NFC West Review: Seattle Seahawks + Trade Market heating up - Predictions and Fits
An eventful day in the NFL and looking ahead, plus reviewing the enemy, the Seattle Seahawks.
San Francisco 49ers/YouTube
With less than 10 days before kickoff between the Texans and Chiefs, the NFL is heating up with a lot of big names currently on the market or still free agents. Just to give you a sense of how much talent is now available:
Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB
Alvin Kamara, RB
Antonio Brown, WR
Earl Thomas III, S
Leonard Fournette, RB
Jadeveon Clowney, DE
Josh Gordon, WR
Delanie Walker, TE
If you are wondering, yes, just a couple hours back, leaks out of New Orleans indicated that the Saints are “open to trading” Alvin Kamara.
The star RB, is famously known by 49ers fans for being traded during the 2017 draft, as the pick used to pick him was originally owned by SF. Kamara has held out for a new contract the past couple days, and his asking price has been a point of argument, with Kamara’s group asking for McCaffrey level money, while New Orleans is obviously much lower. Kamara did not request a trade, so this could also be a negotiation tactic, but regardless, rarely does a top 5 RB in the league hit the market like this. Kamara is one of the premier dual-threat RBs in the league, and him leaving would be a massive blow to a Saints team who’s window closes faster and faster as Drew Brees ages.
Cap management. Giving Taysom Hill 10+ million a year is what causes things like this to be issues. And on a more personal note to us 49ers fans, this is the same reason that decisions like keeping Armstead instead of Buckner happen. Cap management, which Shanalynch seem to be improving upon but still a lot of room to grow.
This is along with Yannick Ngakoue being sent to Minnesota yesterday, for the mere price of a 2nd round pick and a conditional 5th round pick. The NFL as a whole has picked up on the MLB and NBA obsessions with trades, and it’s making things more exciting, which I think all fans should love.
Around the NFL
Tyrell Williams, the Raiders WR, is out for the season. If you play fantasy, watch out for Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards.
Joe Mixon got a big 4 year contract extension from Cincy today, locking up their backfield along with Mr. Death Valley, Joe Burrow.
Taylor Decker, the stalwart tackle for the Lions, got a 6 year $85 million extension.
In 49ers news:
Dre Greenlaw continues to go through the concussion protocol.
Kittle is expected to return by the end of this week.
James Lockhart, the Steelers DE that the 49ers claimed on waivers a couple days back, has retired in an unofficial opt-out move.
No updates on Fred Warner, who was placed on the COVID-19 list. He likely came in contact with someone who carried the virus.
But back to the talent that is currently on the market right now.. let’s go through potential fits.
Alvin Kamara, RB
If he gets traded, I would be extremely surprised, but nevertheless, let’s look at some options if he was traded.
New York Jets - With Le’Veon Bell not fitting in NYJ, a Bell-Kamara swap (obviously with extra assets from NYJ) would likely be the best case scenario for New Orleans. Bell replicates Kamara’s skillset best, and although he did not play well last season, the Jets offense and OLine was abysmal. Moreover, Bell has an out in his contract where the Saints could get rid of him after this season with only 4M in dead cap, as he is currently being paid 13 million a year roughly.
Denver Broncos - Another swap scenario, Philip Lindsay would be a great return for Kamara, and the Broncos have the cap space and assets to get it done.
Baltimore Ravens - Noticing a trend? If the Saints were to trade Kamara, they would 100% want to swap him for another RB, and who better than Mark Ingram who has played in New Orleans and at a high level too. The Ravens also have an astounding amount of cap space that can be used.
Melvin Ingram, DE/OLB
Seattle Seahawks - Duh. Ingram works in the same defense that Seattle runs, and he would instantly be their best pass rusher. Moreover, Seattle has the assets and contract to trade, in Chris Carson. Reports indicate that Carson is indeed the RB#1 there, but Seattle wants to give Rashaad Penny a chance as well. Not to mention, Leonard Fournette is now available, giving Seattle a great replacement as well.
San Francisco 49ers - WHOA! In all seriousness, I have mentioned that for a team like LAC that wants to compete, they will want a player, not a pick back. A Dee Ford swap would work perfectly for both sides, as the 49ers get the more consistent player while the Chargers get a more long-term fit, considering Ingram wants a new contract. The 49ers if trading Ford would have enough cap to give Ingram the deal he wants.
