Good morning, 12s. Here's a look at what's happening today – Wednesday, April 14 – for your Seattle Seahawks.
NFL.com Resets The NFC West After Busy Offseason
The NFC West was the toughest division in football last season. Three teams finished with at least eight wins (matching the AFC North's total), and the fourth team (49ers) was 6-10 after making the Super Bowl the year prior.
Unlikely as it may sound, the division might actually be even better in 2021. The Cardinals added J.J. Watt and A.J Green. The Rams have a new quarterback in Matthew Stafford. San Francisco will get a number of players back from injury and has the No. 3 overall pick in hand. The Seahawks, meanwhile, traded for Gabe Jackson and signed key free agents Kerry Hyder Jr. and Gerald Everett, among others.
Over the last two weeks, NFL.com has been running a series of stories resetting each division's rosters before the upcoming draft. Last on their docket was the NFC West, which writer Adam Maya wrote about Wednesday. After calling it the "NFL's most competitive division," Maya did a deep dive on each of the four teams.
Seattle Seahawks
Maya listed Gabe Jackson as Seattle's biggest addition, saying "At the very least, he provides exactly what his new QB is asking for. Jackson has allowed one or fewer sacks and two QB hits or less in five of the past seven seasons, including 2020."
Shaquill Griffin was Seattle's biggest loss, according to Maya: The price tag for Griffin (three years, $44.5 million) seemed excessive and was ultimately out of Seattle's budget. But his departure still stings."
The Seahawks' top draft priority is offensive line, Maya believes: "The rushing offense has been trending downward for two years and pass protection remains porous. It's not a total lost cause, however. Left tackle Duane Brown is still solid as he enters his age-36 season, and guard Damien Lewis is coming off a promising rookie campaign. With Jackson holding down the other guard position, the Seahawks have two spots that need immediate attention."
Here's a look at our division rivals, according to Maya:
Arizona Cardinals
Biggest addition: Former Raiders center Rodney Hudson, who the Cardinals acquired, along with a seventh-round pick, in exchange for a third-round pick.
Biggest loss: Outside linebacker Haason Reddick, who signed a one-year deal with the Panthers after posting a career-high 12.5 sacks in 2020.
Top draft priority: Cornerback, as the Cardinals lost former All-Pro Patrick Peterson to the Vikings in free agency.
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest addition: Former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who the Rams acquired in exchange for Jared Goff and three future draft picks.
Biggest loss: Safety John Johnson, who signed a lucrative four-year deal with the Browns following a breakout season.
Top draft priority: Offensive line, where Maya says the Rams are seeking long-term solutions at center and right guard.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest addition: Former Falcons center Alex Mack, a six-time Pro Bowler who signed a three-year deal with San Fran after five seasons in Atlanta.
Biggest loss: Cornerback Richard Sherman, who remains unsigned at this time following an injury-riddled 2020 campaign.
Top draft priority: Quarterback, as Jimmy Garoppolo continues to battle injuries and the team holds the No. 3 overall pick in a draft loaded with QBs.
Social Post Of The Day
Tyler Lockett with some words that will make every Seahawks fan happy after signing his latest contract extension:
More From Around The Web
Seahawks.com reporter John Boyle previewed the top NFL draft prospects at offensive line and defensive line.
Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times compiled a roundup of Seahawks-centric mock drafts from different media outlets.
John Clayton of 710 ESPN Seattle pondered K.J. Wright’s future and whether or not a return to the Seahawks is possible.
Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune on Tyler Lockett, who said Tuesday he wants to retire as a Seahawk.
A look back at some of the best photos of Seahawks punter Michael Dickson from the 2020 season.
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson warms up before the game.
Seattle Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) warms up before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, October 25, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
Seattle Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4) punts the ball during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Sep. 20, 2020 in Seattle. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
