Three reasons to be optimistic about the Seattle Seahawks
Trading a perennial Pro Bowler such as Russell Wilson last offseason seemed strange, and naming Geno Smith the starting quarterback was laughable to most, but Seattle had the last laugh by making the playoffs in 2022. Here are three reasons to be optimistic about the team in 2023.
1. Geno Smith
Last season was Smith’s first chance to be a full-time starter since his days with the Jets from 2013-16. He didn’t disappoint. He threw for 4,282 yards with 30 touchdowns, and his 69.8% completion percentage was the best in the league. Smith finished 2022 in the top 10 of every meaningful passing category.
The 32-year-old is a free agent, but the AP Comeback Player of the Year probably will return to Seattle in 2023. Most expect he’ll accept a team-friendly deal similar to the one Ryan Tannehill signed with Tennessee. The team has money to spend under the cap, but don’t expect Smith to break the bank.
2. Cap space
According to Spotrac, Seattle has a little more than $31 million to spend in 2023, the eighth-highest number in the league. With Smith not really looking to test the market, the Seahawks should be money to fix the team’s defense.
Seattle tied for the seventh-most sacks last season, but only seven teams gave up more points. With so much cap room, the team can afford to sign players to bolster a run defense that ranked 30th. Run-stopping defensive linemen Javon Hargrave (Eagles), Daron Payne (Commanders) and Dalvin Tomlinson (Vikings) are available in free agency.
3. Young talent
Thanks to the Wilson deal, Seattle owns the fifth and 20th picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Recent mock drafts have the Seahawks taking Alabama OLB Will Anderson, Pittsburgh DT Calijah Kancey or Texas Tech OLB Tyree Wilson. Fans will be happy with any of these players, but last year’s draft will be hard to beat.
ESPN ranked Seattle’s last draft class as the NFL’s best. The team found five starters, including a Pro Bowl cornerback in Tariq Woolen. Second-round pick Kenneth Walker III had nine touchdowns and led all rookie running backs with 1,050 yards running. Rookie offensive tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas shined.
If GM John Schneider rocks the draft April 27-29, Seattle could find itself atop a fluid NFC West.
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