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It's that time of the year where teams start prepping their salary cap for 2015 and the result has been a good deal of veteran releases over the past couple of days.
The Colts released DT/DE Ricky Jean-Francois, the Lions dropped RB Reggie Bush, the Ravens released KR Jacoby Jones, and the Cardinals cut KR Ted Ginn. The Packers released LB A.J. Hawk and LB Brad Jones, the Giants released RB Peyton Hillis and DE Mathias Kiwanuka, and the list of cuts grows today as the Eagles released guard Todd Herremans and the Jags released CB Will Blackmon.
So, the natural question that jumped into every single fan's head? Will the Seahawks sign any of these people?
Let's explore that idea:
DT/DE Ricky Jean-Francois
RJF has a visit with the Seahawks lined up and generally speaking is known to be a good 3-4 DE type of player, which translates likely to a base five-technique (strongside end) and nickel interior rusher (3-technique). He was given a four-year, $22 million deal with the Colts that was obviously much too steep for more of a rotational type of talent, and hence, was released two years in. That said, he does have some value as that rotational type, and it's no surprise the Seahawks are interested. He comps out as a bigger version of Demarcus Dobbs, and with Dobbs now a free agent as well, this would be the least surprising signing of all the cuts this week.
RB Reggie Bush
I really don't think this is likely, but if the Seahawks did sign Reggie Bush, I imagine it would be primarily as a pass-catching option out of the backfield and as a kick/punt returner. Obviously, Pete Carroll found copious ways to use him in the USC offense back when they were together there so that wouldn't be an issue, but he's a 29-year old running back and there's already going to be a lot of money being thrown at another soon-to-be 29-yard old running back on the roster. If Marshawn decides to retire this becomes a little more likely, I guess.
KR Jacoby Jones, KR Tedd Ginn
I don't know, I don't see it. That said, if Seattle wants to sign a pure kick returner at the very veteran minimum these guys would be pretty good options. One of these guys would be taking Bryan Walters' spot on the roster or at least competing for it, so it's not out of the question. I'd rather draft a stud kick returner, personally, but that's always a risk. I think that Jones was the better returner this past season.
LB A.J. Hawk and LB Brad Jones
Nope.
RB Peyton Hillis and DE Mathias Kiwanuka
Maybe kick the tires on Kiwanuka, if he's healthy and wants to keep playing. I don't think he's been very effective the past couple seasons.
G Todd Herremans
I could see this. Experienced zone blocking lineman that has started 124 games in his career. If he were signed, he'd be the Eric Winston signing of the offseason. A veteran hedge that is there in case some of the young bucks or draft picks aren't doing what the Seahawks hope they're doing. Herremans missed half of last year with a torn bicep.
CB Will Blackmon
Blackmon recently tweeted out a video of him doing a 40" vert so I guess he's still athletic at age 30, and his experience in the Seahawks' system makes him a potential target. Like Herremans, he'd likely be competition and potential depth at cornerback with all of the injuries the Seahawks have suffered at that spot (plus the likely scenario that they lose Byron Maxwell), so it's worth considering at the veteran minimum.