Seattle, WA

Seattle Seahawks Preview: Outside LBs look to wreak havoc

Published

1 year ago

September 3, 2024

Seattle Seahawks Preview: Outside LBs look to wreak havoc

Every day between now and the Sept. 8 season opener, we at Seattle Sports are previewing each of the Seattle Seahawks’ 11 position groups. Today, we take a look at the outside linebackers.

Rost: What if we’re wrong about Seahawks QB Geno Smith?

Links to our other position group previews will be included here as they are posted: Quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive line, defensive line, inside linebacker, cornerback, safety and special teams.

Roster breakdown

Projected starters: Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe

Projected backups: Dre’Mont Jones, Derick Hall, Trevis Gipson

Offseason summary

Who’s in: Seattle acquired Trevis Gipson from the Jacksonville Jaguars in an Aug. 26 trade.

Who’s out: The Seahawks traded former second-round pick Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears on Aug. 23. Devin Bush Jr. departed in free agency after one season in Seattle and the Seahawks released Frank Clark last December after a brief two-month reunion with him.

2024 outlook

This position group might have a larger gap between its floor and ceiling than any other unit on the team. Much of that is due to the uncertain status of Uchenna Nwosu, who suffered a knee injury in the preseason finale. It’s good news that Nwosu avoided landing on the physically unable to perform list, which indicates there’s a chance he might not miss the entirety of the four-week minimum that’s required by the PUP list. But given how significantly Seattle’s defense cratered after Nwosu’s season-ending pectoral injury last year, it’s imperative that he makes a relatively quick recovery. The other uncertainty is Dre’Mont Jones, who was sidelined for most of the past month with a pair of injuries. However, Jones reportedly was suited up during warmups for Monday’s practice, which is a good sign heading into Sunday’s season opener.

If Nwosu and Jones are both healthy for the long run, this group has considerable potential – especially with the influx of new head coach Mike Macdonald’s cutting-edge scheme, which excels at creatively mixing up pressures to confuse opposing offenses. During his last fully healthy season in 2022, Nwosu had 9.5 sacks. Boye Mafe is coming off a breakout nine-sack campaign. Jones had a bit of an underwhelming first season in Seattle last year, but totaled 18.5 sacks over his previous three seasons with the Denver Broncos. And if 2023 second-round pick Derick Hall can parlay a strong preseason into a breakout second year, this unit could really take off. This group also figures to benefit from a pair of additions at defensive tackle, as rookie first-round pick Byron Murphy II and veteran Johnathan Hankins should help improve Seattle’s struggling run defense and create more pass-rushing opportunities for Nwosu, Mafe, Jones & Co.

Uchenna Nwosu | 6-2, 251 | Age: 27 | 7th year

2023 stats: 2 sacks, 4 tackles for loss, 6 QB hits, 2 forced fumbles (6 games)

Nwosu is expected to miss the start of the season after suffering a knee injury in the preseason finale. It’s unclear how long he’ll be out, but the fact Seattle didn’t place him on the PUP list suggests there’s a chance he could return prior to Week 5. The Seahawks certainly hope he can make a quick recovery, as the past two seasons showed just how valuable he is to this defense.

After spending his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, Nwosu had a career-best 2022 campaign in Seattle, totaling 9.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss. However, his absence was greatly felt last year following a season-ending pectoral injury in Week 7. In the six games he played, the Seahawks allowed 3.5 yards per carry and 6.6 yards per pass attempt. In the 11 games he missed, those numbers skyrocketed to 5.0 yards per carry and 7.7 yards per pass attempt. Nwosu’s health could be one of the most important storylines to follow this fall.

Boye Mafe | 6-4, 261 | Age: 25 | 3rd year

2023 stats: 9 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, 16 QB hits, 1 forced fumble, 6 pass breakups (16 games)

After spending most of his 2022 rookie season in a reserve role, Mafe exploded onto the scene with a breakout campaign last fall. The former second-round pick recorded a team-high nine sacks, while becoming just the third player in NFL history to post at least one sack in seven consecutive games. He also filled the stat sheet with nine tackles for loss, six pass breakups and a forced fumble. However, Mafe’s overall production dropped off in the second half of the season, with just two sacks and two tackles for loss over the final eight games. That mostly coincided with Nwosu’s absence, which enabled opponents to devote more attention to Mafe. With Nwosu expected to return at some point early in the season and a new scheme that could free up more pass-rushing opportunities, Mafe has star potential and could reach double-digit sacks.

Dre’Mont Jones | 6-3, 281 | Age: 27 | 6th year

2023 stats: 4.5 sacks, 5 tackles for loss, 12 QB hits (17 games)

When the Seahawks inked Jones to a three-year, $51 million contract in March 2023, it represented the most expensive free-agent acquisition of the Carroll era. The former third-round pick was coming off a strong first four seasons in Denver, totaling 22 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. However, his debut season in Seattle was somewhat underwhelming, at least relative to his massive deal. Jones posted 4.5 sacks and five tackles for loss, both of which were the lowest since his 2019 rookie campaign.

Jones is a prime candidate to benefit from Macdonald’s versatile scheme, given his ability to play both inside and outside. Last year, Jones primarily played defensive tackle for the first half of the season and then moved outside in the second half, due to Nwosu’s injury and the midseason acquisition of standout defensive lineman Leonard Williams. This year, he’s expected to remain outside for the majority of his snaps. But he’s also expected to move around on more of a play-by-play basis, which could create more advantageous matchups for him to exploit with his versatility. Jones missed most of the past month with a pair of injuries, but was in uniform during warmups for Monday’s practice, according to ESPN’s Brady Henderson.

Derick Hall | 6-3, 254 | Age: 23 | 2nd year

2023 stats: 0 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 5 QB hits, 1 pass breakup (17 games)

Could Hall follow in Mafe’s footsteps and experience a second-year breakout? Like Mafe, Hall was a second-round pick. And like Mafe, Hall played in a reserve role as a rookie last year. Hall didn’t record a sack and he struggled against the run, missing four tackles and posting the worst Pro Football Focus run defense grade among qualified edge defenders. However, Hall did produce three tackles for loss and five quarterback hits. And he flashed this preseason, delivering one sack, eight quarterback hurries and a highlight-reel play where he blew up an attempted block by a tight end. If he can build on his strong preseason showing, Hall might be primed to make a leap this fall.

Trevis Gipson | 6-4, 263 | Age: 27 | 5th year

2023 stats (with Tennessee): 1 sack, 0 tackles for loss, 0 QB hits, 1 forced fumble (8 games)

The Seahawks acquired Gipson in an Aug. 26 trade with Jacksonville as a cheaper replacement for former second-round pick Darrell Taylor, who they traded away just three days prior. Gipson, a fifth-round pick by Chicago in 2020, spent his first three seasons with the Bears. He started 19 games in 2021 and 2022, while totaling 10 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 18 quarterback hits, five pass breakups and five forced fumbles over those two seasons. Then after being released by Chicago, he spent the 2023 season with Tennessee and played sparingly for the Titans, logging one sack in just 76 defensive snaps. He then signed with the Jaguars in March. Gipson could play quite a bit early on, with Nwosu expected to miss the start of the season.

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• When will Seattle Seahawks wear popular throwback uniforms? We now know
• Seattle Seahawks’ Tyler Lockett ready for 10th season — in new system
• Seattle Seahawks Preview: Will deep DL help problems against the run?
• Seattle Seahawks Preview: Can much-maligned O-line take step forward?
• Seattle Seahawks Preview: What will new-look TE group provide?

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MLB Mock Trade: Seattle Mariners Deal Luis Castillo to Atlanta Braves

Published

2 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

MLB Mock Trade: Seattle Mariners Deal Luis Castillo to Atlanta Braves

The Seattle Mariners have had a busy offseason as they try to improve their roster and break through to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. Seattle has been active in free agency and on the trade market. One of their final roster questions is who will serve as the backup catcher behind Cal Raleigh. The Mariners could make one more move before the start of the season to address this need, potentially through a trade with the Atlanta Braves.

The Atlanta Braves are dealing with some serious injuries to their starting rotation this offseason. After an impressive 2025 campaign, Spencer Schwellenbach has been shut down because of bone spurs. Breakout candidate Hurston Waldrep was also shut down during Spring Training with elbow inflammation. Both pitchers underwent surgery in February, leaving two open spots in Atlanta’s rotation. Let’s break down a mock trade centered on Luis Castillo that could help fill those holes for the Braves.

Atlanta Braves – Seattle Mariners Mock Trade

Atlanta Braves receive SP Luis Castillo

Seattle Mariners receive C Sean Murphy, SP Owen Murphy

In this mock trade, the Braves acquire All-Star starter Luis Castillo. In exchange, the Mariners receive former All-Star catcher Sean Murphy and a young pitching prospect in Owen Murphy.

Fantasy Baseball Outlook

Luis Castillo would slot into the Atlanta Braves’ starting rotation behind Chris Sale and Spencer Strider. He has been very effective for the Mariners since they acquired him from the Reds at the trade deadline four seasons ago. In 2025, Castillo went 11–8 in 32 games with a 3.54 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 162 strikeouts. His fantasy value would likely dip if he left Seattle’s pitcher-friendly ballpark. Still, he has proven himself as a reliable, effective starter through consistent performance, and he would play a key role for Atlanta.

