Seattle Seahawks: Early 2020 free agency recap and outlook

At the start of the new NFL league year, the Seattle Seahawks moved to plug the significant holes opening in their depth chart in free agency.

The Seattle Seahawks opened the 2020 league year with glaring needs along the defensive and offensive lines. During the first week of the new year, Seattle addressed its various needs with several quality additions and a few short-term band-aids. At least the team replaced most of their departing starters.

With Jadeveon Clowney still floating in the shrinking free agent pool, the Seahawks brought Bruce Irvin back for a second stint with the organization. Seattle drafted Irvin with the 15th overall pick in 2012. While he never fulfilled his potential, Irvin did become a respectable pass rusher.

In 2018, Irvin signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons after getting released by the Oakland Raiders midway through the season. Irvin joined the Carolina Panthers on a one-year, $4 million last year.

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In his four seasons away from the Seahawks, Irvin amassed 30 sacks and 66 quarterback hits, including 8.5 sacks in 2019. For reference, Rasheem Green led the Seahawks with four sacks in 2019.

Irvin’s deal, which remains undisclosed, is likely short-term and cap friendly. He’s a perfect fit for one of the worst pass-rushing teams in the NFL. If Seattle can get Clowney back, the team can finally put their pass-rushing woes behind them.

The Seahawks focused on fixing their patchy offensive line with more questionable players in 2019. With George Fant, Germain Ifedi and Mike Iupati all departing in free agency, Seattle needed some serious help. The team replaced Ifedi at right tackle with New York’s Brandon Shell. Shell started 11 games for the Jets in 2019 and agreed to a two-year deal worth $11 million with Seattle.

The team also signed Cedric Ogbuehi to a one-year, $3.3 million deal. The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Ogbuehi with the 21st overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. However, Ogbuehi flunked out of Cincinnati and spent the last year with Jacksonville. While he isn’t a viable starter, Ogbuehi gives Seattle some depth at the tackle position.

Seattle continued addressing the offensive line by signing B.J. Finney to a two-year deal worth $9.5 million. The guard started four games for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. While Seattle will likely use Finney as a guard, considering the recent loss of Iupati, the versatile Kansas State product can also play center. Seattle’s center, Justin Britt, missed half of the 2019 season.

Signing Chance Warmack to a one-year deal on Sunday concluded Seattle’s restructuring of their offensive line. The tenth overall pick in the 2013 draft, Warmack served as a backup in Philadelphia during 2017 and 2018 before not appearing in a game last season.

The Seahawks brought tight end Luke Willson back on a one-year deal. The team originally drafted Willson in 2013. After a one-year hiatus with the Detroit Lions, Seattle reacquired Willson in 2019. While Willson didn’t play a large role last season, he is familiar with Russell Wilson and the team’s offense. Between Will Dissly, Jacob Hollister, Greg Olsen and Willson, the Seahawks possess one of the deepest tight end groups in the NFL.

In 2018, defensive tackle Jarran Reed broke out of his shell. The former second-round pick set career-highs with 50 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 24 quarterback hits. However, he missed the first six games of 2019 because of a suspension stemming from a past incident. Reed never found his rhythm and finished the contract year with disappointing totals.

The Seahawks showed faith in the 27-year-old by re-signing him to a two-year, $23 million deal. If Reed regains his 2018 form, then this move is a steal. However, if the Alabama product continues his pedestrian production, the Seahawks may regret giving him $11.5 million a year.

Even if the deal doesn’t work out in Seattle’s favor, the Seahawks desperately needed defensive linemen. Quinton Jefferson signed with the Buffalo Bills and the Clowney scenario remains pivotal for Seattle’s future. At least Pete Carroll can count on Reed and Poona Ford shutting down the running game.

Seattle tendered several of their restricted free agents last week. The team extended offers to Hollister, backup center Joey Hunt, wide receiver David Moore and rotational defensive end Branden Jackson. The Seahawks prioritized Hollister, giving him a second-round tender. Seattle did not tender cornerbacks Kalan Reed and Jeremy Boykins, guard Jordan Simmons or tight end Tyrone Swoopes.