Expectations for the Seattle Seahawks no longer start with the playoffs. Shipping Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos has changed everything.
Seattle has downshifted into a roster rebuild, but is not without some pieces that could make them competitive in waves, is not a sneaky contender in one of league’s most rugged divisions.
Training camp location: Renton, Washington
Virginia Mason Athletic Center
Rookie report date: July 26
Veteran report date: July 26
Key acquisitions: TE Noah Fant, QB Drew Lock, CB Artie Burns, C Austin Blythe, DT Quinton Jefferson, LB Uchenna Nwosu, LB Joel Iyiegbuniwe
Key losses: QB Russell Wilson, LB Carlos Dunlap II, DE Kerry Hyder Jr., TE Gerald Everett, CB D.J. Reed, LB Bobby Wagner
Geno Smith is no Russell Wilson, but some great receivers in Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf could help the offense produce. Tight end Noah Fant came over from Denver as part of the Wilson trade, along with Drew Lock, who could take the back seat to Smith after losing his starting job in Denver to Teddy Bridgewater last season.
Kenneth Walker III could play a large role in the backfield in his rookie season, linking up with Rashaad Penny to pose a formidable threat in the running game. Aside from the quarterback situation, the Seahawks are in position to be better nearly everywhere else on offense and even spent a first-round pick on an offensive lineman.
Linebackers Uchenna Nwosu and Joel Iyiegbunjwe are set to be starters in their first season in Seattle, and Quinton Jefferson further improves the front seven. The defensive additions made up for most the departures — losing Bobby Wagner definitely changes a lot — but it’s safe to say that Seattle isn’t a team that opponents are just going to be able to roll over.
–WEEK 1 IN FOCUS
Seahawks vs. Broncos, 8:15 p.m. ET
Line: Broncos -5.5 (FanDuel)
Total: 42.5
Seattle won’t have to wait long for a reunion with its former quarterback, as it takes on Russell Wilson and the Broncos in the first Monday Night Football game of the year. Preventing Wilson from getting a win against his now-former team will be no easy task, especially under the brightest lights on national television.
–EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
If you’re feeling adventurous, the Seahawks sit at +540 odds (FanDuel) to make the playoffs ($100 bet would net $540 profit). This offense has the chance to surprise people, and Seattle could be a team that flies under the radar and locks down a Wild Card spot by the end of the regular season.
–Field Level Media