Seattle Seahawks 2024 NFL offseason primer: Mike Macdonald era begins with questions on defense — and maybe at QB
Seattle Seahawks' 2023 season: 9-8, missed playoffs
Overview: The Seahawks missed the postseason in what proved to be the last year of Pete Carroll's head-coaching tenure, starting well but digging too deep a hole with a 1-5 stretch from early November to mid-December.
Geno Smith signed a three-year, $75 million extension last offseason and was a Pro Bowler again this year, though his numbers dipped from his breakout 2022 campaign. Seattle's run game dried up, the decorated 2022 draft class stalled and a defense that gave up the sixth-most yards per play and second-most rushing yards in the NFL now has question marks at every level.
Enter new head coach Mike Macdonald, whose work as defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens was universally lauded. Macdonald was one of the top names on the market, and now he'll take the baton from Carroll, who oversaw the most successful period in Seahawks franchise history.
Key free agents
DL Leonard Williams (re-signing)
LB Bobby Wagner
G Phil Haynes
TE Noah Fant (re-signing)
C Evan Brown
LB Devin Bush
Who's in/out: Williams cost the Seahawks second- and fifth-round draft picks when they traded for him midseason, so it made sense for them to agree to re-sign him to a reported three-year, $64.5 million deal. Seattle is also reportedly bringing back Noah Fant on a two-year deal. Bobby Wagner is a franchise legend but he turns 34 this summer and is reportedly unlikely to return. Seattle also saw LB Jordyn Brooks, QB Drew Lock, G Damien Lewis and TE Colby Parkinson sign elsewhere in free agency.
Key free-agent needs
Offensive line
Linebacker
Defensive line
Safety
Tight end
Why the holes? The Seahawks reportedly decided to part ways with starting safeties Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs as well as tight end Will Dissly. Adams was an impact player and a lightning rod for controversy who struggled to stay healthy. Between the cuts and free agency losses, it's clear Seattle is going through a significant roster reset, particularly on the offensive line and in the back seven of the defense.
Do they have the money?
The unexpectedly high salary cap increase this season helps, along with some key cuts. They’re a projected to be $46.8 million under the cap currently, according to Spotrac, which could be enough to keep make a splash or two in free agency.
Potential notable cuts
DE Dre’Mont Jones
Why they might be gone: Money, money, money. The release of Adams, Diggs and Dissly cleared roughly $24 million in cap money, but the team isn't closing the door on bringing any of those players back. Jones ($18.2 million) is another cap-heavy players who the Seahawks might cut to clear up space. The Seahawks and veteran WR Tyler Lockett reportedly reached a restructured two-year deal.
Draft picks
1st round: No. 16
3rd round: No. 78
3rd round: No. 81 (from Saints)
4th round: No. 117
5th round: No. 152
6th round: No. 192
7th round: No. 235
Good draft fit
Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Why him? The Seahawks need to shore up their interior defensive line, and Newton is one of the few premier prospects at that position in this class, according to Yahoo Sports NFL Draft expert Charles McDonald. Newton isn't bulky or an eye-opening athlete, but he's explosive off the snap and could help new coach Mike Macdonald answer some questions.
What can move the fantasy football needle this offseason?
Seattle’s offense took a step back last season despite adding Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the first round of the draft. Geno Smith went from being a top-five fantasy QB in 2022 to barely top-20 last season. Kenneth Walker, DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Smith-Njigba also all disappointed their fantasy managers. Mike Macdonald replaces long-time coach Pete Carroll in 2024, and while he comes from a defensive background, new OC Ryan Grubb has a history of a highly aggressive passing attack in college. Seattle’s roster on offense should look mostly the same in 2024. The pieces are certainly there for a big Seattle rebound next season – JSN started to emerge down the stretch after suffering a broken wrist just before the season started. Hopefully, the new coaching staff injects some life into the offense. — Dalton Del Don
