The Seattle Seahawks had a much better-than-anticipated 2022 season. Many thought that the franchise was heading to a rebuild after the moves that they made in the offseason. It was a fair assumption as franchise quarterback Russell Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos and linebacker Bobby Wagner was released.
Alas, the players and coaches had a different plan in place. Not only did the team not rebuild, but they also thrived, going 9-8 and earning a Wild Card spot. Now, heading into the 2023 offseason, Seattle is in a great position to upgrade the roster and take that next step.
The Seahawks have a good amount of cap space to spend with a projected $31.3 million. Figuring out what to do with Geno Smith will be their first order of business as he put together a Pro Bowl season in his first chance to start since 2014 with the New York Jets.
It is widely expected that Smith will return to the franchise he has called home the last three seasons and be the starter in 2023 again. Once that is cleared away, they can turn their focus to upgrading the defense in hopes that it can reach the level of production that the offense has.
Seattle was gashed by opponents on the ground last season as they were the 30th-ranked rush defense. They surrendered 4.9 yards per rush, which was 26th in the league as well. With two key players in Poona Ford and L.J. Collier hitting free agency, things could be even worse in 2023.
That is unless the Seahawks can make a big splash. Could they come together on another blockbuster trade with the New York Jets three years after acquiring safety Jamal Adams from Gang Green?
This time, a suggested dream trade target for the Seahawks is Jets All-Pro defensive tackle, Quinnen Williams. Williams, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, is entering the final year of his rookie contract and is seeking a massive extension.
That isn’t something that the Jets can currently fit into their budget as they are in the market for a veteran quarterback. Until he lands an extension, Williams will not be present at spring workouts. No early extension talks could also lead to Williams asking for a trade so that he can cash in as soon as possible.
If that occurs, the Seahawks have the assets to make a very competitive offer. With two first-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, Seattle would be able to include at least one of them in a package for the Alabama star. They also own the Broncos’ second-round pick, so including one of the two they have could be on the table as well.
On top of that, the Seahawks have the money available to sign Williams to the kind of extension he is seeking that the Jets cannot currently do. Having a star in the front seven with Tariq Woolen locking down the secondary would greatly improve Seattle’s outlook defensively.
