Multiple Choice: After Hiring Coach, Seahawks Face Free Agent Decisions
While John Schneider and the Seattle Seahawks search for Pete Carroll's successor, they also have decisions to make on which players will be around for the next head coach.
The team's first coaching hire in 14 years will dominate the headlines, but there are also key moves to make in upcoming free agency. When free agency opens on March 11, Seattle will have 15 unrestricted free agents (UFAs), three restricted free agents (RFAs) and five exclusive rights fee agents (ERFAs). (UFAs can sign March 13, while RFAs and ERFAs not offered contracts by their own teams also become UFAs.)
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The Seahawks' most important free is likely defensive lineman Leonard Williams. They gave up two draft picks to trade for him last October, and he paid dividends with four sacks in 10 games. Seattle wants him to be a key cog in the defense moving forward.
But only 29 and Pro Football Focus' 16th-best free agent, he will get interest - and maybe offers - on the open market.
Other key UFAs include linebackers Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner, guards Damien Lewis and Phil Haynes, tight end Noah Fant and backup quarterback Drew Lock.
Seattle's RFAs are linebackers Darrell Taylor and Jon Rhattigan, and cornerback Michael Jackson. The team has five ERFAs: offensive linemen Raiqwon O’Neal and McClendon Curtis, defensive lineman Myles Adams, tight end Brady Russell and linebacker Josh Onujiogu.
