Eric Williams
NFC West Writer
The Seattle Seahawks moved on from established, foundational defenders like Bobby Wagner, Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs this offseason in favor of fresh blood on less-expensive deals.
Now, it will be up to new head coach and defensive guru Mike Macdonald to meld this new group, making it into a more productive unit down the middle of Seattle’s defense.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider released high-priced safeties in the 28-year-old Adams and 31-year-old Diggs, saving $27 million in non-guaranteed compensation for the upcoming season. And Seattle let both of its starting linebackers — perennial Pro Bowler Wagner (33) and former first-round pick Jordyn Brooks (26) — sign with other teams in free agency.
In their place, the Seahawks inked former Miami Dolphins linebacker Jerome Baker (one-year, $7 million) and Buffalo Bills free agent linebacker Tyrel Dodson (one-year, $4.26 million) to short-term deals. The team will add more competition to that position group through the draft.
Baker is slated to play Will linebacker while Dodson will slot in as the Mike linebacker, according to Schneider. Baker, 27, was released by the Dolphins in a cost-cutting move when he declined to restructure his contract. The Ohio State product played in 13 games for Miami last season, finishing with 78 combined tackles, two interceptions and 1.5 sacks.
“Baker has worn the dot [given to the defensive playcaller],” Schneider told Seattle Sports Radio 710-AM. “He can fly. We really liked him in college. He’s just a run-and-hit guy. He’s had a lot of production, a lot of sack production, too. The one thing that really stands out about him is his range. He can really fly around the field.”
Schneider said former Seahawks personnel man Dan Morgan — now the general manager for the Carolina Panthers — was in Buffalo when the Bills signed Dodson as an undrafted free agent four years ago and had…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/seahawks-remaking-defense-from-the-inside-out-through-free-agency
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Publish date : 2024-03-25 18:37:10
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