4 players Seahawks will regret leaving off the 53-man roster in 2024

As the 2024 NFL season looms, teams like the Seattle Seahawks faced tough decisions as they work to trim their rosters down to 53 players. This annual ritual of roster cuts is a brutal reality in the NFL, where dreams are made or dashed in an instant.

Coaches and management were tasked with making these difficult choices, knowing that every decision can have long-term consequences. No matter how thorough their evaluation process is, there will inevitably be some moves that prompt second-guessing.

Here are four players the Seahawks might regret cutting as they finalize their roster.

Four players the Seahawks will regret not keeping on the 2024 roster

The Sherriff

The Seattle Seahawks are entering the 2024 season with a significant challenge on defense, particularly at the EDGE position. The loss of Uchenna Nwosu to an MCL sprain has put their pass rush in a precarious position. Nwosu, one of the team's most reliable pass rushers, played a key role in disrupting opposing quarterbacks.

Without him, the Seahawks are left with limited options to consistently apply pressure on the edge, which could expose their defense to more significant vulnerabilities as the season progresses.

The recent decision to cut Jamie Sherriff as part of the roster-trimming process has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike. While Sherriff may not have been the flashiest or most well-known player on the roster, his presence on the defensive line could have been crucial in filling the void left by Nwosu's injury.

Sherriff showed flashes of potential during preseason and training camp, and his ability to provide depth at the EDGE position could have been invaluable, especially with the team's current lack of experienced pass rushers.

Letting go of Sherriff might be a decision the Seahawks come to regret as the season unfolds. In a league where depth is essential, particularly at positions like EDGE, the Seahawks may find themselves struggling to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. If the team's defense falters due to a lack of pass rush, the decision to cut Sherriff will likely be scrutinized as a missed opportunity to strengthen their defensive front when they needed it most.

RB George Holani

Depth is a critical factor for any NFL team, particularly in a league where injuries are an unfortunate but inevitable part of the game. The Seattle Seahawks, like all teams, have to make tough decisions during roster cuts to meet the league's requirements. Recently, the team made the decision to waive running back George Holani, a move that could have significant implications as the season unfolds.

Running back is one of the most physically demanding positions in football, and injuries are common throughout the season. The Seahawks have already dealt with injuries to key players in their backfield, with both Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet missing time due to various ailments.

Walker, who has shown flashes of brilliance, struggled with injuries during his rookie season, and Charbonnet, the team's second-round pick, has also been sidelined at times. With these injury concerns in mind, the decision to waive Holani raises questions about the team's depth at the position.

While Holani may not have been a household name, his presence could have provided valuable insurance in a position prone to injury. Without deeper depth behind their top two backs, the Seahawks may find themselves relying heavily on unproven players or scrambling to find replacements if injuries strike again.

As the season progresses and the physical toll of the NFL schedule takes its toll, the lack of depth at running back could become a critical issue for the Seahawks, potentially putting more pressure on their remaining backfield options and impacting the overall effectiveness of their offense.

CB D.J James

On paper, the Seattle Seahawks appear to be well-stocked at the cornerback position. With sophomore Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen anchoring the secondary, the team has a formidable duo capable of matching up against some of the best wide receivers in the league.

Witherspoon, a top-five pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, showed immense potential in his rookie season, while Woolen has already established himself as a rising star with his length and ball skills. Together, they form a dynamic combo that gives the Seahawks a strong foundation in the defensive backfield.

However, when the Seahawks drafted D.J. James out of Auburn in the sixth round, many analysts and fans alike saw it as a potential steal of the draft. James, known for his physicality and coverage skills, was viewed as a high-value pick with the potential to develop into a reliable contributor. His ability to challenge receivers and make plays on the ball made him a promising addition to the Seahawks secondary. But the recent decision to waive James raises eyebrows.

While the Seahawks might have depth at cornerback, letting go of a young talent like James could come back to haunt them. In a league where injuries and performance fluctuations are common, having depth at key positions is crucial, and James’ release might be a decision the Seahawks regret down the line.

LB Jon Rhattigan

When future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner announced his departure from the Seattle Seahawks, it left a gaping void in both their defense and their locker room. Wagner's presence was unmatched, providing not only elite play on the field but also veteran leadership off it. Replacing a player of his caliber is no small task, and the Seahawks have been tasked with finding a solution for this significant gap in their lineup.

While it may be premature to suggest that linebacker Jon Rhattigan could ever truly replace Wagner, Rhattigan has shown the potential that could be crucial for the Seahawks defense this season. One of the key areas where the Seahawks need to improve is controlling the running game, a responsibility Wagner excelled at during his tenure.

Rhattigan, known for his aggressive play and solid tackling skills, could have played a significant role in this regard. By waiving Rhattigan, the Seahawks are potentially sacrificing a player who could help shore up their run defense and contribute to a position that is critical for their overall defensive strategy.

The decision to part ways with Rhattigan may end up being one the Seahawks regret, especially if they struggle to contain opposing running backs and find themselves searching for a capable linebacker later in the season. As the team adjusts to life without Wagner, finding the right players to fill these crucial roles will be essential for maintaining a competitive edge throughout the season.

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