The Seattle Seahawks are coming off of a tough Super Bowl loss and heading into free agency, the team may target names like Randall Cobb, Jeremy Maclin, Jordan Cameron, Shane Vereen, Cecil Shorts and Torrey Smith as options on offense and this comes as the team has to prepare to pay players like Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner.
The Seahawks also are dealing with Marshawn Lynch's situation and his future remains up in the air. According to Pro Football Talk, GM John Schneider has said he wants Lynch back and that he is waiting to see what Lynch decides about next season. Recent reports have Lynch mulling retirement, but if he works out a new deal with the Seahawks he likely will put that off. Earlier this season there were reports that the Seahawks were ready to move on from Lynch, but that appears to be off the table now.
The Wilson contract is the biggest thing coming up for the Seahawks and that is one reason why they may not splurge on free agent deals. CBS Sports reports that Ndamukong Suh wants to sign with the team in free agency, but with him reportedly looking for a $100 million deal, the Seahawks likely will not be able to bring him in without a major pay decrease from that. Wilson, according to ESPN.com, could command a deal worth $20 million per season and could have over $60 million guaranteed. Wilson has been to the playoffs all three years of his career and has made it to two Super Bowl games.
With that all in mind, the Seahawks will have some money to play with, but it likely will not include signing names like Suh or Demaryius Thomas. The team has a need at wide receiver, and the team is expected to have around $25 million in cap space depending on who they cut once the off-season starts. The team likely will look at B-name options, including Jordan Cameron, Torrey Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Cecil Shorts. The Seahawks also could look at running backs to come in to backup Marshawn Lynch, including Mark Ingram, CJ Spiller or Shane Vereen.
Maclin or Cobb could be very interesting options if they don't ask for too much money, as Russell Wilson could use an explosive player on offense. Percy Harvin was traded due to his attitude issues and so far it seems like Maclin and Cobb do not have any of those problems. The money will be the main issue for those two, but adding either player would be huge for the Seahawks. Maclin is coming off of a career year along with Cobb and both players put up career best numbers in 2014. Smith and Shorts could be solid options as well, as they have been productive when healthy and will be considerably cheaper than those two.
One area to watch for the Seahawks is the tight end position, as those players likely will cost less than receivers. While Julius Thomas would be a huge addition, the money issue will come up with him after making 24 TD catches the past two seasons combined. Cameron is a strong target, as he is coming off of a disappointing season and reportedly is interested in leaving the Browns. Vereen also could be an option as a third down or pass catching back.