The Seattle Seahawks are way ahead of the timeline many thought they would be in after the moves they made during the 2022 offseason. They traded quarterback Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos and parted ways with linebacker Bobby Wagner, signaling what many believed to be a rebuild.
That rebuild never occurred as the Seahawks were in the playoffs last season. With extra assets acquired from the trade, Seattle is in a position to take an even bigger step forward in 2023. This is a team on the rise, not in a teardown rebuild.
While they are certainly on the right track, there are a few positions on the roster that could use some more help. Two of their more glaring needs both come on the defensive side of the ball. The first position is at linebacker.
The team did bring Wagner back this offseason and signed Devin Bush. Alas, both are on one-year deals and after declining the fifth-year option of Jordyn Brooks, all three will be free agents in 2024.
If they are looking for a long-term option to lock in at the inside linebacker position, the Seahawks should make a call to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and gauge the price of Devin White. It would be costly in terms of trade package and contract but could be worthwhile.
If White can return to the form he showed earlier in his career, he can perform at a level that has him in the conversation as the best linebacker in the NFL. But he has also had some valleys, such as 2022’s under-50 PFF graded season.
Improving the interior of their defense is key for Seattle as well. Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed were nice additions, but the upgrades shouldn’t stop there. Another player that could pique their interest is Grover Stewart of the Indianapolis Colts.
The Seahawks were shredded on the ground by opponents last season. Stewart could help shore things up in that area as an excellent run defender. Amid a retooling, Indianapolis could be open to moving the 29-year-old veteran.
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