10 Seattle Seahawks Players Who Should Not Be Back Next Season
The Seattle Seahawks, under head coach Pete Carroll, have long been a competitive force in the NFL, but as the team moves forward in its rebuilding phase, there are tough decisions to make. After a rollercoaster season, the Seahawks may need to reevaluate their roster to ensure they have the right mix of talent to be contenders in the near future. While Seattle has some strong pieces in place, there are several players whose performances or future with the team may not be in line with the direction the Seahawks are heading. With that in mind, here are 10 Seattle Seahawks players who may not be back next season.
1. Bobby Wagner – Linebacker
Bobby Wagner has been the face of the Seahawks’ defense for over a decade, a key part of their Super Bowl-winning defense and a leader in the locker room. However, with age catching up to him and a drop-off in his level of play in recent seasons, Seattle may choose to move on. While Wagner’s leadership and presence are invaluable, the Seahawks could look to a younger, faster option at linebacker who can better complement their evolving defense.
2.Jarran Reed – Defensive Tackle
Jarran Reed’s production has fluctuated over the past few seasons. Once considered one of Seattle’s key defensive linemen, Reed has not lived up to his potential and failed to dominate as expected. His inability to consistently generate pressure on the quarterback and stop the run has become a concern. With Seattle’s current rebuild, it may be time for the team to explore younger defensive tackle options in the draft or free agency.
3. Dwayne Brown – Offensive Tackle
Dwayne Brown, who has been a staple on Seattle’s offensive line, is getting older and has shown signs of decline in recent seasons. The offensive line has been a long-standing issue for the Seahawks, and with Brown entering the twilight of his career, it might be time for Seattle to bring in younger talent to shore up the line. His contract is also a hefty one, making his future in Seattle more uncertain.
4. Geno Smith – Quarterback
After taking over as the starting quarterback for the injured Russell Wilson, Geno Smith had a relatively solid campaign, but he is not the long-term answer for the Seahawks at quarterback. With the team in the midst of rebuilding, it would be wise for Seattle to focus on developing a younger quarterback through the draft or pursue an upgrade in the free-agent market. Smith could be a solid backup, but it’s unlikely the Seahawks will continue to rely on him as a starting option moving forward.
5. Al Woods – Defensive Tackle
At 35 years old, Al Woods has exceeded expectations for a player his age, but his effectiveness has begun to decline. While he has been a reliable presence on Seattle’s defensive line, his best days are behind him. The Seahawks will likely look to get younger and more dynamic in the trenches, and Woods may not fit into their long-term plans. With a younger defensive line rotation emerging, Woods could be a casualty of the team’s transition.
6. Will Dissly – Tight End
While Will Dissly has had his moments in Seattle, he has struggled to stay healthy and has not been consistent enough to warrant a long-term role in the offense. The Seahawks have other tight end options such as Colby Parkinson and Noah Fant, who are both more dynamic and have more upside. As the team looks to retool the offense, