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The departures of Al Woods and Quinton Jefferson have left the Seattle Seahawks with very shaky looking depth on the defensive interior. Jarran Reed and Poona Ford are the top two defensive tackles, then you have second-year players Demarcus Christmas, Bryan Mone, and a few 2020 UDFAs.
Yeah I figured you weren’t too comfortable with that. Even if the likes of L.J. Collier and Rasheem Green are asked to pick up some more interior snaps, depth is a clear issue here.
Seahawk Maven reporter Corbin Smith says that the team has looked to address their defensive tackle position by searching for a veteran free agent. One potential option is former Philadelphia Eagles starter Timmy Jernigan, who never passed a physical and thus never officially joined the Houston Texans on a one-year, $3.75 million deal.
The #Seahawks have been looking into several veteran defensive tackles in recent weeks. With Timmy Jernigan back on the market, I absolutely expect them to take a close look.
— Corbin Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) June 3, 2020
Jernigan’s injury history is a bit of a concern but when he’s on the field, he provides a pass-rushing boost.
This would be a great addition now, especially with the need for a DT.
— Alistair Corp (@byAlistairCorp) June 3, 2020
He is a disruptive pass rusher: Between 2016-19, excluding 3-game 2018, he had 51 pressures and 9.5 sacks. Plus he's a solid run defender.
Agreed to 1 year $3.75M with Houston in April. Likely cheaper now!
Another familiar name who’s known far more as a run-stuffer — the Seahawks run defense has been atrocious for two seasons now, by the way — is Damon “Snacks” Harrison, formerly of the Detroit Lions and both the New York Giants and Jets. According to Smith, Seattle has looked at the 31-year-old, who was first-team All-Pro back in 2016.
Seattle has been active pursuing Damon Harrison - who per sources is speaking with a couple of teams - but Jernigan would be cheaper, younger option if he can pass physical.
— Corbin Smith (@CorbinSmithNFL) June 3, 2020
One thing to note about Harrison is he was contemplating retirement at the end of last season, and sadly for him he’s only been on one playoff team (the 2016 Giants).
Marcell Darius and Mike Daniels are also available, although both of them ended 2019 on injured reserve.
Whomever they sign, the Seahawks really need help at defensive tackle, and I’m sure we’ll get some news on this very soon.