Rumors and visits anyone?

[savvyman]

According to twitter it looks like Walter Thurmond is heading to San Francisco tomorrow.

Best unsigned Corner left on the market in my opinion.

[HumanCockroach]

Good, way to much cash for an aging interior lineman, regardless of the guys talent. I'm ok with the Mcdonalds, and Bennetts of the NFL universe. That goes for Allen as well. He wants to win a SB at 5.5 million a year as a situational pass rusher, fine, he wants 3 years 30 million? See ya'...

[RiverDog]

Seattle's pass rush is not only good, it was the BEST in the NFL. Don't get tied up in sack totals guys, Seattle applied pressure to the QB on 43% of all QB drop backs last season, 2nd had something like 31%. They didn't just lead the league, they dominated the league, and did it while seldom blitzing. Sherman isn't going to get 20 million a year thrown at him. It will be in that 10-12 million a year range over 4-5 years ( ie 5 years 57-60 million) and I just doubt it will be somewhere else.

We aren't talking about some idiotic 100 million dollar contract, if some other team is stupid enough to offer it, more power to them, and if Sherman wants the money, and decides he never wants to win, so be it. That amount of money destroys a teams ability to compete, and Sherman knows it.

Not overly worried whether they can resign him.

Our pass rush was chaotic, and I mean that as a positive. It didn't result in a lot of sacks, but it did result in a lot of bad throws and quick decisions that often time turned disastrous for the opposing QB, such as Matt Schwab and Peyton Manning. There was pressure from all angles, making it difficult for OC's to react by holding in a TE here or having a running back chip there. Bennett was a huge factor in our pass rush, as he could go either inside or outside. It was very, very effective. Top that off by the playmakers in our secondary and it's no wonder that this defense was the best in at least the past 10 years, if not longer.

Losing Sherman would hurt big time as he's the heart and soul of our entire team. But the defense seems to be organic in its ability to heal wounds caused by the absence of any single player. I only wish our offensive line was as organic as our defense is.

[4XPIPS]

Breno is on his Way to visit the Jets Per ESPN.

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter 19m

Jets making strong push to sign Seahawks free-agent OT Breno Giacomini, who's on his way to visit team Wednesday

Y.... E.... S....

YES YES YES!

Take this idiot from our team

And just who do we replace him with? Did you see how good our protection was when he was injured this season? It was like feeding time at the zoo.

I don't have a problem letting Breno go as he's not the long term answer at RT so long as we have a plan to replace him, and unless Pete and John see a diamond in the rough, I don't see where we're going to find one. All the top OL's that would represent an upgrade got snapped up on the first day of FA, plus the Whiners just completed a deal for Jonathan Martin, so it's apparent that there's a run on offensive linemen, which may continue right through the draft. Going into the draft in the bottom slot and without a 3rd rounder thanks to the Harvin trade, we are not in the best of positions to draft an OL that can contribute immediately, especially a tackle.

As long as it doesn't hinder our ability to resign our core guys, I want to get Breno back. I don't have a problem letting McQ go as finding a guard in the draft that will be available with the picks we have is more likely than finding a suitable replacement for our starting RT. Next to resigning our key players, upgrading our OL has to be our top offseason priority, and letting a solid starter go without someone in line to replace him is a step in the wrong direction.

RD I would have to say that when healthy or injured the pass protection was horrid. Breno couldn't pass protect to save his life, hence why Russell had to keep running for his life all season. His only benefit was his run blocking. However letting him go was at least a sign to the Hawks that we can make an upgrade from here. Breno is also the most penalized Tackle in NFL since 2012. Sure won't miss that. So why settle for him. This draft has a load of Offensive Lineman Potentials. Morgan Moses of Virginia or David Yankey of Stanford(probably drop to 2nd round). Charles Davis of NFL Network has us possibly getting Xavier Su'a-Filo at 32. Xavier is more of a guard, but is athletic enough to possibly play Tackle. My dream of landing Taylor Lewan won't happen, but I think we have a good chance of filling our Right Tackle need in this years draft.

