Good morning, 12s.
Here's a look at what's "out there" for today - Monday, March 14 - about your Seattle Seahawks:
Free Agency Review
In case you missed it last week, the Seahawks agreed to terms on new contracts with defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin, cornerback Jeremy Lane, wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and punter Jon Ryan. Players Seattle lost to the NFL's open market include linebacker Bruce Irvin, defensive tackle Brandon Mebane, and offensive linemen J.R. Sweezy and Alvin Bailey.
Here's a look at what national media members are saying about the Seahawks' involvement in free agency to date:
Greg A. Bedard at SI.com is grading every free-agent deal, giving Seattle an 'A' for both the re-signing of Kearse and Lane:
On Kearse: *Seattle kept one of Russell Wilson's most clutch targets on a three-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. This is a big move for Seattle, which dramatically improved its passing game last year. And with running back Marshawn Lynch retired, the Seahawks might need more punch in the air. *
On Lane:* Lane showed his value with how the secondary played after he was injured in the Super Bowl against the Patriots, until he returned late last season. A good, hard-nosed player, and I'm guessing Seattle got a good deal, which was reported by Ian Rapoport, considering the injuries.*
Bill Barnwell at ESPN.com is also doling out marks for every free-agent deal, and gives the Seahawks' re-signings of Kearse and Lane a B-plus:
On Kearse: Kearse doesn't have a lot of untapped potential at this point, but his rapport with quarterback Russell Wilson and the low risk of the deal make it a win-win.
On Lane: Given that the floor for Lane is probably as a nickel corner, and the Seahawks play in a division with Bruce Arians and the Cardinals, that's a very solid deal. And if Lane does take that step forward and emerge as a starting cornerback, this would be a long-term deal at a very team-friendly price for Seattle.
Pete Prisco at CBSSports.com is a little tougher with his free-agency grades, but calls the deals for Kearse, Lane, and Rubin "good moves."
The Skinny: They suffered two big hits, losing guard J.R. Sweezy and linebacker Bruce Irvin. But both can be replaced, especially for a team that drafts well. They also lost defensive tackle Brandon Mebane. Bringing back receiver Jermaine Kearse, corner Jeremy Lane and defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin were good moves. They didn't sign one player from another team.
C: Losing players is always tough to handle, but that's what happens to good teams.
Gregg Rosenthal at NFL.com labels the Seahawks one of his "winners" of free agency's first week, primarily because the club stayed out of the spotlight:
The Colts and Dolphins were among the offseason champions last year. That's why we wanted to send a little love to the teams that stayed quiet this week, taking care of their own players, looking for bargains and waiting for price tags to come down in the market: Fear not, Patriots, Seahawks, Packers, Colts and Ravens fans.
Tweet Of The Day
Today's "Tweet of the Day" comes from NFL Now, which wishes fans happy Pi Day, the annual celebration of the mathematical constant.
More From Around The Web
The Seahawks were awarded three compensatory picks in the 2016 NFL Draft, bringing their total number of selections to nine.
Quarterback Russell Wilson announced his engagement to Ciara.
And Kevin Seifert at ESPN.com ranks the NFL's top free agents remaining and puts left tackle Russell Okung at No. 2.
