The returning Super Bowl champs' depth just got a man shorter. Currently in the midst of training camp, the Seattle Seahawks just took on an injury they were hoping not to face. The team announced on Tuesday that backup tight end Anthony McCoy tore his Achilles in practice and would miss the remainder of the season. The loss of McCoy puts the pressure on the remaining roster and could force the Seahawks to make a move in free agency for help.
Losing McCoy is certainly not a huge blow to the overall plan, but certainly puts the pressure on returning starter Zach Miller. McCoy was a sure-fire backup for the Seahawks. With the tight end out, do the Seahawks look towards Jermichael Finley or Dustin Keller as options? According to ProFootballTalk.com's Mike Florio, the Seahawks are not interested in Finley.
Seattle brought Finley in for a workout during the start of free agency, but opted not to sign him. The tight end is still recovering from neck fusion surgery after he suffered what was thought to be a season-ending injury against the Cleveland Browns last season. Finley's agent claims the tight end has been cleared by his personal doctor to begin football related activities, but he has yet to be cleared by any team doctors which is why he continues to sit without a contract.
Florio writes that finances are also an issue. Finley has a $10 million insurance policy. If he signs with a team and then is forced to retire due to injuries, the team must pay him that amount of money. The Seahawks have no interest in that. They are already dealing with contract issues concerning running back Marshawn Lynch and they simply cannot afford to bring on Finley for the same price unless the tight end forgoes his insurance policy.
Another option could be Keller. The tight end is also coming back from a season-ending injury after he tore almost every ligament in his knee in a preseason game with the Miami Dolphins. He too has been cleared by his personal doctor. Keller took a visit to the New England Patriots during free agency but did not sign a contract. He is likely competing with Finley for attention, but Keller does not have the insurance policy, making his contract a little easier to handle. Keller is not a starter, but the Seahawks do not need one. He could be a solid plan B option behind Miller.
For now, it appears the Seahawks will stand as is with their current crop of players. However, there is a lot of unproven talent now behind Miller and if Seattle is not impressed, either Finley or Keller will be around waiting.
