The Indianapolis Colts created plenty of raised eyebrows and one-liners this week by signing 44-year-old Philip Rivers to their practice squad. Rivers, who is in consideration for the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, last played pro football five years ago. That got me thinking. I mean, the Seattle Seahawks had plenty of good players back then. Perhaps one or two might be ready to pull a Rivers.
Truth is, Rivers may never actually suit up for the Colts. If rookie QB Riley Leonard is healthy enough to go, Rivers may remain on the practice squad and serve as a mentor to Leonard rather than a replacement.
But if Leonard becomes the third Indy QB to go down to injury this season – after starter Daniel Jones and backup Anthony Richardson – then you may have to reset Rivers’ Hall of Fame eligibility clock
Five-plus Seahawks that fans would love to see make a comeback
The Colts signed Rivers out of desperation. The Seattle Seahawks are not in that position in 2025. They are thriving. But that doesn’t mean we can’t also indulge in this fanciful exercise.
So, assuming any former Seahawks in the Philip Rivers age range were physically able to do it, who would you like to see return for one more shot at glory?
The Seahawks have been good enough in recent decades to limit our search to players 40 and under. All of the following players are significantly younger than Philip Rivers.
Defensive end Michael Bennett
Bennett played five seasons with the Seahawks, racked up 39 sacks and 69 tackles-for-loss. He was part of Seattle’s first and only Super Bowl-winning team, so he might have some real wisdom to impart to today's club. Sure, with a healthy contingent of edge rushers, maybe the Hawks don’t need the services of a Michael Bennett right now.
But they still want him. Team always want more pass rushers.
Wide receiver Doug Baldwin
Baldwin was the Hawks’ leading receiver in the above-mentioned Super Bowl. He also caught a touchdown pass, one of 55 scoring receptions he had in both the regular season and playoffs in eight seasons with Seattle.
Now that Jaxon Smith-Njigba has become a lethal downfield threat, imagine the sure-handed Baldwin running underneath him, finding openings in the middle of the field. Yes, Seattle does have Cooper Kupp doing that right now, but at 37, Baldwin is just five years older than Kupp and could probably still catch three passes a game.
Center Max Unger
I really like Jalen Sundell. But he’s hurt. I think Olu Oluwatimi is a very solid backup. But he’s not Max Unger. Unger started 67 games for Seattle in his six years in town. He was first team all pro in 2012 and made the Pro Bowl in a couple of seasons.
Ideally, I’d like to bring back a guard as well, but I don’t think there is one within our parameters – 40 or under – who would make a difference. Of course, Steven Hutchinson could probably step onto the field at 48 and be better than half the guards in the league. But we like to keep our unrealistic fantasy scenarios within reason. So we’ll just take Unger.
Running back Marshawn Lynch
We’d have to pull him away from his flourishing acting career (check him out as Mr. G in Bottoms if you never saw it). But seriously, who wouldn’t pay to see Beast Mode one more time. Six seasons and over 6,000 rushing yards. Four straight Pro Bowls.
OK, it was really seven seasons but we don’t count that final partial year. He looked old and finished by that point. So why bring him back now? Because he will be well rested.
Defensive backfield Legion of Boom
Seattle has a spectacular secondary right now and they only figure to get better as Julian Love rounds back into shape and Nick Emmanwori gains experience. But just imagine …
One series. Against the Rams. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. The original LOB rides again. Sherman, Thomas, Chancellor and Maxwell. It has to be Maxwell because he’s still only 37, while Brandon Browner is 41 and thus ineligible. I’d love to see it.
Then, after that one series, put Spoon and Nick, Riq and Josh, Coby, Julian, and Ty back on the field. They will no doubt be inspired. If Philip Rivers can do it, surely Seattle’s recent greats can do it, too.