The Seattle Seahawks turn the page on a historic era as they enter the 2024 season without Pete Carroll at the helm for the first time since 2010. Carroll’s impact on the franchise is undeniable, crafting a period of sustained success that nearly dethroned the Patriots’ dynasty. His energetic leadership and his gamble on Geno Smith as Russell Wilson’s successor were bright spots in recent years. However, ownership opted for a fresh start, ushering in the Mike Macdonald era.
Seattle Seahawks Offseason Recap
Macdonald, a highly regarded defensive coordinator from Baltimore, arrives with a new coaching staff and a mandate to implement new schemes on both sides of the ball. This will undoubtedly lead to a shift in player prototypes and priorities compared to the Carroll era. While John Schneider remains as General Manager, providing a critical link to the Seahawks’ successful past, the overall identity of the team is set for a significant transformation.
Whether the Seahawks can recapture their winning ways with a new approach will be a storyline to watch throughout the 2024 season. One thing remains certain: Schneider, despite the coaching change, will undoubtedly be aiming for the same result – a return to the Seahawks’ status as a perennial contender.
Seattle Seahawks Effective Salary Cap Space
(how much a team will have to spend after signing at least 51 players and its projected rookie class to its roster.)
$873,203 (per OverTheCap.com)
Seattle Seahawks Pending Free Agents
Player | Pos. | Type | Snaps | Age | Current APY | Guarantees |
Quandre Diggs | S | SFA | 97.10% | 31 | $13,000,000 | $13,490,000 |
Jamal Adams | S | SFA | 43.60% | 29 | $17,500,000 | $21,000,000 |
Phil Haynes | LG | UFA | 42.00% | 29 | $4,000,000 | $3,490,000 |
Jason Peters | RT | UFA | 20.60% | 42 | $1,165,000 | $0 |
Nick Bellore | LB | SFA | 1.20% | 35 | $3,300,000 | $2,300,000 |
Bryan Mone | IDL | SFA | 0.00% | 29 | $5,517,500 | $1,500,000 |
Seattle Seahawks Offseason Decisions/Positional Needs
Defense
The Seattle Seahawks’ defense faces a significant makeover this offseason. Starting linebackers Bobby Wagner (Commanders) and Jordyn Brooks (Dolphins) departed in the early days of free agency. Jerome Baker (Dolphins) and Tyrel Dodson (Bills) were signed to backfill their roles, but it’s a step down in talent at both spots. Following the departures of veterans Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams, Rayshawn Jenkins (Jaguars) and K’Von Wallace (Titans) were signed and should play prominent roles in the back half for Mike Macdonald.
The defensive line remains a work in progress as well. The Seahawks re-signed Leonard Williams, solidifying one starting spot. They also added Johnathan Hankins from Dallas to clog the middle and solidify a defensive line that struggled immensely last season.
Drafting a talented edge rusher could be a priority, while free agency offers a chance to find versatile veterans to shore up the interior. With a new defensive scheme under coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks have a chance to rebuild their defense, but they’ll need to address these key positions to find success.
Offense
The Seattle Seahawks offensive line faces a significant makeover this offseason. Guards Damien Lewis and Phil Haynes, along with center Evan Brown, are all on their way out, leaving a void on the interior. This opens the door for Seattle to potentially revamp this unit around young tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, entering their critical third season.
While the offensive line woes contributed to a dip in offensive production last year – despite the addition of first-round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba – optimism surrounds the unit. New offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s history suggests a return to an aggressive passing attack. With healthy offensive linemen protecting Geno Smith and a talented receiving corps featuring Smith-Njigba, the Seahawks offense has the potential to climb back toward the league’s upper echelon in 2024.
2024 NFL Draft
Seattle Seahawks Draft Picks by Round
The Seattle Seahawks entered the offseason with a second-round pick, but their aggressive pursuit of defensive tackle Leonard Williams from the Giants changed their draft landscape. While they surrendered that pick to bolster their defensive line, the Seahawks did recoup some lost capital by acquiring an extra third-rounder from the Denver Broncos in a previous trade.
Further maneuvering occurred on the second day of the league year when Seattle acquired quarterback Sam Howell via a trade with the Washington Commanders. The Seahawks shipped out picks #78 and #152 for Howell, a fourth-round pick (#102), and a sixth-round pick (#179). While they lack a second-round selection, the Seahawks have managed to accumulate additional picks in the later rounds, providing some flexibility in the upcoming draft.