With the Mariners, Sean Murphy would serve as the backup catcher behind Cal Raleigh. He would likely see a drop in playing time in Seattle, but this move could also give the Mariners more opportunities to use Raleigh at DH. With the fifth spot open in the Seattle rotation, Emerson Hancock and Cooper Criswell would be viable, experienced options. Alternatively, Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan are elite prospects who have had strong Spring Trainings and could break camp on Opening Day. The young pitching prospect Owen Murphy would also join a talented farm system and provide a future option for the rotation.

VIDEO: Scream Club Seattle keeps growing, midway through first year

Published

15 hours ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

VIDEO: Scream Club Seattle keeps growing, midway through first year

(Story originally posted 8:22 pm, updated 12:32 am)

By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

From a distance, they looked like a regular crowd of people enjoying a nice evening walk on the shores of Lincoln Park. But they were gathered here for a singular purpose: to scream. Since September 2025, the Scream Club Seattle has met at Lincoln Park on every third Sunday to scream, led by head organizer Amber Walcker. No explanation, justification, or invitation to scream is needed – come as you are. “There are some harder emotions people come here to deal with, sure, but some people also just come to scream.” head organizer Amber explained.

Tonight’s crowd showed the club is rapidly growing. From around a dozen or so participants in the first gathering in September, tonight seemed to attract around 40 people gathering to let it all out.

As the sun started to set, and everyone was finally gathered together, the Scream Club was ready to begin.

There are only three screams, organizer Amber explained. The first, she said, is a scream to get used to doing it in public. The second scream is there to ground you. And the final – and longest scream – is there to let you have an emotional catharsis.

She also wanted to make sure people were taking care of their vocal health beforehand. As she told everyone to walk a little bit from the meeting place and start to gather near the shore, she instructed the crowd to hum for a few minutes on the way, to warm up the vocal cords.

With that, the crowd walked towards the shore.

“On the count of one – two – three – scream!” said organizer Amber.

You can see our video of the proceedings here. After the screaming, we talked to a few participants about why they came out.

“There’s not one thing that’s really making me want to scream. There’s a lot of stuff going on for me, a lot of emotional ups and downs. Screaming into the ocean together gives you a sense of community.” said Jessie.

“This is my third or fourth time coming to scream. With the political climate, with everything that’s happening, getting together with local community to scream feels more productive than screaming into the internet on social media.” said Ursula.

“This is my first time coming out.” said Liz. “I screamed after the Seahawks won the Super Bowl, and I really felt something. I realized I’ve been feeling a lot of frustration recently, and it felt like coming here was a healthy way to get it out rather than screaming at your neighbors.”

Organizer Amber recognizes much of what they were saying. “Meeting like this can be an important element to have in your mental health toolbox. It’s rare to have scream therapy.” She shared an anecdote about the therapeutic origins of the group, which originally started with a chapter in Chicago. “The founder was a life coach. Their girlfriend was having a bad day, and they encouraged them to go to the Chicago Pier and just let it out. He walked her through the process, and that was that. Eventually they invited more people to come do it.” She hopes to bring that same therapeutic energy to the practice here. “It’s a moment of emotional release more than anything else. Depending on what’s going on in people’s minds, everyone will come here with a different mindset and purpose. We’re providing a safe space to do that.”

Scream Club Seattle meets at Lincoln Park on the first Sunday of every month, and they are also starting to meet on the third Sunday of every month at Golden Gardens in Ballard. Tentatively, the next events will be in Lincoln Park on April 5th around 6 PM, and Golden Gardens on March 15th around 5 PM. If you’d like to know more, you can find them on Instagram here or look at their future events on their Eventbrite page here.

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Seattle, WA

Detectives Investigating Robbery, Shooting Over $20 Necklace – SPD Blotter

Published

1 day ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Detectives Investigating Robbery, Shooting Over Necklace – SPD Blotter

Seattle police detectives are investigating a robbery and shooting of a 23-year-old man over a $20 necklace in Pioneer Square this morning.

At about 12:40 a.m., patrol officers responded to a shooting in the 500 block of 2nd Avenue. There, they found a victim, bleeding, with a gunshot wound to his right thigh. Police and the Seattle Fire Department treated his injury. Medics took him to Harborview Medical Center (HMC) in stable condition.

Police determined that the victim just left a bar, getting into the passenger seat of his friend’s car, when the suspect, wearing a ski mask and armed with a firearm, approached him and demanded his necklace. They struggled over the item, and the suspect shot the victim in the leg. The shooter fled in a vehicle with the necklace before police arrived. The value of the “chain” is about $20.

Detectives in the Robbery Unit responded to the scene and HMC. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.

Incident Number: 2026-57536

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