The 2024 Seattle Seahawks improved their win total year-over-year by one, breaking into the double-digit club... but still missed out on the NFL playoffs. There were highs and lows, definitive strengths, and frustrating weaknesses that were revealed each week. Consistency wasn't a word that would've applied to this team. That may not necessarily have been by design, but it is somewhat predictable.
Part of the process of head coach Mike Macdonald's first year at the helm in Seattle was undoubtedly an evaluation of players, talent, and situational efficacy. Essentially, who and what deserves to stay, and what needs to go? Testing different combinations and personnel packages by situation seemed to be prevalent on gameday. In year one, the intention was to compete but also learn.
This Hawks team still, after the Russell Wilson trade, feels like a young squad with potential yet to be realized. Potential is a dangerous word... one that Pete Carroll was often allured by. Coach Macdonald has not hesitated to replace a player (or a coach) who has not performed up to snuff... this offseason will be an opportunity to bring in more of HIS guys. We did, however, see some young Seahawks serve some solid play to the 12s, lobbying for bigger roles on next year's iteration of the team.
Four Seahawks players who have earned a bigger slice of responsibilities for the next season
We all know that young players like Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Devon Witherspoon, Tyrice Knight and, to some extent, Byron Murphy II stood out and received lots of playing time. Josh Jobe stepped into the void and played very solid football… but does he deserve more playing time? Only if Seattle doesn’t find another young star to push him and Woolen in the draft… or in free agency.
There’s also the fact that Jobe is a restricted free agent. The following are up-and-coming players who stood out, we know will be in Seattle next year and should see their playing time increase year-over-year.
Zach Charbonnet - Seahawks running back
Charbonnet was one of a few Hawks players to have a mini breakout this year, eclipsing Ken Walker in yards per carry (4.2 vs. 3.8), in yards per catch (8.1 vs. 6.5) and providing a spark to the offense at times. Now former OC Ryan Grubb may not have cared much for the run game, but Charbonnet has a shot to be a true threat on the ground next year.
Could he even prove a better fit for a Macdonald offense in Seattle? What if he were the bell cow while Seattle attempted to maximize Walker's change-of-pace acumen in a split role? Will Kenny McIntosh also cut into the workload? Whatever the answers to those questions might be, Charbs has earned a chance to be a more regular contributor.
Derick Hall - Seahawks outside edge linebacker
Young pass rusher Derick Hall seemed to make a big improvement in his play this year, going from 0 sacks as a rookie to eight as a sophomore. Hall also led the Seahawks in pressures, with 41 (depending on what website you consult). With those items in mind, there may be a sudden opening in the availability of snaps on the edge with some possible cuts this offseason.
Well, guess what? Derick Hall was drafted for this moment. Seattle needs a truly dominant top pass rusher to really anchor this stop unit, and rumor circulated a few years ago that they had viewed Hall as a first-round talent. The arrow could keep pointing up with Hall, and talent should continue to meet opportunity.
A.J. Barner - Seahawks tight end
The one I believe in most may be the one that I have to write the least about. Something you may be surprised to hear recently is that A.J. Barner had the 2nd-most touchdowns for a rookie tight end this year, behind only the dazzling light in Vegas: Brock Bowers. Barner also was tied for the fifth-most TDs by any rookie pass catcher (WRs included) in the 2024 season. He can block at a high level and is a solid catcher of the pigskin. He deserves to be one of Seattle’s top two TEs next season.
Coby Bryant - Seahawks safety
It's true that his situation is more similar to Oluwatimi's and to Knight's, but let's not forget that this man went through a whole position change. Bryant stepped in after an injury to free agent rental Rayshawn Jenkins. From then on, Bryant seized his opportunity and ran with it, grading out well, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) in pass rush, pass coverage and run defense.
He deserves extra attention and investment this offseason as a ball magnet (three interceptions and a forced fumble in 11 starts) who could have more to contribute to Seattle's quest to win the turnover battle.