The Seahawks have a chance to bolster a few positions before the season starts. Let’s take a look at some of those options.
Nobody can’t become thrilled when we discuss transactions, in my opinion. Although the Seattle Seahawks don’t have a lot of draft money, there’s a chance we could envision a trade that would bolster some vulnerable spots. Never forget that nothing has a set price, thus all of the information provided is only an estimate, and the scheme’s forecast is taken into consideration.
Malcolm Koonce, EDGE, Las Vegas Raiders
During his first two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, Malcolm Koonce was relatively disappointing after being drafted in the third round out of Buffalo. He recorded just two sacks in his first two years in the NFL, but in 2023, he had his long-awaited breakout year with 43 tackles and 8 sacks.
Now, the Raiders are in a tough spot, as Koonce is heading into the final year of his new contract. With Las Vegas selecting Tyree Wilson (a commonly mocked pick for Seattle in the 2023 Draft) with the seventh overall pick in the draft, and Maxx Crosby already being the clear leader at the position, Koonce could be traded before he hits free agency in 2025.
Projected Trade Value: 5th/6th round
Chad Muma, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
When the Jacksonville Jaguars selected their second linebacker in the 2022 draft, Chad Muma, it seemed like he and Devin Lloyd would be the future of the position and the defense. However, the former Wyoming player has failed to solidify a starting role in Jacksonville, posting just four starts with just over 60 tackles, 3 pass breakups, and 1.5 sacks in his first two seasons.
Seattle has a lot of questions at inside linebacker, with both starters injured during OTAs. Muma is a safety who transitioned to linebacker and brought with him the ability to cover in zone and process to read the quarterback. He is capable of running the field from sideline to sideline as robust tackling machine.
Projected Trade Value: 6th round
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, EDGE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected edge rusher Joe Tryon-Shoyinka out of Washington with the last pick of the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite his draft status, Tryon-Shoyinka has not lived up to expectations. The Buccaneers have already declined on his fifth-year option and could opt to trade him in 2024 to gain some draft capital.
He has recorded at least four sacks in his first three seasons. Joe is an edge rusher with plenty of raw power who is also solid against the run game. Maybe a change of scenery could make him flourish.
Projected Trade Value: 5th round
Zaven Collins, LB, Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals selected linebacker Zaven Collins with the 16th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. One thing that was highly praised about him was his versatility, so it was to be expected that he would make a good pair with the also versatile Isaiah Simmons, chosen a year earlier at eighth overall.
However, even with two “Swiss Army knives” Arizona was not able to take advantage of them. Simmons has already been traded and Collins, after playing a multitude of different roles on defense, had his fifth-year option declined. Considering these difficulties with the Cardinals, a change of scenery through a trade could make sense for Collins. The big obstacle would be the fact that it would be a trade within the division.
Collins is a guy who was a QB, has an edge rusher’s body and became an inside linebacker. Great reading of the game in coverage and incredibly athletic, which makes him a weapon in the blitz. He still needs to refine himself, but in the hands of a creative head coach, he could yield good results.
Projected Trade Value: 6th round conditional
Matt Judon, EDGE, New England Patriots
Judon was in Baltimore for the first five years of his career, and for these last three he had Mike Macdonald as his position coach. During that time, Judon was also named to two Pro Bowls. I believe that an ILB would be the top priority at the time, but we can take advantage of the opportunity and strengthen the EDGE group. The Seahawks has not made any significant moves in the position. They re-sign Darrell Taylor (please trade him), we have the positional change of Dre’Mont Jones and we brought Nelson Ceaser, who despite being highly rated, was only a UDFA.
Obviously, the biggest problem would be fitting Judon’s $14.6 million cap hit into the little over 8 million that Seattle has available at the moment. While Seattle may give Judon the extension he seeks, however, it is worth remembering that he is recovering from a biceps injury last season. Still, he would be a great addition to the defense. He had 28 sacks in his first two seasons with the Patriots, but that dropped off to four last season in as many games played.
A reunion with Macdonald could make a lot of sense for the 31-year-old edge rusher.
Projected Trade Value: 2025 5th round and 2026 4th round
Was there a name missing from this list?
Who among these names would you like to see in Seattle? Let us know in the comments below
