The Seattle Seahawks have an elite defense, though some of the statistics that go along with specific players can be quite odd. Third-year edge rusher Derick Hall, for instance, has had a good season, at least based on the eyeball test, but his raw stats wouldn't tell anyone that.
The same is true of fellow edge rusher Boye Mafe, but Mafe has just two sacks this season in 17 games, and only four quarterback hits. He is a free agent this coming offseason, and based on his numbers alone, one would think he wouldn't get paid much.
He will, though, but how much? The edge rusher is seventh in ESPN's pass-rush win-rate this season, so clearly Mafe's play is helping his teammates if it isn't building his own statistics. Head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider would both be aware of that.
Let's hope one analyst is correct about Seattle Seahawks edge rusher Boye Mafe
They would not undervalue Mafe, who is just 27 years old and has a number of years left to be quite good, but the Seahawks aren't going to overpay for him, either. He is the positive part: According to Austin Gayles of The Ringer, Mafe might only get a three-year deal worth $11 million a season.
That would be a steal for any team, but for Seattle to re-sign Mafe on the relatively cheap and keep him as part of a group that includes DeMarcus Lawrence, Derick Hall, and Uchenna Nwosu would be wonderous. The foursome is one of the best groups of edge rushers in the NFL.
The shame for Mafe is that he is likely worthy of being paid quite a bit more. While his numbers don't jump out at anyone this season, he has had a season with nine sacks and another with six. He is also very good and very active against the run. His versatility would be valued by teams if what he is doing is not obvious to the untrained eye.
Is Gayle correct? Maybe. He bases his argument on the deal that the Cleveland Browns gave Alex Wright. Wright has had a couple of five-sack seasons, but he has also played a lot fewer snaps than Mafe. Wright also has Myles Garrett to take attention away from him. While Lawrence, Nwosu, and Hall are good, they aren't Garrett, so Mafe doesn't have the luxury that Wright has.
Still, let's hope The Ringer is correct. The Seattle Seahawks extending Boye Mafe for $11 a season would be perfect.