Tight End:

2023 current contracts:

Tight End is the one position group that has all starters returning in 2023. This is arguably the strongest position group on the team. Each player brings their own unique traits to create one of the best tight end groups in the NFL. Dissly is the traditional inline tight end in the ilk of Zach Miller, a strong blocker still athletic enough to be a mismatch against linebackers in the passing game and add yards after the catch. Noah Fant has shown to be a sufficient blocker with excellent downfield speed that can stretch the defense in the passing game and sure hands to finish the play. Colby Parkinson has shown tremendous growth, especially as a blocker. Colby’s big 6’7" frame plays an excellent possession role in short yardage and redzone situations in the passing game, he has also shown a knack for working the seams.

The savings to cut Dissly or Parkinson would not yield the funds to adequately replace them, even post-June 1st, and Fant’s 5th year option is guaranteed. The Seahawks may add a late round pick, veteran, or UDFA for some competition and insurance but this group should remain the same in 2023.

2023 projected Training Camp contracts:

Offensive Line:

2023 current contracts:

The Seahawks hit big in the 2022 draft with bookend tackles Charles Cross and Abe Lucas, shoring up the increasingly expensive tackle spots for the next 3 years on rookie deals. Damien Lewis’s game has taken a step forward this year after his move to the left side in an injury plagued 2021, posting a 70 PFF grade. He is a solid starter that really just needs to improve his consistency to take the next step in his game. Lewis earned a performance escalator so his cap hit will be increasing to $3.1M for 2023. Gabe Jackson struggled in 2022 posting just a 54 PFF grade and failed to earn his $8M cap hit, which was the 5th highest on the team. The Seahawks can save $6.5M cutting or trading Jackson. Based on his play this year and the fact the G/C position will be a priority in the draft there’s a legit probability he is moved. Stone Forsythe is a decent back-up that can play both tackle spots. Jake Curhan is a solid back-up that can play guard, right tackle, center in a pinch, and has shown flashes of starting potential. Neither Forsythe or Curhan are assured a roster spot in ’23, but it’s likely they remain for depth at their low cost. The center position is unfilled and should be addressed with a long-term solution after being a turnstile since the Max Unger trade.

Pro Bowl Free Agents: Orlando Brown (T) Notable Free Agents: Ben Powers (G), Nate Davis (G), Dalton Risner (G), Kaleb McGary (T), Isaac Seumalo (G), Isaiah Wynn (T), Mike McGlinchey (T), Ethan Pocic (C), Evan Brown (C), Andre Dillard (T), Bradley Bozeman (C), Garrett Bradbury (C), Conner McGovern (C)

The free agent class of offensive linemen is loaded with starting caliber players and several still young former 1st round picks, it’s impressive. John Schneider will have a large pool to chose from to fill the center position and add quality to the interior of the line. Top end Guards and Centers are in the $8-$10M per year range, while the quality vets will be around $2M-$6M. The Seahawks have the freedom to spend in free agency with the $6.5M savings available in Gabe Jackson’s contract. If they have their eyes set on a player or two, they can go for them.

The 2023 draft class has an average offensive line group. The good news is the best prospects are on the interior. After drafting tackles in the 1st and 3rd in 2022 the Seahawks are not likely to spend much draft capital there, so this review will be focused on the interior. Peter Skoronski, Andrew Vorhees, John Michael Schmitz, Cooper Beebe, O’Cyrus Torrence, Luke Wypler, Sedrick Van Pran, and Jarrett Patterson are all ready to start week 1. Skoronski will be an early 1st, so he’s out, but any of the others could possibly be available for both of the Seahawks’ 2nd round picks. Day 2 & early Day 3 prospects Jaxson Kirkland, Emil Ekiyor, Olusegun Oluwatimi, Zach Zinter, Steve Avila, Nick Broeker, and Ricky Stromberg all are near starters. Being a Sun Devil myself, I was hoping LaDarius Henderson would declare, but he’s on to Michigan for a year, he’s a nasty man!

Gabe Jackson rotating with Phil Haynes is the writing on the wall that the Seahawks are moving on from his massive salary. He turns 32 years old in July and is coming off a poor season. The Seahawks have the draft capital and cap flexibility to bring in long-term quality starters to the center and guard positions, there’s no reason to stay with Jackson. The Seahawks should use one of picks 35, 53, or 84 on an interior lineman and sign a top free agent. My choice would be one of Vohrees, Patterson, Michael Schmitz, or Beebe in the 2nd or 3rd to play center and sign Ben Powers or Isaac Seumalo to a multi-year deal to hold down the other guard spot with Damien Lewis. Dalton Risner and Evan Brown are other excellent options for guard. Getting a quality guard and center would complete the Seahawks offensive line, with improved tackle play it could be a Top 10 line in the NFL.

2023 projected training camp contracts:

Links for other offensive position groups are here:

Quarterbacks - What Geno Smith will cost the Seahawks in 2023 and Seattle's options to fill the QB spots. - Field Gulls

Running Backs - Seattle Seahawks 2023 Running Backs Offseason Outlook - Field Gulls

Wide Receivers - Seattle Seahawks 2023 Wide Receiver Off-season Look-ahead - Field Gulls