Not trying to disagree with you RD, but I have always felt Breno was keeping our offense back. Too many bonehead penalties, and poor pass blocking. Plus he also gave up the most sacks as a Tackle in our NFC West Division. But all things considered he is facing top tier DEs, Aldon Smith, Calais Campbell, Robert Quinn/Chris Long That is a tough lineup to face 6 times a year

[Zorn76]

Seattle's pass rush is not only good, it was the BEST in the NFL. Don't get tied up in sack totals guys, Seattle applied pressure to the QB on 43% of all QB drop backs last season, 2nd had something like 31%. They didn't just lead the league, they dominated the league, and did it while seldom blitzing. Sherman isn't going to get 20 million a year thrown at him. It will be in that 10-12 million a year range over 4-5 years ( ie 5 years 57-60 million) and I just doubt it will be somewhere else.

We aren't talking about some idiotic 100 million dollar contract, if some other team is stupid enough to offer it, more power to them, and if Sherman wants the money, and decides he never wants to win, so be it. That amount of money destroys a teams ability to compete, and Sherman knows it.

Not overly worried whether they can resign him.

Our pass rush was chaotic, and I mean that as a positive. It didn't result in a lot of sacks, but it did result in a lot of bad throws and quick decisions that often time turned disastrous for the opposing QB, such as Matt Schwab and Peyton Manning. There was pressure from all angles, making it difficult for OC's to react by holding in a TE here or having a running back chip there. Bennett was a huge factor in our pass rush, as he could go either inside or outside. It was very, very effective. Top that off by the playmakers in our secondary and it's no wonder that this defense was the best in at least the past 10 years, if not longer.

Losing Sherman would hurt big time as he's the heart and soul of our entire team. But the defense seems to be organic in its ability to heal wounds caused by the absence of any single player. I only wish our offensive line was as organic as our defense is.

I'm not sure how much I'd lament Sherman's departure if it meant not having to cough up a 75 mil + contract, with 35 mil+ of it being guaranteed, give or take. Some may say it'd cost even more to keep him, I dunno.

But like I said earlier, I think Seattle would be wise to start grooming his eventual replacement now, rather than be unprepared for our team's biggest s*** talker to jump ship:)

I like Richard, I really do. He's a wonderful player who's heart and fire have been a welcomed change of identity to a franchise that struggled for years before bringing home the Lombardi. But the more I think about it, the more I see ourselves being with out this guy after 2014. Any number of theories on how to replace a player like him. The simple answer is to re-sign but, again, there's a huge cost factor - perhaps even a prohibitive one - especially when you consider that ET and RW are gonna be due themselves, and each of those players can be argued as being more important. In our QB's case, that goes without saying.

Just don't be shocked, fellas. We all want him to stay, I get it, but at what cost?

I'm more about spreading the wealth, myself.

[HumanCockroach]

If he goes, he goes. Same. Thing I said about Bennett, and Tate and any other free agent. IMHO your estimate is VERY high, cornerbacks make good money, but regardless of how excellent Sherman is, just don't see a starting QB kind of salary for ANY CB in the NFL. 10-12 million a year ain't nothing to sneeze at, and Sherman is smart enough to know it. I won't be surprised to see him move on, if that ends up being the case, hell, I never am, nor should anyone else be, just don't be surprised when he doesn't....

[RiverDog]

We have some wonderful players, but we have to keep in mind that most of them are better than they might be without a surrounding talent base. A good example is the effect that Earl Thomas has on the effectiveness of the cornerbacks. Sherman is great, but he does not have to worry about his target going inside. That is Earl and Chancellor territory. Not saying that Sherman couldn't handle it anyway, but it sure makes it easier.

Having a player like Earl will make other corners look pretty good, too. I have similar feelings about Mebane, who allows room for his line mates.

