The Seattle Seahawks pulled off a huge trade for Jimmy Graham at the start of free agency and now the team may focus on a contract extension for Russell Wilson, as they have already signed Marshawn Lynch and Cary Williams, while players like Dwayne Bowe, Kenny Britt, Michael Crabtree, Jake Long, Cecil Shorts and Terrance Knighton could be free agent targets.
The Seahawks filled a huge need at tight end, but in the trade they had to give up Max Unger and a first round pick and that could lead the team to sign another offensive lineman. Unger played center and that leaves a hole for the team and they also lost James Carpenter to the Jets and with names like Jake Long, Joe Barksdale and Rob Sims on the market, one of those players could be an option. According to ESPN.com, the Seahawks have signed Cary Williams and re-signed Marshawn Lynch to a new deal this offseason before adding Graham in the trade.
Lynch signed a contract after tons of speculation about his future and now the team can concentrate on other areas. According to ESPN.com beat writer Terry Blount, the Seahawks may look at Dwayne Bowe, Michael Crabtree, Jake Long, Cecil Shorts and Terrance Knighton as free agent options, but they likely won't splurge after bringing in Graham. Blount writes that the team likely would have chased Jordan Cameron if the Graham deal didn't happen, but now they don't need another starting tight end.
Crabtree has had his issues with the team, but coming off of a down season could mean a lower price and that could make him fit for the Seahawks after they got rid of Percy Harvin. Jake Long could be an option with the offensive line losing a couple players after his release from the Rams, while Cecil Shorts could be a fit as another depth option at receiver. Bowe is coming off of a disappointing run with the Chiefs and he could be released (Pending still, per reports) after the team signed Jeremy Maclin and also could be a target.
Russell Wilson could get a contract extension soon and NFL.com reports that the deal could come fully guaranteed. Lynch previously said he was going to consider retiring, but head coach Pete Carroll did not buy those rumors. Lynch has proven to be one of the most valuable players in the NFL and he is one of the main reasons why the team has been successful over the past few years. During the season ESPN reported that Lynch would likely not be back with the Seahawks and could be released, but all that has changed since the season ended.
Lynch has had plenty of wear and tear on him over the past few seasons, including in 2012-13 when he had over 600 carries. Lynch was down to 280 this season from 301 last year, but he was able to gain more yards and also had more touchdowns. The past two seasons Lynch has had 25 touchdowns and in the past four years he has gained over 1200 yards and scored at least 10 touchdowns each season. Lynch has been the driving force for the Seahawks over the past few years and that is why they got a deal done.
