The Seattle Seahawks are on top of the NFC West, but they aren't exactly dominating the league, either. They could still use an infusion of talent at nearly every position. But as this season has played out, it's abundantly clear they made the right decision to let this player move on.
It shouldn't be surprising that my pick is on defense. After an interlude of terrible play, the Hawks' defense is playing exceptionally good ball. So, while Seattle could use some help on offense - does anybody have a spare guard? - the defense looks pretty solid right now. You can always use another player, of course. A good player, that is. He certainly doesn't qualify at that level.
It appears the Hawks are indeed getting a good player back on defense soon. Uchenna Nwosu returned to the practice field this week. He isn't expected to be ready for the Week 14 contest against the Jets. Getting him back in time for the rematch with the Cardinals would be excellent. But let's look at the player. Seattle definitely does not need to take on New York or anyone else. Speaking of that Cardinals rematch...
The Seattle Seahawks are much better off without L.J. Collier
To say that Collier was a disappointment in Seattle would be an understatement along the likes of how the Bears demonstrated poor clock management on Thanksgiving Day. The Hawks spent their first-round pick in 2019 on the TCU lineman, expecting him to develop into the next Michael Bennett.
Well, he may become a philanthropist in the future, but he wasn't any closer to being Black Santa on the field as I would have been. In his four seasons with the Hawks, he managed just three sacks, six tackles for a loss, and 13 quarterback hits. That is literally half of one good season for Bennett - his averages in Seattle: 7.8 sacks, 13.8 TFL, and 23.6 QB hits. To paraphrase one of the great lines from American politics: "Mr. Collier, I knew Michael Bennett, and you're no Michael Bennett."
When the Seahawks declined to pick up his option in 2023, Collier very clearly expressed his gratitude to the organization, the city, and especially the 12s for his opportunity here. His agent, not so much:
Scott Casterline @ScottCasterline on L.J. Collier to #Cardinals 'Our main objective was getting L.J. to the right team, right coaching staff and right scheme. Look at what they did last year in Philadelphia. They play upfield. Jonathan Gannon is what you want in a coach.' @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 21, 2023
Sadly, Collier seems to have paid for the sins of his representative. L.J.'s move to the Cardinals in 2023 wasn't the success he'd hoped for. An injury in his first game took him out of action for the entire season. Naturally, he was thrilled when Arizona brought him back for another chance in 2024. Despite the statement that Collier is "beginning to become the player the Seahawks always thought he could be," he's still not performing like a first-round pick should.
Yes, he does lead the Cardinals in pressures and hurries, according to Pro Football Focus (paywall). He also has just one and a half sacks, two QB hits, and four TFL. PFF grades him as one of the Cardinals' worst run defenders (44.5) and tacklers (30.0). His overall grade of 48.5 ranks him 96th in the league. He's making some plays for the Cards, but the Hawks certainly don't miss his play.