We can gain some momentum by getting a dominant offensive lineman. It is easy to see improvement coming from skill player, like wide receivers or tight ends, but I would prefer to see a little more protection for our QB and some better holes for Beast Mode. We have decent receivers, but we need to have some who mesh well with what our QB likes to look for. Maybe a big WR/TE like Finley or someone similar would make sense.

Absolutely true, and it wouldn't be the first time that a team spent huge money on a player, particularly a defensive player (Albert Hanesworth and Nate Clements come to mind) only to have them fizzle. I could see that happening to Sherman if he went to a team with lessor safeties or a non existent pass rush.

But nothing surprises me anymore, and all it takes is for one happy-go-lucky owner like Dan Snyder to blindly throw money at his team thinking that all it takes is a willingness to spend whatever he happens to have in his pocket and he can buy and he can buy himself a Lombardi. That's why I wouldn't be shocked if someone offered Richard Sherman a starting QB's salary some day, especially given the direction the salary cap...as well as the salary floor...is going. It's almost a near certainty that someone is going to offer more to Sherman than what we're willing to pay to retain him, the only question being whether or not it's a big enough difference to cause him to jump ship.

[monkey]

According to twitter it looks like Walter Thurmond is heading to San Francisco tomorrow.

Best unsigned Corner left on the market in my opinion.

I'd rather have Browner.
Either way, both ex Seahawks...tells you just how deep and talented the LOB is/was. Remember we lost guys before this offseason too, a couple playing in Jax.
Ridiculously talented secondary, it's just stupid to even try to argue against the Seahawks secondary being the GOAT. It is CLEARLY the GOAT, and hands down the GOAT.
We've lost something like four or five guys from the secondary between the last two offseasons and yet we STILL have the best secondary playing right now.
That's just insanely OP and deep. Pete sure knows his secondary!!!

[Eaglehawk]

Seattle's pass rush is not only good, it was the BEST in the NFL. Don't get tied up in sack totals guys, Seattle applied pressure to the QB on 43% of all QB drop backs last season, 2nd had something like 31%. They didn't just lead the league, they dominated the league, and did it while seldom blitzing. Sherman isn't going to get 20 million a year thrown at him. It will be in that 10-12 million a year range over 4-5 years ( ie 5 years 57-60 million) and I just doubt it will be somewhere else.

We aren't talking about some idiotic 100 million dollar contract, if some other team is stupid enough to offer it, more power to them, and if Sherman wants the money, and decides he never wants to win, so be it. That amount of money destroys a teams ability to compete, and Sherman knows it.

Not overly worried whether they can resign him.

Our pass rush was chaotic, and I mean that as a positive. It didn't result in a lot of sacks, but it did result in a lot of bad throws and quick decisions that often time turned disastrous for the opposing QB, such as Matt Schwab and Peyton Manning. There was pressure from all angles, making it difficult for OC's to react by holding in a TE here or having a running back chip there. Bennett was a huge factor in our pass rush, as he could go either inside or outside. It was very, very effective. Top that off by the playmakers in our secondary and it's no wonder that this defense was the best in at least the past 10 years, if not longer.
Losing Sherman would hurt big time as he's the heart and soul of our entire team. But the defense seems to be organic in its ability to heal wounds caused by the absence of any single player. I only wish our offensive line was as organic as our defense is.

I have never in MY LIFE seen a pass rush described the way you just described it. Yet, I agree wholeheartedly.

[NorthHawk]

Another visit.
Apparently Henry Melton formerly of the Bears is in for a visit.
PFT thinks it might work out like Bennett and give him a 1 year contract to show what he has and that the injury is healed.

[c_hawkbob]

I'd lock Melton up for 3 or 4 years, if we can do it with a cap friendly out if he ain't healed right. He's only 27, I'm surprised the market's not stronger for him.

[NorthHawk]

I guess it's the doubt about how well his knee has recovered and if there is much chance of him not being able to perform at his normal level until later in the year.
Much like Clemons, here he wouldn't be pressed into action right away and he could fully heal so by the end of the year he could be at full strength.
I'd like to get him if we can.

