Seahawks lose McDonald to Bucs, Schofield to Giants

During the first scrambling day of NFL free agency, Seattle Seahawks role players proved just what kind of money grabs can come following a Super Bowl win.

Take backup rush end/linebacker O’Brien Schofield. He made eight total tackles last season. The New York Giants are going to pay him $8 million over two years to play for them. The Seahawks paid him $630,000 last season.

He wasn’t the only one. Defensive tackle Clinton McDonald signed a reported four-year, $12-million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also made $630,000 last season.

McDonald was a solid piece for the Seahawks. He was used to rush the middle on third down and finished with a career-high 5.5 sacks. He also made a career-high 35 tackles last season.

He was one of the Seahawks’ finds. A seventh-round draft pick in 2009 by the Cincinnati Bengals who was traded to the Seahawks in 2011 for cornerback Kelly Jennings, McDonald evolved from a practice squad player to a backup to a player who played 65 percent of the snaps in the Super Bowl. Only two defensive linemen — recently re-signed Michael Bennett and veteran Chris Clemons — were on the field more.

A candidate to replace McDonald is unrestricted free agent defensive tackle Jason Hatcher of the Dallas Cowboys. Hatcher, 31, had a career-high 11 sacks last season for the Cowboys and was expected to meet with the Seahawks on Tuesday night. Hatcher made $2 million last season and is in line for a substantial raise.

For the Seahawks, there were no dramatic incoming moves during the first day of free agency.

Wide receiver Golden Tate became an unrestricted free agent Tuesday at the 1 p.m. deadline. He reportedly visited the Detroit Lions on Tuesday night.

The Seahawks did retain one player, signing backup tight end Anthony McCoy to a one-year deal Tuesday. McCoy tore his Achilles’ tendon last May and missed the season.

He has been rehabilitating and McCoy said he will be ready for fall camp. With third-string tight end Kellen Davis an unrestricted free agent unlikely to be back, it appears McCoy will have a good chance to make the team.

“It’s been a long process,” McCoy said. “It’s been a real difficult process for me. At this point in my rehabilitation process, I feel I am just about there. About ready to go and hit the field. Still have a lot more work to do to get it to where I want it to be.

“I’m dealing with some of the best trainers in the league right now and I know that they are going to have me right come September.”

While McCoy rehabbed, he watched his teammates go on a Super Bowl run. Tuesday, everyone saw just how valuable that can be.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

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

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink 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)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

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.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

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.