Do the Seattle Seahawks have an issue at linebacker? Well, there is not necessarily an issue at the top of the depth chart with both Ernest Jones and Tyrice Knight returning from last season. However, the depth behind Jones and Knight have looked underwhelming up to this point in the preseason. And with Knight potentially not being ready for the start of the regular season, that could become an issue. That all begs the question, does Seattle need to add to the linebacker room before the start of the regular season? This author says yes.
Behind Jones and Knight, the Seahawks have a few returners (Patrick O’Connell, Drake Thomas, Josh Ross, and Jamie Sheriff), though Sherriff is new to the position this offseason. Seattle also has two newbies (D’Eryk Jackson and Alphonzo Tuputala). Of these depth pieces, Thomas, O’Connell, and Ross are the players who have gotten at least some play time in regular season games, but all of O’Connell and Ross’ snaps have been on special teams. Meanwhile Sheriff, Jackson, and Tuputala are some intriguing names that could be fun to develop on the practice squad.
Despite the intrigue that Seattle has at linebacker, if Tyrice Knight is unable to start the regular season, would Seattle be comfortable starting any of these depth pieces in week one against the San Francisco 49ers? Unfortunately, barring a trade or waiver claim, Seattle may be forced to.
Would Seattle be willing to give the reigns to a starting linebacker spot to either Thomas or O’Connell? Or would they be better off looking for another linebacker off of waivers this year, or via trade? The other option is to play Nick Emmanwori at linebacker. The second round safety has lined up seemingly everywhere, including many snaps at linebacker.
If Seattle would be interested in any linebackers, the best options may be if a player becomes available via waivers. Though some names could be trade options, it would not make much sense for Seattle to give up draft capital for a player who would be primarily a depth piece, and, at most, would spot start in Week 1 or down the line. That draft capital would be better kept for other trade options (like Trey Hendrickson or Micah Parsons.)
Some potential waiver claims (if they end up becoming available) could be names such as Chad Muma of the Jacksonville Jaguars or Mark Robinson of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Both Muma and Robinson are entering their final years of their rookie contracts, which would give even less incentive for their current teams to keep them. If either gets cut, or if another unnamed linebacker gets cut, Seattle may need to take a look at claiming them and adding them to the 53-man roster.
Hopefully Tyrice Knight will be healthy enough to play against the 49ers. However, it is the job of a general manager to always be ahead of the inevitable injuries. And if linebacker depth is not where it needs to be, John Schneider may need to make a move or two to at least give stiffer competition to the current second and third string linebackers.