Who is replacement for Baldwin?
In early May, the Seahawks made Doug Baldwin’s departure official, saying they were terminating the contract of the receiver because of a failed physical designation.
After battling injuries last year and having three surgeries this offseason — one to his knee, shoulder and abdomen — it’s hardly surprising that the wear and tear had begun to show for Baldwin.
Originally signed by the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2011, Baldwin had been a key piece of Seattle’s offense and a favorite target of quarterback Russell Wilson.
Wilson will now have his choice of new weapons, as the Seahawks picked up three wide receivers in the draft for the first time since 1981. DK Metcalf, Gary Jennings Jr., John Ursua and rookie undrafted free agent Jazz Ferguson will all compete for Wilson’s time.
When the Seahawks traded up to select Metcalf with the final pick of the second round, they knew they were getting an elite athlete.
What they have come to learn is how his route-running, football IQ and motivation to succeed are well above what many others had predicted, making him a potential star.
The Seahawks are known as a run-first offense, and even after Baldwin’s retirement the team still returns Lockett, David Moore and Jaron Brown to a quietly excellent receiving core.
Lockett, a four-year veteran, remains the obvious choice to step up into the slot.
“I mean I’m just ready for whatever,” Lockett told reporters during OTAs in June. “I played on the outside my first four years. I’ve been playing in the slot every now and then when we put Doug on the outside. So for me it’s all about just being able to further my game wherever I’m at.
“Wherever I’m at, it’s all about trying to get open or get other people open. And that’s what it’s all about.”
Lockett finished 2018 with a career-best 57 receptions for 965 yards and 10 touchdowns. But, perhaps, the best is yet to come.
“So I want to be able to master every single thing,” Lockett continued. “So whether it’s me on the outside, I’m going to get the biggest DB in the world, I want to make sure I maximize that opportunity. When I’m in the slot, maximize that opportunity. If they put me at running back and give me a sweep or something, I’ll make sure I do that. Special teams, do that.”
Is Wilson worth his mega-contract extension?
Speaking of Wilson, the Seahawks now have their franchise quarterback locked and loaded through 2023 after agreeing to a contract extension making Wilson the highest-paid player in the NFL.
But Wilson didn’t come cheap, costing Seattle $140 million over the four years of the deal, including a $65 million signing bonus, $107 million in guaranteed money and a notrade clause.
Extending Wilson has other roster ramifications as well, as evidenced by Seattle’s decision to trade defensive end Frank Clark to the Chiefs ahead of the draft. The Seahawks will still need to find a way to extend linebacker Bobby Wagner and defensive lineman Jarran Reed.
Wilson was a steal as a thirdround rookie selection in 2012, but his current price tag has the Seahawks scrambling to put effective options around him.
Supported by a revamped offensive line and stout run game, Wilson should now have the pieces in place to earn his keep.
Despite having over 100 fewer passing attempts than in 2017, Wilson still posted a ridiculous 35-7 touchdown/interception ratio last year, along with a career-high 110.9 passer rating.
Can Collier replace defensive end Clark?
After parting ways with Clark to net extra draft capital, Seattle selected defensive end L.J. Collier with the Chiefs’ original No. 29 overall selection in the first round.
While the rookie had an impressive season and shined at the Senior Bowl, replacing Frank Clark will be no easy task. And even if Collier is able to excel in his first season in the league, Seattle will also have to rely on others to help with the load.
Ezekiel Ansah signed a oneyear contract with Seattle after an injury-riddled 2018 season with the Lions. He still demonstrated an elite ability to get to the quarterback, however — a skill he has long held, as evidenced by his 48 career sacks. His experience will make him an immediate contributor for the Seahawks as long as he can stay healthy.