Big names Seattle Seahawks need to avoid during 2019 NFL free agency

Ezekiel Ansah, DE, Detroit Lions

More than likely, the Seahawks are going to do whatever it takes to retain Frank Clark this offseason. Whether that’s inking him to a massive, multi-year deal or slapping him with the franchise tag, Seattle will lock down their star defensive end for at least the 2019 campaign.

However, let’s ponder the possibility of Clark leaving. What if he plays hard ball, so do the Seahawks, and he finds his way into the free agency pool when March 13 rolls around?

In that instance, the Seahawks would have to turn their attention to the other candidates available on the open market. There are plenty of intriguing options, including young stars like Jadeveon Clowney and Demarcus Lawrence. Most would be welcomed additions for the Seattle defense, but there’s one who must be avoided: Ezekiel Ansah.

There are two main reasons for this. The first is that he’s rather injury prone, leading to some wildly inconsistent production. Looking at his 2015 and 2017 campaigns, you’d be tempted to argue that he’s worth whatever he’s going to cost this offseason. Then, remembering last season, it’s easy to become skeptical — playing on the franchise tag, he notched four sacks while playing in only seven games due to a shoulder injury.

There’s just too much risk with Ansah. Sure, he’s a proven playmaker and menace off the edge. But for how much he’s likely to demand during contract discussions, it’s not worth the possibility of him missing most of the season and failing to provide a lasting impact for this Seattle defense.