One of the most impressive underrated signings of 2023 free agency period came on Friday when the Seahawks signed former Giants safety Julian Love to a two-year deal worth a total of $12 million.
At first glance, signing a safety might not seem like a good idea for a team that already had far more money invested at the position than any other NFL team. However, Love is a safety in name only and offers a ton of value with his versatility. For one thing, Love has the ability to line up all over the backfield – including in the slot (where we’re projecting he will start) and either safety spot.
Another thing the Seahawks like about Love is his leadership ability. Apparently last season Love carried the green dot on his helmet for the Giants defense, relaying playcalls from the coordinator to his teammates.
Love was New York's "green dot'' player, or the play caller in huddle, among many attributes Seattle likes about him. Seattle just viewed him as a really good player to get who can play a lot of different roles on defense.
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) March 17, 2023
In 2022 that role for the Seahawks was occupied by linebacker Jordyn Brooks, who suffered an ACL tear late in the season. Love’s experience as a defensive playcaller might make him the favorite to take over that role – at least while Brooks recovers.
Then again, if the Seahawks re-sign linebacker Bobby Wagner he’d clearly be the favorite to retake that responsibility. Bobby Wagner.
Bobby Wagner.
