Seahawks fans likely felt like they knew the foundational pieces of their favorite team. Maybe wide receiver Tyler Lockett was assumed by many to be on the cusp of being released because the team would save $17 million if that happened. Seattle had to find a way to create cap room.
But, goodness. No one probably expected the rest of the next several days to be so chaotic. In fact, the 2024 offseason change of coaching staff seems fairly mundane compared to the changes that happened on the roster, especially offensively. In fact, general manager John Schneider has to be counting on the fact that the team's defense is going to carry the squad moving forward.
There were some players released defensively, but they were mostly underperformers who had not lived up to the dollar amounts of their contracts. The moves were positives, and Seattle was able to retain key players such as Jarran Reed and Ernest Jones IV.
The future of the Seattle Seahawks changed in five days
Offensively, however, there are far more question marks about how good the unit will be compared to previous seasons. The future of the team was changed in five days. Seattle now must find a new long-term quarterback, another key receiver or two, and still has to fix its offensive line.
But teams rise and fall often based on the state of their quarterback position. Geno Smith has been a decent QB1 since he became the starter in 2022. He will probably be a decent starter for his new team, the Las Vegas Raiders.
Smith was just one of the moves that were made between March 5 and March 9, though.
- Wednesday, March 5 - Seahawks release Dre'Mont Jones, George Fant, Roy Robertson-Harris, and Rayshawn Jenkins
- Thursday, March 6 - Tler Lockett is released, DK Metcalf and Geno Smith request trades
- Friday, March 7 - Geno Smith is traded to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round draft pick
- Sunday, March 9 - DK Metcalf is traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second-round draft pick
Losing Lockett, who could potentially return on a far-reduced salary, is sad news, but his production has diminished over the last couple of years. He was nowhere near as impactful on the field as he had been, and, at 32 years old, he was unlikely to improve suddenly.
Metcalf, though, will be missed. His size and speed caused defenses to have to pre-game for him and account for his potential explosiveness. His being on the field helped take some of the attention off of Jaxson Smith-Njigba, and JSN was able to have a breakout season in 2024. Until Seattle signs a proven receiver, the expectation is that JSN is going to need to be productive without much help.
Unless the Seahawks hit home runs at quarterback and wide receiver this offseason, the offense, even under the likely quality leadership of new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, might be set back for a couple of years. If things become dismal in Seattle, Schneider could lose his job. So could Mike Macdonald, although the massive roster moves have not been his doing.
The changes of this offseason are going to have effects for the foreseeable future. Let's just hope they mostly work out for the best.