[monkey]

I'd lock Melton up for 3 or 4 years, if we can do it with a cap friendly out if he ain't healed right. He's only 27, I'm surprised the market's not stronger for him.

Exactly what I was thinking....heck I just assumed he'd already been signed by now, I'm shocked he's still around! Seriously, I hadn't looked at his name, because I just assumed someone had snatched him up day one.
The guy can play, and at his age, he's EXACTLY the kind of player teams ought to be looking for right now.

[kalibane]

It's kind of funny how scared people are of the ACL thing even though people come back from them all the time now. He was arguably the top FA (until he got franchised) last year but now there is no market for him. I've purposely not mentioned Melton because of some juvenile belief that I could somehow jinx it. But now that other people are talking about it I guess there is no point.

He's been on my radar all offseason. He's more of a 3 technique and they still need a 5 tech to replace Big Red but I don't see how you don't sign him if he's not affordable.

[NorthHawk]

It's kind of funny how scared people are of the ACL thing even though people come back from them all the time now. He was arguably the top FA (until he got franchised) last year but now there is no market for him. I've purposely not mentioned Melton because of some juvenile belief that I could somehow jinx it. But now that other people are talking about it I guess there is no point.

He's been on my radar all offseason. He's more of a 3 technique and they still need a 5 tech to replace Big Red but I don't see how you don't sign him if he's not affordable.

There's almost too much upside to not sign him if they can agree to a salary (provided the medical staff OK him to play).

[monkey]

Well, as interested as I was in Jason Hatcher (now signed with the Redskins) I wasn't even thinking of Melton, becuase like I said, I assumed we'd have no chance...but apparently the market is depressed for him because of the ACL...c'mon Seahawks sign this guy!!! Just do this one! Even if it's on a one year prove it deal like Bennett's was, though I'd MUCH prefer a three or four year deal for him, we know he's solid, the guy's got nothing to prove.

Also, while we're at it, I just got done listening to Real Rob talking about who he thinks would be the perfect fit here, he said Jared Allen, and I agree.
Now I just want them to dial up Jared Allen's number again, he's had time to sit and think and cool down by now...just call him and tell him that we're going after another ring and want to know his ring size in case he doesn't want to retire and wants to play for a REAL team. He would just fit SO darned well here. As would Melton.

The thing I find most interesting this off season so far, aside from the D-Line shuffling, is actually the lack of activity with visits, signings etc... on the Offensive line.
Pete must be more satisfied with Bailey and Bowie then we fans have assumed. There's been literally nothing, no rumors no visits...nothing on the weakest area of the team by far.
I find that a little disconcerting, but at the same time, I am assuming that they have a plan. They must really believe that Bailey and Bowie are ready for the big stage, and/or that they can get a player or two in the draft who can play right away. Still it just strikes me as strange that there has been literally zero movement on the O-line, no rumors, visits...nada.

[NorthHawk]

Well, as interested as I was in Jason Hatcher (now signed with the Redskins) I wasn't even thinking of Melton, becuase like I said, I assumed we'd have no chance...but apparently the market is depressed for him because of the ACL...c'mon Seahawks sign this guy!!! Just do this one! Even if it's on a one year prove it deal like Bennett's was, though I'd MUCH prefer a three or four year deal for him, we know he's solid, the guy's got nothing to prove.

Also, while we're at it, I just got done listening to Real Rob talking about who he thinks would be the perfect fit here, he said Jared Allen, and I agree.
Now I just want them to dial up Jared Allen's number again, he's had time to sit and think and cool down by now...just call him and tell him that we're going after another ring and want to know his ring size in case he doesn't want to retire and wants to play for a REAL team. He would just fit SO darned well here. As would Melton.

