The Dog Days of Free Agency
With the free agency frenzy now long since passed and the NFL draft concluded, we have a clearer picture of what needs the Seattle Seahawks have leading into OTA’s and training camp.
There aren’t all that many, which truly is a testament to how well John Schneider has this team’s cap situation handled; they are coming off a Super Bowl victory and have since signed Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Doug Baldwin to extensions.
What few holes the Seahawks have remaining on their roster can best be described as tertiary. The draft didn’t do an awful lot in the way of addressing vacancies, but there weren’t many to begin with. With that said, it’s time to provide a list of players that, were they signed, would be perfect luxury signings.
1. Fred Davis, TE
Is Fred Davis the Seahawks missing piece?
The Seahawks have spent much of this offseason flirting with former Green Bay Packers tight end, Jermichael Finley. These rumours and meetings never really materialized into a contract and the two sides have since broken off negotiations.
That leaves the Seahawks still in need of pass catching tight end to augment the blocking skills of Zach Miller. Well, that leaves them at the very least with the want for one, anyways. Seattle’s brain-trust are probably content to enter the season with Luke Willson and Anthony McCoy splitting reps in that role.
If Pete Carroll wants to add to his receiving arsenal, however, there are still plenty of options available to him. One such option is former Washington Redskins tight end, Fred Davis. There would be no shortage of familiarity between Carroll and Davis, as the two were both USC Trojans at the same time.
Davis has always tantalized with his athleticism and raw talent, but this has failed to show up at the pro level with any consistency. At his best, Davis developed amazing chemistry with – of all people – Rex Grossman during 2011 and put up 796 yards receiving in just 12 games played; his season was cut short due to suspension.
That wasn’t the first suspension Davis would face, and those in combination with a bevvy of injuries have the former 48th overall pick fighting to keep his career alive. The Seahawks have never shied away from a reclamation project, so I could see this being a good fit.
2. Kevin Williams, DT
THIS JUST IN! Williams has signed w/ the Seahawks today (Thursday June 12)!
Seattle has already brought in Kevin Williams for a meeting, but the two have yet to come to terms on a contract. Much of this, I feel, has to do with Williams’ age and the fact that many in his stage of their career will often wait until training camp is over to put pen to paper.
Many would argue that the Seahawks don’t necessarily have a need at defensive tackle, which could be doubly true depending on the health of Jordan Hill and Jesse Williams.
Then again, the Seahawks will also be entering this season without unheralded stud, Clinton McDonald – he has since left in free agency for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Williams is a six-time Pro Bowler and an absolute monster in stopping the run. A few years back, Williams would easily be one of the league’s best nose tackles. Age has since caught up to Williams, who is now much better suited to a rotational depth role.
With Tony McDaniel and Brandon Mebane locked in as the starters, the Seahawks could provide him with just that.
Seahawk, Kevin Williams
3. Eric Winston, OT
While the Seahawks don’t necessarily need a right tackle, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to add Eric Winston as an insurance policy.
The former Kansas City Chief and Arizona Cardinal is still a starting caliber right tackle, yet he finds himself a straggler two straight years in free agency.
Michael Bowie seems locked in as the starting right tackle, following the departure of Breno Giacomini to the New York Jets.
The Seahawks also have Alvin Bailey, who can play seemingly anywhere on the line. And then there’s this year’s second-round draft choice, Justin Britt.
The problem with that group is that they’ve a combined two seasons of NFL experience; both come from Bailey and Bowie.
A seasoned veteran like Winston has the ability to provide insurance along the line and act as a mentor to younger linemen in Seattle’s stable.
