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So what’s next for the Seattle Seahawks in 2023?

By Russell S. Baxter

SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 14: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 14, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 41-23. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - JANUARY 14: Geno Smith #7 of the Seattle Seahawks scrambles against the San Francisco 49ers during the NFC Wild Card playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 14, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Seahawks 41-23. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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Pete Carroll’s club returned to the playoffs in 2021 a season after finishing last in the NFC West. What does the future hold for the Seattle Seahawks?

In 2021, the Seattle Seahawks were not only the lone team in the NFC West to not reach the playoffs, the franchise posted its first losing campaign since 2011. This past season, Pete Carroll’s club surprisingly won six of its first nine games. The ‘Hawks then went 1-5 in their next six outings. The club defeated the Jets and Rams to finish 9-8. When the Lions defeated the Packers in the final regular-season contests of 2022, Carroll’s club clinched a playoff berth.

The Seahawks actually owned a 17-16 lead at San Francisco before succumbing, 41-23, in the wild card round. Now the club looks to build on a solid showing.

What’s Next for the Seattle Seahawks?

The team will look to build off its surprising postseason appearance. Carroll and general manager John Schneider have a pair of first-round picks and two second-round selections in April’s draft. Quarterback Geno Smith is one of 22 players who could test the free-agent market this offseason.

It’s worth noting that while the Seahawks have actually reached the playoffs in three of these last four seasons, the club has now dropped its last three playoff games dating back to the 2019 divisional round and hasn’t been to the conference championship game since their Super Bowl XXIX campaign of 2014.

Biggest Offseason Concern?

Quarterback Geno Smith enjoyed a career year, hitting on a sizzling 69.8 percent of his throws and finishing the regular season with twice as many touchdown passes (30) as turnovers (15). The Seattle offense made 42 trips to the end zone and both D.K. Metcalf (1,048) and Tyler Lockett (1,033) finished with 1,000-plus receiving yards. Rookie running Kenneth Walker finished with 1,050 yards and nine scores on the ground.

So what’s the issue? While the Seahawks scored 407 points, the team allowed 401 points and 44 offensive TDs and were pushed around by the Niners in the playoffs. While promise was shown on offense, the Seattle defense had had too many issues in recent seasons. Could Schneider and Carroll focus on this side of the ball early in the draft?

Obviously, the Seahawks were able to transition away from quarterback Russell Wilson and secure a postseason appearance. However, the club went 3-6 in its last nine overall outings. There’s still work to be done, especially if the ‘Hawks are to challenge the loaded 49ers for division supremacy in 2023.

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