The thing I find most interesting this off season so far, aside from the D-Line shuffling, is actually the lack of activity with visits, signings etc... on the Offensive line.
Pete must be more satisfied with Bailey and Bowie then we fans have assumed. There's been literally nothing, no rumors no visits...nothing on the weakest area of the team by far.
I find that a little disconcerting, but at the same time, I am assuming that they have a plan. They must really believe that Bailey and Bowie are ready for the big stage, and/or that they can get a player or two in the draft who can play right away. Still it just strikes me as strange that there has been literally zero movement on the O-line, no rumors, visits...nada.

I said in another thread our FO doesn't put much importance on the OL at all. It's almost like they think they can just throw players in and ignore it.
That attitude is going to get Russell hurt. We are going to be in a position whereby we have our largest salaried player being protected by only serviceable players in front, and that's scary.
With a number of proven OL still on the market, it's concerning their apparent lack of focus on the weakest part of the team.

The only thing I can think they are doing is filling the D in FA and going Offense in the draft. Unfortunately OL takes a while before the players are proficient enough to play well.

[kalibane]

I think it has more to do with the quality of available offensive linemen. All the quality guys got way too much money. It was not a strong FA class, except at Center which the Hawks don't need. I'm wondering if Donald Penn will get a look now that he's been released from the Bucs though.

[THX-1138]

The thing I find most interesting this off season so far, aside from the D-Line shuffling, is actually the lack of activity with visits, signings etc... on the Offensive line.
Pete must be more satisfied with Bailey and Bowie then we fans have assumed. There's been literally nothing, no rumors no visits...nothing on the weakest area of the team by far.
I find that a little disconcerting, but at the same time, I am assuming that they have a plan. They must really believe that Bailey and Bowie are ready for the big stage, and/or that they can get a player or two in the draft who can play right away. Still it just strikes me as strange that there has been literally zero movement on the O-line, no rumors, visits...nada.

I agree. Not just the O-line, but in general. I finally got my SB DVD yesterday and watched the whole thing and was a bit taken aback by the number of guys that are no longer with the team. Which is not to be unexpected of a SB winning team. We all know that the other teams want winners and the guys who have won want to get paid. And I do trust PC and JS.

But it has been far too quiet on the FA front for my comfort. I'm glad I'm not in charge of anything because personally I would start acting out of desperation. We need O-line guys. We need a #1 receiver (Percy should not be that guy. His role is different.) And yes, our secondary is (was?) deep, but it aint as deep as it once was. Neither is our front.

Yeah, I feel a little desperate.

[Steady_Hawk]

I'd lock Melton up for 3 or 4 years, if we can do it with a cap friendly out if he ain't healed right. He's only 27, I'm surprised the market's not stronger for him.

I completely agree with this. I wanted Melton so bad last year and now he's not only available but the market seems dry? At 27 to boot? ACL tears happen every 27 seconds during the NFL season!

Sorry Melton, the door was locked and you're not leaving until you sign the dotted line.

[Zorn76]

Melton has a lawsuit pending, so maybe that factors in...

http://espn.go.com/blog/seattle-seahawk ... e-seahawks

Still, I'd take the guy.

I could just see Pete telling him during the visit, "Don't bite!"

[Steady_Hawk]

Oh crap, it may be possible that Melton......is a Walker.

[Eaglehawk]

Well, as interested as I was in Jason Hatcher (now signed with the Redskins) I wasn't even thinking of Melton, becuase like I said, I assumed we'd have no chance...but apparently the market is depressed for him because of the ACL...c'mon Seahawks sign this guy!!! Just do this one! Even if it's on a one year prove it deal like Bennett's was, though I'd MUCH prefer a three or four year deal for him, we know he's solid, the guy's got nothing to prove.

Also, while we're at it, I just got done listening to Real Rob talking about who he thinks would be the perfect fit here, he said Jared Allen, and I agree.
Now I just want them to dial up Jared Allen's number again, he's had time to sit and think and cool down by now...just call him and tell him that we're going after another ring and want to know his ring size in case he doesn't want to retire and wants to play for a REAL team. He would just fit SO darned well here. As would Melton.

