Seattle Seahawks: Nick Perry visits as team searches for edge depth
By Samuel Teets
The Seattle Seahawks are in need of some help and depth on the edge defensively, but signing Nick Perry would come with some risks.
The Seattle Seahawks are still holding visits with free agents, attempting to find more contributors who could help them return to the postseason in 2019. On Thursday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the team was hosting former Green Bay Packer Nick Perry for a visit.
Perry was taken in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of USC by the Packers. The outside linebacker spent seven seasons with the team before being cut in March. During his time in Green Bay, Perry battled injuries in several seasons, never appearing in a full 16 games, and was only a full-time starter for the last three seasons. He racked up 213 combined tackles, 32 sacks and seven forced fumbles during his time with the Packers.
Now that Perry is looking for a new home, Seattle seems like a good potential fit. The Seahawks are in the market for a pass rusher for several reasons.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
First, Frank Clark has said he will not report to the team or sign the franchise tag until a long-term deal is in place. Basically, he’s going to hold out for a new deal. If Clark does not report, that would be a huge blow for the Seahawks and they would need all hands on deck to make up for his absence.
The Seahawks are also looking to add depth on the edge. Quinton Jefferson, who started 12 games for the Seahawks along the defensive front in 2018, is in the final season of his contract. He also only managed to produce three sacks last season, making him replaceable if a better candidate emerges.
Seattle does have some young talent they could opt to develop instead of signing Perry though. Second-year defensive end Rasheem Green was taken in the third round by the Seahawks just last year. Green underwhelmed as a rookie, but Clark wasn’t that much of an impact player as a rookie either.
The team also has linebacker Jacob Martin, who they took in the sixth round of the draft last year. Martin played defensive end in college and his skills translated to three sacks in 2018.
However, if Clark doesn’t show up, then Seattle really shouldn’t be risking their season on the development of young players who might not rise to expectations. Perry would bring an experienced presence to the defense and would ease the loss of Clark if he holds out into the season.
dark. Next. Full 7-round 2019 NFL mock draft
Perry might just be the piece the Seahawks need to avoid disaster in 2019, but the soon-to-be 29-year old does come with his share of risks. Perry missed 31 games in seven seasons with the Packers and only produced 32 sacks in 81 appearances. Last season was the worst of his career, as he only managed 1.5 sacks in nine games before landing on IR.
He could be a good addition for the Seahawks, but the team shouldn’t dish out serious money for him. Instead, Seattle should focus all of their efforts on getting Clark locked into that long-term deal he wants.