Finding Free Agents: Breshad Perriman would fit into the Seahawks’ wide receiver corps perfectly

In our 2020 iteration of Finding Free Agents, we’ll attempt to answer three questions for each player: Why would the Seahawks be interested? What would their contract look like? What is the likelihood they reach free agency? Throughout the series, we’ll be focused on specific positions of need in Seattle: Wide receiver, offensive line, defensive tackle and EDGE.

Breshad Perriman spent the first three seasons of his NFL career utterly lost. One could be forgiven for writing off the former first-round pick ahead of his age-26 season, spent with the Buccaneers—his third team already—in 2019. But sometimes, all a player needs is the right situation. Perriman found just that in Tampa Bay, with Bruce Arians’ air assault offense and surrounded by two truly elite talents in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Playing just over half of the offense’s snaps last season, Perriman set career highs in receptions (36), yards (645) and touchdowns (six). His penchant for big plays seemingly finally delivered, with Perriman finishing tied for fourth in the league in yards per catch at 17.9. Now, the one-time draft bust will hit free agency with a career salvaged.

Why would the Seahawks be interested?

The idea of Perriman and Seattle is one that makes a lot of sense for both player and team. For the Seahawks, they could use another big-bodied perimeter receiver, and at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, Perriman is just that. Perriman uses his size well downfield, hauling in a number of contested catches in 2019. Paired with DK Metcalf, Perriman would offer Seattle another physical wideout who can get over the top of defenses at any moment.

Perriman’s NFL career was saved by finding the perfect fit, in a Tampa Bay offense that threw downfield consistently. Jameis Winston finished first in the NFL in completed air yards last season with 3,249; Russell Wilson was fifth with 2,402. With the Seahawks, Perriman would be able to continue running go, drags and post routes, stretching defenses and creating explosive plays for his team.

What would Perriman’s contract look like?

Perriman signed a one-year deal last spring worth $4 million, with just a few games of promise behind him, so he should see a bump this time around. Unless the Buccaneers or another team come in with a secure multi-year deal, however, Perriman should again seek a one-year deal in order to replicate his ‘19 performance and land a long-term deal next offseason.

For Seattle, a one-year deal between $5-7 million would be good value. It would provide Wilson with another downfield threat, without tying up money nor snaps long-term, should the Seahawks pick a wide receiver high in this year’s draft or eye one in free agency next spring.

Will Perriman reach free agency?

Tampa Bay has a tremendous amount of cap space—nearly $80 million—but a few big name players on expiring deals. Most notably, Winston; even if they move on, that position will surely be addressed with a high-priced free agent (such as Philip Rivers). Beyond Winston, Shaquil Barrett could fetch upwards of $20 million per year; Beau Allen and Carl Nassib are valuable rotational pieces along the defensive line. Extensions are on the horizon for Godwin and Lavonte David, too. The Bucs can’t afford to be too loose with their cap room.

That being said, for as great of a fit as Perriman would be in Seattle, the same could be said for Tampa Bay—as evidenced. If they can make the money work, both player and team should be open to running back a successful 2019. Presuming he hits free agency, however, the Seahawks should be interested.