The thing I find most interesting this off season so far, aside from the D-Line shuffling, is actually the lack of activity with visits, signings etc... on the Offensive line.
Pete must be more satisfied with Bailey and Bowie then we fans have assumed. There's been literally nothing, no rumors no visits...nothing on the weakest area of the team by far.
I find that a little disconcerting, but at the same time, I am assuming that they have a plan. They must really believe that Bailey and Bowie are ready for the big stage, and/or that they can get a player or two in the draft who can play right away. Still it just strikes me as strange that there has been literally zero movement on the O-line, no rumors, visits...nada.

I said in another thread our FO doesn't put much importance on the OL at all. It's almost like they think they can just throw players in and ignore it.
That attitude is going to get Russell hurt. We are going to be in a position whereby we have our largest salaried player being protected by only serviceable players in front, and that's scary.
With a number of proven OL still on the market, it's concerning their apparent lack of focus on the weakest part of the team.

The only thing I can think they are doing is filling the D in FA and going Offense in the draft. Unfortunately OL takes a while before the players are proficient enough to play well.

NH I agree. 100 percent. PC is a defense guy and its in RW's health interests that this O line be stout. I don't see that happening no time soon, although the jury is still out and we may see something here in the next few months. Still, the situation so far has me concerned.

[Steady_Hawk]

North,

This year Pete and Bo Duke will shock the draft by moving up in the first round and selecting Greg Robinson, the next Walter Jones.

[monkey]

I think it has more to do with the quality of available offensive linemen. All the quality guys got way too much money. It was not a strong FA class, except at Center which the Hawks don't need. I'm wondering if Donald Penn will get a look now that he's been released from the Bucs though.

I tend to think this is the case as well, the fact is this was a lousy free agency class for O-Linemen, but the problem is, they still HAVE to do something to not just upgrade what we have, but now replace Breno as well. A bad line just got thinner and it's looking like the only way to fix it, is through the draft...I do NOT like that! Not even a little bit!
I get never over spending, especially on free agents of this caliber. Good idea, I agree, but man...unless there is still a free agency signing in the works that I haven't considered we're going to be forced into relying on the draft to fill a need. I'd probably feel a lot better about that, if we hadn't had so many misses already in the draft on the O-Line.
As for what's left in free agency, I've looked hard, and the names all pretty much suck...Breno was probably the 7th best overall linemen in this free agency, and everyone better is long gone.

[kalibane]

mmmm I don't know I don't think I'd consider Breno much better (if better at all) than some of the guys out there.

For instance take Michael Oher. He's probably at worst the equivalent of Breno in a vacuum, and he has more natural talent. I might have opted to keep Breno over Oher given a choice but that would be based purely on the fact that keeping Breno = consistancy, not because I think Breno is better. I also think Donald Penn is a better option in a vacuum.

The thing about linemen is it's one of those position groups where vets always tend to be released through the offseason. It's a very good Oline class in the draft. I fully expect that there are teams holding onto vet players as insurance but will cut them loose sometime after the draft once they have secured rights to the younger (cheaper) talent.

I won't get overly stressed out about the situation unless training camp starts rolling around and they still haven't done anything. Until then I'd much rather them be patient rather than overpaying for guys that don't represent meaningful upgrades.

[monkey]

Not sure if you've kept up on this but Michael Oher is a below replacement level player and has been for a while now. He has talent, but he isn't using it, and his on field play stinks.
He's so much worse than Breno. Seriously FAR worse. He is a name because of a movie, and because of people's memories of what could have been with him because of one good season and a first orund draft status, which he has BADLY failed to live up to for the most part.
It's possible he could still get his act together, and actually live up to his billing, but his play just is in fact, a lot worse than Breno's right now.

As a Seahawks fan though I wouldn't expect you would know all of that, the only reason I do is because I've spent a lot of time reading football outsiders, and some stats sites specifically comparing linemen...otherwise I would have still been under the impression that Oher is a good player...he's most definitely not though.

