Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Tony McDaniel (99) celebrates after the Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) (not pictured) intercepted the ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Minnesota 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Seattle Seahawks veteran defensive tackle Tony McDaniel was an incredibly underrated part of the NFL’s best defense last season, as he was a huge force against the run. McDaniel swallowed up blockers, shed blocks on his own, and freed up the linebackers behind him. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s one of the NFL’s best run-stopping defensive tackles, and I was happy to hear yesterday that the Seahawks were in talks to re-sign him after losing top pass-rushing DT Clinton McDonald to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Per a source close to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, talks between both sides are only “heating up”, and he adds that there are two other teams “involved” in negotiations with McDaniel. In fact, a decision could be made today, and it will be interesting to see if either of those teams will be able to sign the DT away, especially since the Seahawks have the ability to get players (this is particularly true for veterans) to re-sign for cheaper.
The Seahawks already lost McDonald yesterday, got Michael Bennett to take a discount, and released Red Bryant earlier this offseason and Chris Clemons earlier today. At this point, I think the Seahawks are the significant favorites to keep McDaniel around, but you never know what those other teams might offer the underrated DT.