OK, I’ve been tied up the past week or so dealing with the likes of prep soccer and the U.S. women’s national hockey team, so here’s a quick round-up on Seahawks-related news that’s happened during that time:
First off, the NFL owners’ meeting is currently taking place in Boca Raton, Florida, and both Seattle general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll have spoken.
Here’s a summary of what the two said about the state of the team following the first wave of free agency:
– The biggest position of concern for the Seahawks is left tackle, after Russell Okung departed to sign with the Denver Broncos. Schneider and Carroll indicated the position will be filled either by moving right tackle Garry Gilliam to the left, or by free-agent signing Bradley Sowell. Another free-agent signing, J’Marcus Webb, would likely slot in at right tackle, with second-year player Mark Glowinski filling the spot at right guard vacated by J.R. Sweezy’s move to Tampa Bay.
– They said strong safety Kam Chancellor, who held out last season because of dissatisfaction with his contract, will remain with the team. Chancellor took to social media in recent days with posts that indicated his loyalty to the Seahawks, and now Schneider and Carroll have uttered words that suggest loyalty to Chancellor. They said the team will do everything it can to keep both Chancellor and defensive end Michael Bennett, who’s also voiced displeasure with his contract, in the fold and happy.
– As for the strong-side linebacker position vacated by Bruce Irvin signing with Oakland, Schneider and Carroll said they would likely use some combination of Mike Morgan, Cassius Marsh and Frank Clark to fill Irvin’s role.
– Running back Marshawn Lynch still has not filed his retirement paperwork, but the Seahawks remain unconcerned there will be any snags.
– Both Schneider and Carroll, who have one year left on their contracts, continue to be mum on the status of their contract negotiations, though they continue to downplay the story.
Other tidbits from recent days:
– Seattle released long snapper Clint Gresham. Gresham, who’s served as the Seahawks’ long snapper since 2010, signed a three-year, $2.7 million deal last offseason. Seattle signed long snapper Adam East to a futures contract in January, so this was likely a cost-saving move.
– The Seahawks re-signed Morgan to a one-year deal. Morgan, who’s been with the teams since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2011 and was an unrestricted free agent, is known mostly for his work on special teams, though he did make two starts last season.
– Seahawks star cornerback Richard Sherman was recently elected to the NFL Players Association executive committee, and shortly after he had some choice words for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Sherman said Goodell was “just a suit” after Goodell recommended that if a player received two personal-foul penalties in a game he should be ejected. That rule was approved by the league Wednesday.
– In other rule changes for the 2016 season, chop blocks are being outlawed, and the point-after-touchdown kick will remain at the 15-yard line.
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