Seattle Seahawks free-agency breakdown

Published on July 25, 2011 by Seahawk Fanatic     

Seattle Seahawks

1. Sign or acquire a quarterback: Bringing back Hasselbeck remains an option. The team expressed interest in Kolb last offseason. The team could also add a lower-profile veteran to the mix — perhaps a Matt Leinart type — for an open competition with Charlie Whitehurst. That would not excite Seattle fans, of course. Getting a young quarterback to build around would be ideal, but the Seahawks are adamant they will not force the situation in the absence of viable options. They weren’t going to do it in the draft, when they passed over Andy Dalton for tackle James Carpenter. They probably aren’t going to do it in free agency, either.

2. Solidify the offensive line: Tom Cable’s addition as assistant head coach/offensive line puts the Seahawks in position to court Oakland Raiders guard Robert Gallery in free agency. Gallery has said he’s not returning to the Raiders. Seattle has drafted its starting tackles, starting center and starting right guard in the past few seasons. Max Unger and Russell Okung need better luck with injuries. Okung would also benefit from an experienced presence next to him at left guard. Gallery qualifies as such and he would fit the zone system Cable wants to run. Green Bay’s Daryn Colledge could be available, too. He has ties to Seahawks general manager John Schneider. Former Seattle starters Chris Spencer, Sean Locklear, Chester Pitts and Ray Willis might not return.

3. Plug holes on defense. Mebane appears headed for free agency. The Seahawks want him back, but how badly? Mebane could fit better in a purer 4-3 defense. He also might command more money elsewhere. Injuries along the defensive front could also affect the Seahawks’ needs. Red Bryant is coming off season-ending knee surgery. Injuries affected Colin Cole and Chris Clemons last season as well. Cornerback is another area to monitor once free agency opens. Does Marcus Trufant still fit at his relatively high price? The Cincinnati Bengals’ Johnathan Joseph and other free-agent corners could appeal.

Top five free agents: Hasselbeck, Mebane, Locklear, linebacker Will Herring, defensive end Raheem Brock.

via NFC West free-agency breakdown – NFC West Blog – ESPN.

Tags: Assistant Head Coach, Charlie Whitehurst, Chester Pitts, Chris Clemons, Chris Spencer, Cincinnati Bengals, Colin Cole, Daryn Colledge, James Carpenter, John Schneider, Marcus Trufant, Matt Leinart, Oakland Raiders, Plug Holes, Ray Willis, Seattle Fans, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS, Tom Cable, Viable Options, Zone System