Seahawks Employing Wait-And-See Approach at Linebacker - Locked On Podcast
In the aftermath of losing Bobby Wagner, Jordyn Brooks, and Devin Bush in free agency, the Seattle Seahawks have taken critical steps towards rebuilding their new-look linebacking corps over the past few days by signing veterans Jerome Baker and Tyrel Dodson in free agency.
Similar stylistically, both Baker and Dodson check off several boxes new coach Mike Macdonald prefers at the linebacker spot. Each ran a 4.60 40-yard dash or faster at the NFL combine, demonstrating burst and explosiveness that shows up between the lines, where they earned top-20 coverage grades from Pro Football Focus last season. Each has had success rushing the passer as well, including Baker racking up 22.5 sacks in six seasons with the Dolphins and Dodson posting a 26.8 percent pressure rate in his first extensive starting experience with the Bills last season.
While they won't be mistaken for All-Pro linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, who starred for Macdonald's defense in Baltimore, those attributes as athletic cover linebackers with pass rushing upside should play well in his scheme.
But with Macdonald taking over as a first-time head coach and trying to build a long-term foundation, the Seahawks have been hesitant to hand out long-term deals this offseason for a reason, including at linebacker. Baker and Dodson will once again be unrestricted free agents next March after agreeing to one-year contracts, giving a revamped coaching staff a chance to evaluate them properly in the new scheme before making any commitments beyond 2024.
On a bonus edition of Locked On Seahawks, host Corbin Smith breaks down what Baker brings to the middle of Seattle's defense and how he and Dodson can complement one another while also dissecting how general manager John Schneider and Macdonald's strategy at the position mirrors their plan across the board with sights on 2025.
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