The Seahawks are looking to add a wide receiver to complement Jaxon Smith-Njigba before Tuesday’s trade deadline, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Smith-Njigba, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, has picked up right where he left off this season. He has 1,036 receiving yards through nine games (115.1 per game), putting him on pace for nearly 2,000 on the year. The 24-year-old also leads the league with nine touchdowns and 51 first downs through the air.
But the Seahawks’ second-leading receiver is Cooper Kupp (22 catches, 238 yards, two touchdowns), followed closely by tight end AJ Barner (23 catches, 210 yards, one touchdown). Rashid Shaheed, who was acquired from the Saints before last year’s deadline and re-signed in Seattle for $17MM per year this offseason, has been a major disappointment. The 28-year-old speedster has just 163 yards on 16 catches in his seven appearances this year despite playing nearly half the team’s offensive snaps when healthy.
Adding receiver depth will not solve the Seahawks’ current quarterback woes, but it will give Sam Darnold a better supporting cast if he can return after the team’s Week 10 bye. He is averaging 211.1 yards per game and 7.0 yards per attempt with a 79.5 passer rating – all significant drops from his last two seasons – and his 4.3% interception rate is a career-high. Improved offensive line play once the Seahawks’ offensive line has fully integrated Quenton Nelson will help, but Darnold will need another target beyond Smith-Njigba to propel the passing game.
As usual, there are several wideouts on the market and several teams circling them. Interestingly, three of the top names are all in the AFC South. The Colts’ fire sale seems likely to include Josh Downs, especially considering his trade request; his current teammate, Keenan Allen could be a cheaper veteran option. The Brian Thomas trade talk could finally end if the Jaguars look to restock some draft capital after executing blockbusters for Jessie Bates and Jordan Davis. The Titans may also be willing to move Calvin Ridley, though clubs may scrutinize a recent incident at the Nashville airport.
The Seahawks are 5-4 in a tough NFC West, but the reigning Super Bowl champions are betting on a second-half rebound with better injury luck and, potentially, a new wide receiver.