Over the past few days, the Seattle Seahawks added several potential depth pieces in free agency.
Salk: Why the Seahawks have made a bet they can’t lose
They signed safety and special teams stalwart D’Anthony Bell, who recorded two interceptions and more than 1,000 special teams snaps for the Cleveland Browns over the past three seasons. They signed veteran tight end Eric Saubert, who has made 19 starts over an eight-year NFL career. And they signed former WSU Cougars standout wide receiver River Cracraft, who has appeared in 53 games over his seven-year NFL career.
There’s no guarantee those three players end up making the Seahawks’ 53-man roster. And they certainly don’t garner anywhere near the attention of Seattle’s bigger-name additions earlier in free agency – quarterback Sam Darnold, edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence, and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
But to former NFL quarterback Brock Huard, even the Seahawks’ recent depth signings follow a consistent theme. As Huard explained during Tuesday’s Blue 88 segment on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk, it’s become clear that head coach Mike Macdonald & Co. are placing an emphasis on physicality and toughness.
“When I look at this in totality – back to Demarcus Lawrence, the way Cooper Kupp plays wide receiver – it’s very clear, this is (Seahawks coach) Mike Macdonald being like, we’re going to be a violent, hard-to play-against, physical team,” Huard said.
“There’s not really been an addition made that’s a finesse kind of guy. Maybe you say Valdez-Scantling, because he’s just a straight-line speed dude, but that guy’s physical (too).”
As Huard pointed out, Macdonald is trying to create the same sort of tough, physical, hard-nosed identity in Seattle that was on display in Baltimore during his time as the Ravens’ defensive coordinator.
“You always say, don’t show me with your words; show me with your actions. Pay off what you say you want to do by actually doing it,” Huard said. “And I was told very early, this (team) is going to be in the image of Mike Macdonald.
“And you know what he wants? Baltimore tough. You know what he wants? Baltimore physical. You know what he wants? Baltimore bully. And I think a lot of these additions absolutely check that box.”
Listen to the full Blue 88 segment at this link or in the audio player near the middle of this story. Tune in to Brock and Salk from 6 to 10 a.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.
Seattle Seahawks coverage
• Should Seattle Seahawks trade up in first round of NFL Draft?
• Huard weighs in on outside-the-box Seattle Seahawks trade idea
• Bump reacts to DK Metcalf’s comments about Seattle Seahawks
• Huard: An area where Seattle Seahawks OC can help Darnold improve
• Huard on Seahawks Draft: What would be an ‘A’ and an ‘F’ at No. 18