Still I get what you're saying, I see the point you're making, and I want to agree... I just think that because you've seen Breno do so many stupid things penalty wise, and because of the times he's gotten badly beat, (those memories really stick out!) it's possibly causing you to downgrade him a bit further than is really warranted. (Just a guess mind you and I am possibly projecting, because I know that when I get down on a player on the Seahawks for boneheaded penalties, I tend to really downgrade him!)

Truth be told, last season Breno did a much better job overall blocking AND cut down on stupid penalties quite a bit, to actually put together a relatively decent year. Not great by any stretch but probably not as bad as most of us think of when remembering Breno.

[NorthHawk]

They haven't even made a play for anyone.

The only T that's left is probably Zach Streiff if not Oher.
How about Guards? We need help there, too but the FO is busy circle jerking about DL.
I can't believe they didn't even bring some players in to take a look at.
In the mean time we are setting Wilson up to get beat up real bad.
Every team is trying to emphasize the pass rush so with a sub par OL and a target on our backs, we are in for a bruising with a rookie on the OL if they even select one, and some late throw-in draft picks in Bowie and Bailey.

[kalibane]

The Guard market in FA was absolutely terrible. Arguably the weakest position in FA. Almost all the FA guards were really old, not good or Richie Incognito.

[RiverDog]

The Guard market in FA was absolutely terrible. Arguably the weakest position in FA. Almost all the FA guards were really old, not good or Richie Incognito.

Not sure why we wouldn't at least take a flier on Davin Joseph, just released by the Bucs. Former #1 draft choice, 99 starts, made two Pro Bowls. Knee injury must be pretty bad. Same with the OT the Bucs released. Dunno why we aren't bringing in some of those guys for at least a look-see. With McQ unsigned, Breno gone, neither Carpenter or Bowie good enough to start consistently, Okung injury prone...makes you wonder.

[monkey]

We have some wonderful players, but we have to keep in mind that most of them are better than they might be without a surrounding talent base. A good example is the effect that Earl Thomas has on the effectiveness of the cornerbacks. Sherman is great, but he does not have to worry about his target going inside. That is Earl and Chancellor territory. Not saying that Sherman couldn't handle it anyway, but it sure makes it easier.

Having a player like Earl will make other corners look pretty good, too. I have similar feelings about Mebane, who allows room for his line mates.

We can gain some momentum by getting a dominant offensive lineman. It is easy to see improvement coming from skill player, like wide receivers or tight ends, but I would prefer to see a little more protection for our QB and some better holes for Beast Mode. We have decent receivers, but we need to have some who mesh well with what our QB likes to look for. Maybe a big WR/TE like Finley or someone similar would make sense.

So many good points there OBS.
You're exactly right about what Earl does, (and Kam as well for that matter), absolutely.
You're absolutely right about Mebane as well, and that's something that most fans completely overlook because ESPN has sold us all on the importance of sacks so much that we completely overlook more than half the game!
Mebane was (according to several different measures) the best run stopper in the NFL last year. #1 in the whole NFL at any position. (some measures had him ranked lower, but football outsiders for example had him ranked #1 for at least most of the year).
Point is what Mebane did against the run, and with taking on double teams by design, was outstanding, and freed up the pass rushers to concentrate on pass rushing.
Most fans missed that, they had no idea that the trench work Mebane was doing, was a BIG part of why we were so successful at getting QB pressure last year.
Just like Earl Thomas' speed and ability makes the entire secondary work, makes the corners both look better.
It's a TEAM game, sometimes fans forget that.

Great post OBS!

[Anthony]

Well, as interested as I was in Jason Hatcher (now signed with the Redskins) I wasn't even thinking of Melton, becuase like I said, I assumed we'd have no chance...but apparently the market is depressed for him because of the ACL...c'mon Seahawks sign this guy!!! Just do this one! Even if it's on a one year prove it deal like Bennett's was, though I'd MUCH prefer a three or four year deal for him, we know he's solid, the guy's got nothing to prove.

