John Schneider, Seattle Seahawks General Manger
Geno Smith and DK Metcalf trades:
Despite the complaining and call for the firing of John Schneider by Seahawks fans, the Seahawks have actually had a good off season. Geno Smith, their starting QB, was traded to the Raiders for a late third round pick (#92) and star WR, DK Metcalf, was traded to the Steelers for a late second round pick (#52). Both players were in-line for extensions this off season and both were asking for A LOT of money. Thirty-four year old Geno Smith is simply not worth the $45 million APY he is asking for. The Seahawks front office and Mike Macdonald clearly do not value Geno as a anything more than a bridge to a QB they will draft in the coming years. Geno is simply not a Super Bowl winning QB. NFL franchises compete to win the Super Bowl not to be just slightly above average. There has been enough 9-8, 10-7, 8-9 seasons in the past decade. It’s time for a change. They clearly need to shift their resources from skill positions to OL and DL. They have fixed the DL and defensive over the last few years but now its time for the OL. Simply put, the Seahawks offensive line has been abysmal. After the Vikings decided to not resign Sam Darnold, the Seahawks were basically given 2 options:
Give Geno Smith (34 years old) to the long-term contract he was asking for that would cost about $45 million APY.
or
Sign Sam Darnold (27 years old) for about $10 million less APY despite that he is 7 years younger and an ascending player. Plus a third round pick from the Geno trade.
To me the answer is obvious: a cheaper, younger, and potentially better Sam Darnold plus draft compensation. Clearly, this trade makes sense. With the extra draft stock this year, I’d expect the Seahawks to draft a QB in the first 2 rounds. Potential targets are Tyler Shough, Jaxson Dart, Quinn Ewers, and Will Howard.
Now onto DK Metcalf. One of my favorite players, it was painful to watch DK leave. However, he was asking for (and received from the Steelers) about $30 million APY. That is a steep price for a receiver that has never quite lived up to his potential. That is definitely partly due to the poor offensive coaching and play calling but still he is asking to be paid like the best despite the lower production. After they couldn’t reach an agreement, it seemed like both DK and the Seahawks were ready to move on. I would’ve liked to keep DK but it is ok as long as the can find a decent replacement. I‘d suggest Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Elijah Moore as alternatives. This allows you to draft the best player available instead of reaching for a receiver. I would still like to draft a WR in the second or third round (Jack Bech? Tory Horton?). It is mostly about doing what the Seahawks have wanted to for years: effectively run the football.
Free Agency Acquisitions:
I would like all Seahawks fans to know that the Vikings severely overpaid OG Will Fries. He was the top guard on the market and received a 5 year deal with about $18 million APY. Fries received this deal after a season ending injury as well. A 5 YEAR DEAL!! Five years worth of money going to someone with injury concerns. The Seahawks reportedly offered about $16 million APY for 3 years which is a reasonable contract, so it’s not like they didn’t try.
So while Fries isn’t worth it, the Seahawks definitely need to sign at least one top OL in the free agency period. There aren’t any stars but there are some solid players such as Teven Jenkins and Mehki Becton. They need to sign one or both of these players. Then they can draft another OL in the first 3 rounds. Tate Ratledge and Jared Wilson are an excellent options.
Summary:
Seahawks fans should not freak out about Geno, DK, or Tyler but instead look to the future. The Seahawks have not been close to contention in over a decade and it is time for a change. Despite missing on Will Fries they can still add OL in the draft and in the rest of free agency. Geno Smith is really not that good and DK was ready for a change of scenery. Tyler Lockett being cut was no surprise. Overall, I like the direction the Seahawks are headed in and they should be an exciting team to watch in the draft.
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