Seattle Seahawks: 5 Mistakes to avoid in 2020 NFL Draft
By Samuel Teets
1. Not replacing free agency losses
The article alluded to this several times already. If things go sideways for Seattle in free agency, the team could face some serious fallout in 2020. Besides losing several full-time starters, Seattle also faces significant losses to their depth along the defensive line, offensive line, and at cornerback.
Along the defensive line, Seattle could lose Clowney after only one season. The Seahawks traded for the former Pro Bowler before the 2019 season, knowing he might leave this spring. Despite a down year, the former first overall pick could still demand $16-20 million per year on a new deal.
Seattle will also say goodbye to Ansah, which probably makes most fans happy. Ansah got overpaid for his limited production this past season. The loss of Quinton Jefferson could be more impactful. Jefferson can play defensive end or move inside to defensive tackle. He recorded 6.5 sacks and 25 quarterback hits over the past two years.
The Seahawks could also lose Mychal Kendricks and Jarran Reed. Reed posted 10.5 sacks and 24 quarterback hits in 2018 but never found his rhythm this past season. Before suffering an injury and landing on injured reserve, Kendricks made three sacks and 71 tackles in 14 starts.
Backup cornerbacks and special teams contributors, King, Thorpe, and Reed will all enter free agency as well.
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On offense, Fant, Hunt, Ifedi and Iupati will gut Seattle’s depth along the offensive line if they leave. The Seahawks should re-sign at least one of those four players, but that still leaves several holes. Considering Seattle doesn’t have a great offensive line to begin with, the team must find replacements for these players.