Also, while we're at it, I just got done listening to Real Rob talking about who he thinks would be the perfect fit here, he said Jared Allen, and I agree.
Now I just want them to dial up Jared Allen's number again, he's had time to sit and think and cool down by now...just call him and tell him that we're going after another ring and want to know his ring size in case he doesn't want to retire and wants to play for a REAL team. He would just fit SO darned well here. As would Melton.

The thing I find most interesting this off season so far, aside from the D-Line shuffling, is actually the lack of activity with visits, signings etc... on the Offensive line.
Pete must be more satisfied with Bailey and Bowie then we fans have assumed. There's been literally nothing, no rumors no visits...nothing on the weakest area of the team by far.
I find that a little disconcerting, but at the same time, I am assuming that they have a plan. They must really believe that Bailey and Bowie are ready for the big stage, and/or that they can get a player or two in the draft who can play right away. Still it just strikes me as strange that there has been literally zero movement on the O-line, no rumors, visits...nada.

I said in another thread our FO doesn't put much importance on the OL at all. It's almost like they think they can just throw players in and ignore it.
That attitude is going to get Russell hurt. We are going to be in a position whereby we have our largest salaried player being protected by only serviceable players in front, and that's scary.
With a number of proven OL still on the market, it's concerning their apparent lack of focus on the weakest part of the team.

The only thing I can think they are doing is filling the D in FA and going Offense in the draft. Unfortunately OL takes a while before the players are proficient enough to play well.

NH I agree. 100 percent. PC is a defense guy and its in RW's health interests that this O line be stout. I don't see that happening no time soon, although the jury is still out and we may see something here in the next few months. Still, the situation so far has me concerned.

It has me concerned as well, not just for his health, but for his desire and future here, RW wants to be the best, that is hard to do when you are running for you life or have noone to throw to, and only get to throw 20 times a game. What we do this off season could go a long way to decide if we can keep RW.

[Steady_Hawk]

Fingers crossed! We will hear about Jarred Allen and Henry Melton soon as it seems the Cowpies may be their last visit and they only have 7 Mil to play with. I think we sign both unless Dallas gives Melton some insane back loaded contract with a crap load of guaranteed money.

[monkey]

Fingers crossed! We will hear about Jarred Allen and Henry Melton soon as it seems the Cowpies may be their last visit and they only have 7 Mil to play with. I think we sign both unless Dallas gives Melton some insane back loaded contract with a crap load of guaranteed money.

I doubt seriously that we sign both, but I bet we sign one. My best bet is, we get Melton.
If Allen signs with Dallas, then I'd almost guarantee we'll get Melton because Dallas cannot afford them both. (Neither can we though.)
If Allen doesn't sign with Dallas though, then he might actually retire, we can't give him the money he wants, and probably should get, but he MIGHT be willing to take a little less to play for a shot at a ring. I have my doubts, but you never know.

Right now I think our best shot at getting one of them is Melton. Of course he might also be Dallas' best shot at signing one of the two as well....

[Steady_Hawk]

Monkey,

I noticed that Mebane is making close to 6 Mil this year with almost no cap hit if released. Is he a 3 tech guy as well or is he the 1 tech? I wonder if Melton would be worth letting Mebane go?

[NorthHawk]

Letting Mebane go would be a huge leap of faith in both Melton's ability and his surgically repaired knee.
Mebane was one of the best interior DLinemen in the NFL last year.

[savvyman]

Looks like Melton has signed with the Cowboys.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/446081118547087360

[monkey]

Huh...well there goes that.
It's understandable though as he's from that area and really wanted to be there.

[HumanCockroach]

Fine, only a one year deal, good news is, as he struggles on Dallas this year rehabbing and getting right, he pushes his cost down, Hawks can get him next season for less, and he will actually be ready to contribute. Let Dallas waste their meager cap space..... LOL.

[Steady_Hawk]

I think we still have enough money left to give Thomas a long term extension and probably offer Jarred Allen a 6.5-7 Mil one year deal. I still would love to have him on our D-line.