Las Vegas Raiders - They have some good young players, but ever since trading Khalil Mack, have not had the edge rush. They would love to have Ingram on their team.
Antonio Brown, WR
Baltimore Ravens - I am only listing one team here because this feels too obvious. The Ravens are likely waiting for his 8 game suspension and overall future to be determined, but if he is cleared, they will sign him. The Ravens lack any WR talent outside of Hollywood Brown, and Antonio Brown has a relationship with both Hollywood and Lamar, the reigning MVP.
Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB
Seattle Seahawks - They know his medicals, he knows the scheme, they have a need, they have the cap space. It’s clear.
Philadelphia Eagles - Another team with the ammo needed, the Eagles are no stranger to making moves like this, and they love to strengthen their DL. Clowney would make the Eagles defense elite, with Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, Brandon Graham, Darius Slay, and more.
Tennessee Titans - Clowney reportedly has already been linked to Mike Vrabel and company, and with Jurrell Casey’s departure, Clowney would help fill that gap.
Leonard Fournette, RB (excerpt from yesterday)
Miami Dolphins - With Breida and Jordan Howard, Miami has good RBs already, but they may be looking for a long-term partner in the backfield for Tua, and Fournette fits the bill.
Washington Football Team - Probably the most likely, Fournette would go to learn from AP who he was compared to coming out of Baton Rouge. The WFT have almost no other RB talent outside of Bryce Love who is a massive question mark.
New Orleans Saints - Kamara was already injury-prone, his hold-out makes his status even more murky. Fournette is plenty capable of carrying a big load til Kamara comes back. Edit: He now is on the trade market, making this even more likely.
Seattle Seahawks - Please no. In all seriousness, the RB room in the Emerald City is quite crowded, but Fournette would be the closest thing playstyle to Lynch that they have ever had. And their career arcs: Dangerously similar. Makes a little too much sense, and Seattle would then likely ship Chris Carson for a pick/EDGE rusher which they so desperately desire.
Sean McVay ruled out Fournette being signed… Cam Akers role gets even bigger.
Earl Thomas III, S
Philadelphia Eagles - Malcolm Jenkins’ departure has left a hole at Safety, where the Eagles have relied on Jalen Mills, a CB turned S, and Rodney McLeod. Thomas would revamp their secondary after their acquire of Darius Slay, and add to their veteran heavy team.
Houston Texans - Thomas and Justin Reid, the rising safety out of Stanford (and brother to Eric Reid) would give the Texans a great safety combo.
New England Patriots - They take bets, we know that, and outside of McCourty at Safety, the Patriots do not have much with Patrick Chung opting out.
Josh Gordon, WR
Seattle Seahawks - Carroll has already made it clear: If Gordon is cleared, he is already a Seahawk.
Delanie Walker, TE
New England Patriots - They love their vet TEs, and they lack any talent at TE. If they want to contend, which we know Bill Belichick wants to, Walker will be key.
Arizona Cardinals - A veteran TE with versatility would be perfect in an offense with only unproven Dan Arnold at TE.
NFC West Preview: Seattle Seahawks
The Hobbit and the man who accounts for 50% of gum sales in the US are one of the best QB-Coach duos in the NFL. Wilson can argue for being the best QB in the league, and Carroll, even with very questionable moves in the past few seasons, has always got Seattle into the playoffs. They will compete. That’s a given.
Key Arrivals and Departures:
IN:
Jamal Adams, DB
Quinton Dunbar, CB
Greg Olsen, TE
Phillip Dorsett, WR
Jordyn Brooks, LB
Darrell Taylor, DE
Bruce Irvin, DE
OUT:
Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB (likely to re-sign)
Josh Gordon, WR (also likely to re-sign)
Bradley McDougald, FS
Tedric Thompson, S
Mychal Kendricks, LB
Seattle has done a great job of retaining most of their talent outside of the big one in Clowney. If Clowney resigns, which I would put at about 90%, Seattle’s roster can compete with the 49ers on any day.
Jamal Adams is arguably the best safety in the league, and a top 5 defensive player in the league. He is that good. Let’s make something clear: the box safety argument does not apply to Adams. Adams lines up at both positions, and does it at an extremely high level. His instincts, run-stopping ability, coverage ability, are almost unmatched in this league and he is still on his rookie contract, meaning he is only going to get better.
