Analysis: Revisiting Quarterback Trade Options For Seattle Seahawks

The heavy lifting of free company is properly within the rearview mirror and so is the draft, however whereas it is assumed the Seahawks have made their stance on the quarterback place clear, the potential of including one other signal-caller continues to be a significant matter of debate. 

Following the discharge of undrafted rookie free agent Levi Lewis on Friday, Seattle’s quarterback room is now right down to the trio of Geno Smith, Drew Lock and Jacob Eason. Smith is reportedly the chief in that group proper now, thanks largely to his familiarity with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s system. Nevertheless, given the earlier observe data for every of the aforementioned passers, the staff’s ceiling seems strikingly low regardless of which one goes underneath heart this fall. 

Therefore the timeless discourse revolving across the commerce market, which was lately strengthened by the report that Seattle stays concerned in discussions with Cleveland for former No. 1 draft alternative Baker Mayfield. However Mayfield is not the one quarterback who may nonetheless be moved earlier than the common season formally kicks off on September 8.

Let’s revisit the Mayfield scenario and take a look at two different quarterbacks that could possibly be of curiosity to normal supervisor John Schneider and firm.

Baker Mayfield, Browns

There are fairly just a few transferring items right here, however the relationship between the Browns and Mayfield is so fractured at this level that it is just about unimaginable to examine it lingering into the season. Judging by his public feedback within the aftermath of the commerce that introduced Deshaun Watson to Cleveland, Mayfield seems neither serious about taking up a backup position with the group nor spot-starting within the occasion Watson is suspended by the league—and all events are absolutely conscious of that.

The Browns, fairly frankly, have put themselves in a extremely disadvantageous spot with this case. Mayfield’s $18.8 million in assured wage has been the largest hangup in negotiations, and inquiring groups maintain all of the playing cards as a result of Cleveland is sure to that quantity if it fails to commerce him. The staff will nonetheless need to eat some cash even when a deal is agreed upon, however how a lot is the largest query right here and, if it is reluctant to fork over a major amount of money, it could need to sweeten the pot with a draft choose. 

Based on the OverTheCap.com, the Seahawks have simply $6.3 million in efficient wage cap area proper now. That quantity, nonetheless, will develop to $11.4 million when the discharge of defensive finish Carlos Dunlap goes into impact on June 1. Releasing working again Chris Carson, who could also be unable to play once more after struggling a severe neck harm final 12 months, would add one other $4.6 million to the tally. However even then, that also would not be sufficient to cowl Mayfield’s wage, so the monetary side is very essential for Seattle in these negotiations. 

Ryan Tannehill, Titans

Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers