Seattle, WA

What are the Seattle Seahawks doing? 3 possible explanations

Published

2 years ago

March 15, 2024

Press Room

What are the Seattle Seahawks doing? 3 possible explanations

Does anyone understand what the Seattle Seahawks are doing? If so, I’m all ears. Because I confess that I do not.

Seattle Seahawks Offseason Tracker: Free agents and more

That isn’t to say that I think what they are doing is bad. Far from it. In fact, I am relatively happy with each of the individual moves they’ve made thus far this offseason. But taking them all as a group and trying to determine what it tells us about their future plans? I could sure see this going in a few directions.

As we finish up the first week of free agency, the Seahawks have re-signed two starting players (defensive lineman Leonard Williams and tight end Noah Fant), signed two new assumed starters (safety Rayshawn Jenkins and linebacker Tyrel Dodson), and signed/traded for four assumed backups, albeit key ones (tight end Pharoah Brown, quarterback Sam Howell, and offensive linemen George Fant and Nick Harris).

There have been some other moves around the periphery with contract tenders and, of course, all of the players who were released, but that’s the crux of what they’ve done.

Unfortunately, there is no obvious thread running through those decisions other than my assumption that these players better fit both general manager/president of football operations John Schneider’s view of how to apply the salary cap resources and new head coach Mike Macdonald’s style of play. But it’s fair to say that this group represents an attempt to get a lot of complimentary and depth pieces rather than marquee, building block talents.

If we can agree on that generality, the next question is why?

I have three possible answers.

1. The Seahawks believe they are really close to contending for a Super Bowl.

In this scenario, they believe in a championship nucleus that was held back by its coaching staff, especially the coordinators over the past few years. They believe their young talent will flourish with new leadership and that quarterback Geno Smith is good enough to distribute the ball to the playmakers around him.

If indeed the Seahawks see themselves as close to the top, the moves they’ve made serve to fill in the missing depth pieces they need to take the final step while still leaving a little dry powder in reserve for post-cut and in-season additions and adjustments.

There is reason to believe this is their plan. They have kept their top talent, played to their quarterback’s strengths without adding his obvious replacement, and spent serious money on an older player (Williams) who makes a difference right now.

2. The Seahawks don’t believe they can contend in 2024 and are readying for 2025 and beyond.

We’ve all seen how quickly turnarounds can happen in the NFL. With the right young quarterback, a good draft class, and some open cap space, even a moribund Texans franchise appears to have gone from league embarrassment to legitimate contention in just over 12 months. Would the Seahawks be willing to follow this model?

If so, they would still need to fill out their roster, because they really didn’t have enough players to get to 53, but without long-term commitments. Well, none of the deals they signed have been for longer than three years and a good portion of them are really more for just one or two. They are giving themselves an opportunity to test these players in the system and see who is deserving of a larger role once the window truly opens. And it’s worth mentioning that the major cuts they made at the start of the offseason (Jamal Adams, Quandre Diggs, Will Dissly, etc.) were all designated pre-June 1, meaning the entirety of their dead money cap implications would be felt in 2024 rather than pushing half to the following year.

On the other hand, this certainly doesn’t feel like a team looking to strip itself down to the studs trying for a top pick in an upcoming draft. There is still plenty of talent and high quality players that could be dealt to add draft capital.

3. This is just how John Schneider prefers to handle free agency.

This is largely unsatisfying because it doesn’t offer us much in the way of a roadmap, but his philosophy has always been to stay away from megadeals in free agency, and this year appears no different.

We can argue about its merits, but it is Schneider’s way. Last season, Dre Jones became maybe the only first-wave, top-tier free agent of the Schneider era, and it’s hard to say after one year that that the return on that investment would convince him to follow that path again.

Even in seasons when cap space was bountiful, Schneider has seemingly preferred five nickels to one quarter. Remember 2020 when he passed on tackle Jack Conklin in favor of linemen Mike Iupati, Cedric Ogbuehi, BJ Finney, Brandon Shell and Chance Warmack? The 2024 group seems a lot younger and more talented, but the history is still on the side of spreading the wealth rather than paying for premium talent in free agency.

Based on what we’ve seen so far, I believe all three of these potential explanations could be true, though admittedly the third could be paired with either of the first two to explain this approach to team building. Frankly, I would be pretty excited about either of the first two options because they would represent a clear vision for where this franchise needs to go.

Perhaps we’ll get more clarity in the upcoming weeks and through the draft. But for now, I remain curious and optimistic that changes are being made.

More on the Seattle Seahawks

• Why did Seahawks trade for QB Sam Howell? GM Schneider explains
• Bobby Wagner reuniting with former Hawks coaches on Commanders
• Huard: Free agency showing why Seahawks won’t trade DK Metcalf
• With Lewis gone, Bumpus expects Seahawks to draft UW lineman
• Seattle Seahawks lose Jordyn Brooks to Miami, Damien Lewis to Carolina

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Seattle, WA

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 34 things to know

Published

10 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 34 things to know

(Friday night, off Harbor Avenue; WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)

Happy Saturday! First, a transportation note:

WATER TAXI’S NEW SCHEDULE: The spring/summer schedule for the West Seattle Water Taxi starts today, including extra weekend daytime runs, and later night runs on Saturdays (starting tonight) and Fridays (starting next Friday), as previewed here.

Now the other Saturday highlights, as usual mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar (if we’re missing something, text info ASAP to 206-293-6302):

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you’re invited to join the Saturday 8 am free group run – kicking off the second day of 16th-anniversary weekend (see below).

FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your weekend, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).

SCHMITZ PARK IVY PULL: Join Schmitz Park Creek Restore, A Cleaner Alki, others to help save the park’s trees by pulling invasive ivy, 9:30-11:30 am. (56th SW and SW Spokane)

INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER CELEBRATES 16 YEARS: Second day of anniversary weekend, open 10 am to 5 pm – “discounts, raffle drawings, Hawthorne Chair massage, Lake Washington PT and Hidef PT on site at various times during the weekend. Call ahead for specific questions on scheduling: 206-938-0545.” (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor)

DONATION DRIVE FOR FARMWORKERS: Plant starts, tools, supplies needed for community garden – dropoff donation drive 10 am-1 pm today and tomorrow at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

WEST SEATTLE NURSERY OPEN HOUSE: Spring open house 10 am-2 pm at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor), featuring bees, books, and a new grower!

COMPOST GIVEAWAY: 10 am to 2 pm or while it lasts, bring your own bucket/shovel to Westcrest Park P-Patch (9000 8th SW) for free compost, as previewed here.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, new Saturday hours 10 am-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).

SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)

DAHLIA TUBER SALE: 10 am-3 pm, prolific gardener’s overflow for sale. (4557 51st Place SW)

SINGALONG BRUNCH SOLD OUT: 10 am weekends at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – today, Taylor Swift edition, and it’s sold out. Table Reservation for future dates includes a Brunch Buffet! (2306 California SW)

GAME ON FOR KIDS! NAT’L BOARD GAME DAY: Kids are invited to celebrate by playing games at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am-3:30 pm.

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am today – free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group resumes today – details including location are in our calendar listing.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), for families with kids up to 5 years old.

ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Second one of the season! 11 am, leaving from the Log House Museum (61st SW and SW Stevens).

FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-3 pm, no appointment needed, with United Way and West Seattle Food Bank at WS Community Resource Center (6516 35th SW).

PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN HAIRCUTS: 11 am-3 pm at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), Little Shop of Hairdos is cutting hair for 50+ at whatever price they can pay, no appointment necessary, proceeds donated to the center.

FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Community visitors welcome noon-3 pm at the West Seattle Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard).

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

COMMUNITY NOTARY DAY: 1-3 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), no registration required.

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), singer-songwriter John Shaw. Free, all ages.

‘WALDEN’ AT ARTSWEST: First weekend continues for ArtsWest‘s new play, 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 California SW)

MUSIC AT KENYON HALL Feral Songwriters in the Round at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm, all ages.

CLASSICAL GUITAR CONCERT: 7:30 pm at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd SW and SW Juneau), renowned guitarist Michael Partington will present music by Portland (OR) composer Bryan Johanson to celebrate his 75th year,

MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Pale People, Henry Mansfield, Cats with Bowties, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MUSIC AT TIM’S: Far Reaches, The Unsundered, Guilded Lilly at Tim’s in White Center, 8 pm, all ages. (16th SW & SW 98th)

REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm, Soul Focus FM. (4547 California SW)

SKATE PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Sing with Rone at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

Have a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar, where listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Seattle, WA

Seattle Mariners snap 5-game skid with 9-6 win over Astros

Published

22 hours ago

April 11, 2026

Press Room

Seattle Mariners snap 5-game skid with 9-6 win over Astros

SEATTLE (AP) — Randy Arozarena hit his first home run of the season and drove in three runs as the Seattle Mariners beat the Houston Astros 9-6 on Friday night to snap a five-game losing streak.

Seattle Mariners 9, Houston Astros 6: Box Score

Houston, meanwhile, dropped its fifth straight game and sixth out of seven.

With the game tied 3-3 in the fifth inning, Arozarena turned on an elevated fastball from Houston reliever Ryan Weiss (0-1) and hit it to left field for a two-run shot. It traveled 426 feet, and was Arozarena’s first regular-season home run since Sept. 9.

Seattle increased its advantage with a four-run seventh inning, which included a run-scoring double by Dominic Canzone and an RBI single by J.P. Crawford. It was the first run Crawford drove in this season after starting the year injured.

The Mariners took their first lead of the game in the opening inning as Astros starter Tatsuya Imai struggled to find the strike zone. Imai, who signed a three-year, $54 million contract this offseason after spending eight seasons with the Pacific League’s Seibu Lions, made it through just one-third of an inning against Seattle.

Houston had two big innings against Mariners starter Emerson Hancock (2-1) and the rest of Seattle’s bullpen. Astros catcher Christian Vázquez, who slotted into the No. 9 hole in the lineup, hit a two-out, bases-loaded double off Hancock that scored three runs. Left fielder Yordan Alvarez added a three-run home run in the eighth inning off right-hander Cole Wilcox.

Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz walked two hitters and allowed the tying run to come to the plate, but induced a game-ending groundout by Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña to secure his first save of the season.

Up next

Mariners RHP Luis Castillo (0-0, 2.79 ERA) faces Astros RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (1-0, 3.27) on Saturday in the second game of the four-game series.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• Seattle Mariners prospect Anderson dazzles again in 2nd pro start
• Salk: Two things about struggling Mariners are true at once
• Three encouraging things MLB insiders said about the Seattle Mariners
• Ex-Mariners OF called up by Astros before series in Seattle
• Brendan Donovan working through ‘growing pains’ at 3B

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Seattle, WA

New Music You Shouldn’t Miss – The Stranger

Published

1 day ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

New Music You Shouldn’t Miss – The Stranger

Lucha Luna
Brilla Brilla
(Self-Released)

One of Seattle’s most interesting new groups, Lucha Luna consists of vocalist Eva Vazquez and percussionist/synth manipulator Thomas Arndt. You may know Arndt as percussionist for exceptional eclecticists Day Soul Exquisite and Vazquez for her time in Toxic Tears and Savi. On their debut album, Brilla Brilla, they team up for a tantalizing fusion of reggaeton, punk, cumbia, and EDM.

In a 2024 Slog post on Day Soul Exquisite, Arndt revealed their immersion in Brazilian music, and the intro to opening track “Ritmo Eternal” appears to contain an arresting riff on berimbau, a single-stringed Afro-Brazilian instrument that produces a wonderfully warped twang. Eventually, a beautifully eerie keyboard melody sparkles over a menacing yet celebratory rhythm and synth bass, as Vazquez sings in Spanish with steely resolve. Throughout these seven songs, she’s a commanding presence on the mic, ranging from punkish agitation to heart-fluttering featheriness. “Manzana Prohibida” is as exhilaratingly tense as PiL circa Metal Box, as Vazquez sings with a gripping urgency. On “Camino por la Noche,” unusual, metallic percussion timbres and ill Roland 303 blurges cohere into a vibrantly dirge-y cumbia white-knuckler. With its superb dynamics and arrangements, interesting array of instruments, and extranjero percussive timbres, “Camino por la Noche” exemplifies Lucha Luna’s specialness.

A lot of Latin-diaspora music sounds cloyingly cheerful (I know, it’s a me problem), but Lucha Luna add a welcome degree of edginess and distortion to these styles. They excel at threading post-punk darkness with Latin American rhythmic sabor. There just isn’t much in Seattle that sounds like Lucha Luna. ¡Respeto!

Black Viiolet
Dark Blue
(Adrenalin Fix)

Nicole Laurenne plays organ and sings with the Darts, a femme-powered Seattle quartet who kick garage rock into vibrant new life with fishnet-stocking-clad legs, as evidenced by their new album, Halloween Love Songs. But moonlighting as Black Viiolet, the multi-instrumentalist/songwriter goes off on a radical tangent into torch-song trip-hop.

Like an American Amy Whitehouse fronting a jazz-loving Morcheeba, Black Viiolet traipses into familiar territory, but she imbues Dark Blue’s songs with alluring mystique and lyrics informed by the ache of being away from your new lover while you’re doing something you love, i.e., touring. Laurenne wrote these 13 tracks in the Darts’ van while on the road, and you can feel the longing in them. Absence makes the words burn brighter.

Laurenne’s nuanced singing—which would make the late David Lynch stub out his cigarette with gusto and pay close attention—dominates, but her deft keyboard playing and beatmaking elevate the music to the top 10 percent of this overcrowded field. Drummer Gregg Ziemba, double bassist Evan Strauss, trombonist Basile Conand, trumpeter Jean-Gatien Pasquier, and saxophonist Paul Cadier fill out the noir-ish portraits with restrained, impressionist daubs and a soupçon of funk. The result makes any listener feel way more sophisticated and rich than they have a right to. Even Dwarves’ notorious hell-raiser Blag Dahlia appears on vocals and arrangement on a remix of the elegantly lubricious “One” and can’t break the enchanting spell.

Seattle-area musicians can send music to NewSeattleMusic@TheStranger.com for possible coverage.

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