NFL analyst identifies Seahawks' free-agent signing with 'most upside'

Pro Football Focus ranks one Seahawks free-agent signing above all the rest

Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence (90) tackles Minnesota Vikings quarterback. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images | Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

The Seattle Seahawks have made some major offensive changes, but their defense will likely carry the load next season. In this context, the decision to sign edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence to a three-year, $42 million contract makes more sense.

Adding a four-time Pro Bowler like Lawrence to a talented Seahawks defensive line should make this unit better, while also allowing the offense more time to find its footing. Those in the media continue to focus on quarterback Sam Darnold, but one NFL writer thinks Lawrence will be the more impactful addition to the team in 2025.

Pro Football Focus identified Lawrence as Seattle's free-agent signing with the most upside.

"No qualifying edge rusher from 2021 to 2023 (Lawrence missed most of 2024) graded positively on a higher percentage of run snaps (24.0%) than Lawrence," wrote PFF's Ben Cooper. "Meanwhile, the Seahawks’ edge group ranked 23rd in PFF run-defense grade in 2024 under defensive-minded head coach Mike Macdonald."

Sep 8, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) lies on top of Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) after a sack during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

While Lawrence may not have the sack numbers of other Pro Bowl pass rushers, he's been a consistent source of pressure for the Cowboys for the last decade. It's tough for any non-quarterback to play that long for a single NFL team, and Dallas' defense has been formidable for much of that time.

The Seahawks are getting a proven commodity in Lawrence, who, assuming he's healthy, should help Mike Macdonald's defense be a top-10 unit next season. Over 11 NFL seasons, Lawrence has recorded 61.5 sacks, 126 QB hits, 97 tackles for loss and 21 forced fumbles.

More Seahawks on SI stories