Seahawks Free Agent Targets at LB: 6 Names to Watch
Though the Seattle Seahawks surprised everyone by making the playoffs last season after jettisoning Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner, they endured their fair share of struggles on the defensive side of the ball in 2022.
In particular, opponents gashed Seattle on the ground on a weekly basis, rushing for at least 140 yards in 11 out of 17 regular season games. Performing well below expectations, coach Pete Carroll's defense finished a dismal 30th overall in rushing defense, including allowing a 300-yard performance to Raiders star running back Josh Jacobs in a Week 11 home loss.
At the center of those struggles, the Seahawks received inconsistent play at linebacker without Wagner. While he racked up tackles in bunches, Jordyn Brooks allowed five touchdowns in coverage for the second straight season. In his first season as a starter, Cody Barton battled issues getting off blocks and his lack of size hindered him at times in the team's new 3-4 scheme.
With improving the defense a top priority this offseason, Seattle has no shortage of questions at linebacker. Brooks suffered a torn ACL in Week 17 and recently underwent surgery, putting his status for the start of the 2023 season in doubt. Meanwhile, Barton will become an unrestricted free agent in March, leaving only Tanner Muse and Jon Rhattigan healthy on the depth chart.
Likely seeking at least one starting linebacker, if not two due to Brooks' injury, who could the Seahawks target in free agency? Here's a list of six veterans who would be great scheme fits at different price ranges.
Tremaine Edmunds, Buffalo Bills
Projected Market Value: $11 million/year
2022 Stats: 102 tackles, one interception, six pass breakups
A former first round pick out of Virginia Tech, Edmonds has been a pillar at the center of the Bills defense since winning a starting job out of training camp as a rookie. An outstanding athlete with 4.5 speed at over 250 pounds, he's registered at least 100 tackles in each of his five NFL seasons while adding five interceptions, 6.5 sacks, and 30 pass breakups, earning Pro Bowl nods in 2019 and 2020. While it's unlikely the soon-to-be 25-year old will test the market, if Buffalo does allow him to walk, he made major strides in coverage in 2022 and would immediately add star power to the middle of Seattle's defense if the front office is willing to pay.
Breaking out for the Bengals over the past two seasons, Germaine Pratt has emerged as a top-10 inside linebacker with a versatile game.
Germaine Pratt, Cincinnati Bengals
Projected Market Value: $10.6 million/year
2022 Stats: 99 tackles, two interceptions, eight pass breakups
Pratt didn't enter the league with much fanfare as an unheralded third round pick out of North Carolina State. But he found his way into the starting lineup as a rookie and evolved into one of the most underrated linebackers in the NFL, as he amassed 190 tackles, three interceptions, three forced fumbles, and nine pass breakups in 2021 and 2022 as the Bengals advanced to at least the AFC Championship Game both seasons. Built with a stout 250-pound frame, Pratt had similar testing numbers to Edmunds coming out of college and with Cincinnati preparing to pay Joe Burrow, it's possible he could hit the market. If he does, Seattle should pounce, as he'd be an excellent fit in a hybrid 3-4 defense with his size and coverage skills and may be slightly cheaper.
Bobby Okereke, Indianapolis Colts
Projected Market Value: $2.3 million/year
2022 Stats: 151 tackles, two forced fumbles, five pass breakups
Playing for a dismal Colts squad, Okereke's production hovered under the radar during a lost 2022 season for the franchise as he set a new career-high for tackles. While not quite as big as Edmunds or Pratt, he plays bigger than 235 pounds working off blocks and making tackles against the run and has posted solid, yet unspectacular production as a cover defender in four NFL seasons. Only 26 years old, he doesn't have splashy interception or sack numbers, but he's an effective inside linebacker with a well-rounded game who still has room to grow. Likely more affordable than Edmunds or Pratt, he would be an intriguing fit replacing Brooks and eventually playing alongside him in Seattle.
Kyle Van Noy, Los Angeles Chargers
Projected Market Value: N/A
2022 Stats: 46 tackles, 5.0 sacks, three pass breakups
A seasoned veteran with 10 years of NFL experience, Van Noy wouldn't be a long-term signing for the Seahawks and at this stage of his career, he may be better suited playing off the edge than as an off-ball linebacker. However, he's only two years removed from earning an elite 84.3 coverage grade and his positional versatility coupled with experience in multiple defensive schemes would still provide quality value on a one-year deal. After playing for only $2.25 million in 2022, signing him to a similar deal to fill in for Brooks would fit Seattle's budget and he could mentor a rookie likely to be drafted in April.
Once a Seahawk for a very brief time, Singleton has grown into a quality starting linebacker in the NFL.
Alex Singleton, Denver Broncos
Projected Market Value: N/A
2022 Stats: 163 tackles, six tackles for loss, three pass breakups
Interestingly, Singleton began his NFL journey as an undrafted signee with the Seahawks way back in 2015. After not making the team out of camp, he bounced around with the Patriots and Vikings and even spent time in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders before eventually breaking through with the Eagles. Built similarly to Barton at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds, the ex-Montana State standout racked up a career-high in tackles as a rare bright spot for the Broncos last season, earning an excellent 82.6 run defense grade from PFF. Recently turning 29 years old, he should have plenty of good football left in him and if Denver allows him to hit the market, Seattle would be wise to bring him back and take his career full circle.
Sione Takitaki, Cleveland Browns
Projected Market Value: N/A
2022 Stats: 71 tackles, one forced fumble, one sack
Unlike every other player on this list, Takitaki has limited starting experience in four NFL seasons and has primarily been a sub-package defender and core special teams contributor for the Browns. But the former third round pick out of BYU has played well when given opportunities, allowing no touchdowns on 70 career targets in coverage and receiving a run defense grade from PFF of at least 65.0 three separate seasons. Since he's only played more than 50 percent of Cleveland's snaps once, he isn't likely to be a coveted free agent in March, but at only 27 years of age, he could still develop into a quality starter and could be signed at a bargain bin price by Seattle.
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