The Seahawks were as broke as any team in the NFL going into last week, having only $1.1 million left in salary cap space for the 2024 season, tied with the Giants for least in the league. However, on Thursday the team restructured the contract for DE/OLB Dre’Mont Jones. While it makes him more difficult to cut next offseason, the move did save the team a nice chunk of cap room for this year – about $7.4 million.
That gives Seattle roughly $8.5 million to play with for the rest of 2024, more than enough to sign a free agent or two at positions of need. The Seahawks’ roster is mostly set for this coming season, but they could use another linebacker considering that both Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker are injured right now. They could also use about as much offensive line help as can be had. So, let’s see who might be available that can help. Here are the best players who are still on the market at every position going into the league’s summer break and a recommendation for each.
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QB: Ryan Tannehill
Ryan Tannehill: No. Tannehill is too old and makes no sense as a fourth quarterback option at this point. After adding P.J. Walker, they don’t need another body here unless there’s an injury.
RB: Dalvin Cook
Dalvin Cook: Maybe. Seattle could use another experienced running back given how young the top trio of Ken Walker, Zach Charbonnet and Kenny Mcintosh is. We’d prefer someone else, but Cook is a pretty decent option at this time of year.
WR: Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas: No. The pool at wide receiver is extremely shallow right now, and the Seahawks are as well set as any NFL team at this spot, anyway. If they sign anybody it will be someone like Robbie Chosen.
TE: Jimmy Graham
Jimmy Graham: No. We know Noah Fant and Jack Westover can thrive in Ryan Grubb’s offense and there’s no need to add another tight end at this time.
OT: Donovan Smith
Donovan Smith: Yes. If they can manage to sign a trusted veteran left tackle it would go a long way towards assuaging our concerns about this unit. Charles Cross was pretty terrible in pass protection last season and having a reliable backup at this spot is a good idea.
G: Greg Van Roten
Greg Van Roten: Yes. GVR is a bit old, having turned 34 in February. However, he does have a ton of experience and can play all three interior positions. That’s exactly the kind of dynamic Seattle should be looking for.
C: Connor McGovern
Connor McGovern: Maybe. Center is an obvious question mark with Olu Oluwatimi competing with Nick Harris for the starting job and neither one having much experience at this spot. We’re ok with eventually signing someone like McGovern, but we want to see what Oluwatimi can do first.
EDGE: Emmanuel Ogbah
Emmanuel Ogbah: Yes. They probably can’t afford to sign a name free agent at this position, but it’s a nice idea. If Ogbah or Yannick Ngakoue are willing to play for a pittance because they have no other options, we’re all for it. Adding another potent edge rusher would be a nice get for this defense.
iDL: Lawrence Guy
Lawrence Guy: No. While he’s a fine defender, the Seahawks are relatively well set up at this spot having invested a bunch of money in Leonard Williams and a first-round pick in Byron Murphy II.
LB: Zach Cunningham
Zach Cunningham: Maybe. It depends on the health of projected starters Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker. If it looks like either one won’t be at full speed by Week 1, it makes sense to bring in another vet who can hold Seattle over until they’re 100%.
CB: Xavien Howard
Xavien Howard: No. The Seahawks are pretty strong at cornerback, having invested two more draft picks at this spot in Auburn’s Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James. Howard is likely too expensive to sign in any case.
S: Justin Simmons
Justin Simmons: Maybe. We love Simmons the player, especially thinking what he might accomplish with Mike Macdonald. Unfortunately, he’s also probably going to be too expensive. If he’s still on the market come September it’s worth a phone call, though.
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