Devon WitherspoonMichael Reaves/Getty Images
Sometimes a win just isn’t enough.
That sums up Week 17 for the Seattle Seahawks, as they defeated Chicago but still lost the NFC West and got eliminated from the playoffs.
It will be an interesting offseason in Seattle as the club needs to clear some cap space and will have to make some tough roster decisions.
Move to Make Now: Start Sam Howell
With one meaningless game left on the schedule, the Seahawks should consider starting Howell at quarterback. Geno Smith isn’t the long-term solution and could be a cap casualty in the offseason. So, the front office might want an opportunity to evaluate the 24-year-old heading into the spring.
2025 Free Agency: CB Brandon Stephens, Baltimore Ravens
Seattle could use a second starting outside cornerback opposite Riq Woolen right now, and that problem is only going to get worse in the offseason. Tre Brown is an unrestricted free agent, while Josh Jobe is a restricted free agent, so the defense could lose two options at defensive back.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Mike Macdonald bring in someone who both has starting experience and with whom he is familiar. Stephens played in Macdonald’s system for two years in Baltimore, making the current Raven a potential target in the open market.
2025 NFL Draft: OL Jonah Savaiinaea, Arizona
Expect John Schneider to place a heavy emphasis on the trenches during this year’s NFL Draft. The offensive line is one of the team’s current weaknesses, while Laken Tomlinson and Stone Forsythe are impending free agents and Abraham Lucas is only signed through 2025.
So, Savaiinaea’s versatility to line up at guard or right tackle could be very intriguing for Schneider.
“In pass protection, Savaiinaea is a functional right tackle with heavy hands to snap rushers’ heads back when his timing is right before quickly engulfing them or using his signature snatch-trap technique to end the rep quickly,” the Wildcat’s scouting report says.
“He has a bad habit of drifting into oversets and opening his hips early against widely aligned rushers when he’s on an island, creating a soft inside shoulder. Savaiinaea has shaky footwork when transitioning into his anchor, which can get him pressed on his heels and pried open against speed to power.
“Overall, Savaiinaea is best suited inside at guard in the NFL, where his starter-level size, square power, and initial quicks can earn him a backup role with starter potential within his rookie contract.”
