Seattle Seahawks Position Groups That Got Better & Worse in Free Agency

The Seattle Seahawks didn't make many moves during free agency, feeling confident in their current roster. That's understandable considering they convincingly knocked off the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.

That said, they made a few moves, mostly to replace players who left. Their biggest moves, however, were keeping a few big-name players.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba agreed to a record-breaking extension while Josh Jobe and Rashid Shaheed received lucrative deals as well. With the dust settled, let's see which position groups have improved for the defending champions and which have declined.

Worse: Running Back

Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson runs with the ball against Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. | Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Arguably, the biggest loss for Seattle this offseason was Kenneth Walker III. Following a season where he had 1,027 yards and five touchdowns, Walker was a workhorse in the postseason. He gained 313 yards and ran four touchdowns in the playoffs, even taking home the Super Bowl MVP award.

That led to a massive deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Allowing Walker to leave was the right call, and we can make a case that the Chiefs overpaid. That doesn't mean that Seattle won't feel the sting, especially since they didn't adequately replace Walker.

Seattle signed Emanuel Wilson, who averaged 4.5 yards per attempt in three seasons with the Green Bay Packers. He could be a serviceable member of a committee, but unless the Seahawks add a running back in the draft, this could be a weakened position.

Better: Wide Receiver

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

This is an interesting one since the Seahawks didn't add an outside free agent. Instead, they were able to keep Rashid Shaheed on a three-year, $51 million deal.

Shaheed played in nine games for Seattle and had 188 yards receiving, 64 rushing yards, and returned a punt and a kickoff for a touchdown. He continued to play well in the postseason, giving their offense an explosive element. Keeping him around is great, but seeing what he can do with a full offseason in the offense is why the unit will be better.

Worse: EDGE

Bengals defensive end Boye Mafe speaks to the media during a press conference at Paycor Stadium. | Albert Cesare/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Head coach Mike Macdonald deserves a lot of credit for being able to dial up the pressure with multiple players. That's why the Seahawks weren't worried when Boye Mafe's price tag went beyond what they were willing to pay.

Mafe signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. Like Walker, this might be a steep price, and while the Seahawks were right to move on, the EDGE is still weakened by Mafe's exit.

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