The fact that this is up for debate is embarrassing. The takes on Twitter about Adams being bad in coverage are just flat out wrong.
I don’t mean to call out anyone, but you cannot have it both ways. We love to tout Kittle and Sherman on PFF, but when Adams is praised it is an issue? That is not right.
He and JJ Watt are the only players in NFL history with 200+ tackles, 10+ sacks & 25+ PBU within their first 3 seasons - Field Yates
That is not normal. A safety should not have 10 sacks but here we are. Adams is a game-changer and he is on his way to Canton. He is essentially the defensive version of Kittle, which explains why Schneider and Carroll brought Kittle up while discussing the acquisition of Adams.
Seattle’s defense is only going to get better. They already have a rising star at CB in Shaquill Griffin, and adding a top corner in Quinton Dunbar, who is really underrated. Quandre Diggs is also a really good safety, and then you get to the front seven.
Bobby Wagner, now that Luke Kuechly has retired, is unequivocally the best LB in football, and has been for quite some time. Add Jordyn Brooks, their athletic rookie from Texas Tech, and KJ Wright, Mr. Consistent, and Seattle has the makings of a very good defense. They have the best safety in the league and best LB in the league. Anytime you have that, that is good, and that does not include their elite or very good players in other positions. Their biggest weakness: DL. They have basically nobody despite spending so much capital there. They have a lot of young talent, but outside of Jarran Reed, nobody there is really proven. Bruce Irvin is old and not the same. However, they are banking on Rasheem Green and LJ Collier to take big steps up, and they certainly have the talent to do so.
On offense, they might actually be better. They have arguably the best QB in football, in Russell Wilson, and a dual-headed beast at RB in Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny. Then at TE, add Greg Olsen to a mix that was already decent, with Colby Parkinson, Will Dissly, and Jacob Hollister. But WR is easily their best skill position. They add Phillip Dorsett, a nice 3rd option at WR, to a room with DK Metcalf, who was incredible in year one, and Tyler Lockett, one of the most underrated players in the NFL. Josh Gordon likely is added to this team later on in the season, making their offense chock-full of playmakers and explosiveness. But, just like defense, they have the same issue in the trenches.
Duane Brown is Seattle’s only decent starter at the moment on the o-line. And while Russell Wilson can make-do with traffic cones as blockers, they will lose the battle in the trenches everytime. Ethan Pocic could take a step up this season, but outside of that, they are still a long way from being a team that is built in the trenches.
X-Factor: LJ Collier
If Collier can fulfill his 1st round pedigree and take control of that EDGE spot next to Bruce Irvin, Seattle’s defense will be a problem. They already have the makings of a 2nd Legion of Boom forming, and adding an impact player to the EDGE like Collier would change their entire team.
3 moves to look into
Jadeveon Clowney, DE/OLB - I mean this is the obvious one. I fully expect him to be on the roster at some point.
Cordy Glenn, OT - Glenn would be a relief to put at RT opposite Duane Brown, and give RW some much needed protection from EDGE rushers.
Justin Britt, C - Britt has a ton of experience in Seattle, has played C, and has done it well. He can play G too, which Wilson again, so desperately needs.
Summary:
Anytime you have the best safety, best LB, and best QB (arguably) in the league, you will be good. There is no doubt that Seattle will present an even tougher challenge this season. But their strength is not in the trenches. They are essentially the anti-49ers, built around skill positions and non-lineman. And that is what makes them dangerous, they don’t need offensive or defensive lineman to pose a threat. Two elite WRs, two great RBs, two great CBs, two elite safeties, this is a team of duos. They have always been built around defense, and they finally actually have the defense to back up that argument. The biggest issue: their window. As Wilson and Wagner age, giving up that many picks will begin to bite them. But then again, they were not doing much with those picks anyways. Seattle’s future is very murky, but their present: they will compete, and be tough to beat.
Ceiling: 12-4
Floor: 9-7
Likely a wild card, Seattle can make a push for the NFC Championship, to hopefully bring a rematch of the now legendary 2013 NFC Championship.
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I can't remember this much talent ever being on the block in the NFL, much less before the season is about to start. Rosters are going to be messy this year. Just a hunch. Also fuck the overrated Hawks and their trash fan base. 19-0 Feels great baby!!!
Comment and a question.
Comment: Good job Riqo, appreciated.
Question: Did you need a shower after all that Seahawk love?