Taking a (likely incorrect) stab at the Seahawks’ 53-man roster

The Seahawks preseason is over following Thursday’s 22-6 win over Oakland. That means cuts are coming, so as many of us like to do, let’s take a guess at the final roster.

Of course, this won’t be dead-on, because even if I nailed Saturday’s cuts perfectly (which I won’t), the Seahawks likely will find somebody on waivers who they like enough to make another couple of moves on Sunday. But what the heck, let’s give it a go anyway:

QB (2)

Keep: Russell Wilson, Tarvaris Jackson

Cut: Brady Quinn

The Seahawks have kept just two quarterbacks in three of the past four seasons under coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider, and there’s no reason to think they’ll use a valuable roster spot on a third QB who isn’t part of the team’s future. The one time they did keep three was to hang onto Josh Portis, who they saw as a potential long-term developmental project.

RB/FB (5)

Keep: Marshawn Lynch, Robert Turbin, Christine Michael, Spencer Ware, Michael Robinson.

Cut: Derrick Coleman

One of the toughest positions to sort out, especially given the situation with Robinson’s mystery virus. Many have speculated Robinson, who is due $2.5 million, could be a cap casualty, and while that’s definitely a possibility, I’ve yet to see a good enough replacement to convince me the Seahawks feel comfortable making that cost-saving move. That being said, don’t be shocked if it happens. If the Seahawks were to cut Robinson, Derrick Coleman would move ahead of Ware in this projection because he’s the better true fullback. Ware will have a hard time getting touches, but has made some plays on special teams and his ability to play fullback in a pinch also makes him valuable. The injury situation on the defensive line could lead to the Seahawks carrying just four in this group.

WR (5)

Keep: Sidney Rice, Golden Tate, Doug Baldwin, Jermaine Kearse, Stephen Williams

Cut: Phil Bates, Arceto Clark, Chris Harper, Bryan Walters

The first four are easy, and while Williams doesn’t have much special-teams value, he’s just been too good for the Seahawks to let him go. Harper, a fourth-round pick, might have had a chance before last night, but two big drops likely will send him to the practice squad.

TE (3)

Keep: Zach Miller, Luke Willson, Sean McGrath, Sean McGrath’s beard.

Cut: Darren Fells, Cooper Helfet.

Hopefully for the Seahawks McGrath’s beard won’t count toward the 53-man roster count. Kidding aside, this is the easiest position group to predict, although it could change if an attractive option hits the waiver wire this weekend.

OL (9)

Keep: Russell Okung, Paul McQuistan, Max Unger, J.R. Sweezy, Breno Giacomini, Alvin Bailey, Mike Person, Lemuel Jeanpierre, James Carpenter.

Cut: Rishaw Johnson, Ryan Seymour, Jared Smith. Michael Bowie to IR

Bowie’s injury sounded fairly serious, so I’m guessing he ends up on injured reserve. The last spot could come down to Johnson and Person, and while Johnson might be better at his primary position, Person’s versatility, as well as his involvement in Seattle’s “jumbo” six-OL packages give him value.

DL (10)

Keep: Red Bryant, Brandon Mebane, Tony McDaniel, Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, Chris Clemons, Jordan Hill, Jaye Howard, Clinton McDonald, Mike Morgan.

Cut: Benson Mayowa, Michael Brooks, Sealver Siliga. Bruce Irvin suspended

The DL/LB numbers are a bit misleading, because with the Seahawks new scheme, it might make more sense to break it up to traditional LBs/pass rushers/big DL, but either way, I see the Seahawks keeping a total of 16 front-seven players, though they could decide to keep one more given the injury situation up front. Clemons could still land on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, freeing up a spot somewhere else, but the fact that he didn’t go on PUP last week, and the way Carroll keeps talking about Clemons makes it sound like he’s close enough to returning that, even if he won’t play in the opener, he’ll be back soon. Mayowa was one of the toughest cuts to make, but it could be an either-or situation with him and Mike Morgan, and while Mayowa has flashed in the preseason, mostly against backups, Morgan is the more complete player.

LB (6)

Keep: K.J. Wright, Bobby Wagner, Malcolm Smith, Allen Bradford, O’Brien Schofield, John Lotulelei.

Cut: Heath Farwell, Ty Powell.

Farwell is one of the Seahawks best 53 players in my opinion, especially when you factor in his special-teams value, but whether anyone likes it or not, a player or two will get cut for money reasons this weekend, and if the Seahawks think Bradford and Lotulelei can contribute, it could cost Farwell a job.

Defensive backs (10)

Keep: Richard Sherman, Brandon Browner, Walter Thurmond, Antoine Winfield, Byron Maxwell, Jeremy Lane, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, Jeron Johnson, Chris Maragos

Cut: Winston Guy, Ron Parker, DeShawn Shead.

Shead is another tough cut, as his versatility to play safety and corner gives him value, and he was also in the mix at KR. He or Parker could be an option if the Seahawks want to save money here by cutting either Maragos or in what would be a bigger surprise, Winfield. Winfield has done everything right, but the play of Thurmond and his ability to make it through camp healthy could make Winfield expendable if the Seahawks need to free up some cap space to roll into 2014.

Specialists (3)

Keep: K Steven Hauschka, P Jon Ryan, LS Clint Gresham.

Cut: none

No surprises here after Hauschka and Gresham beat out their respective challengers in training camp. Had Gresham not been willing to re-do his deal, however, he could have been a cap casualty if a cheaper option came available, but a new, more cap-friendly contract mean’s he’ll stick around.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.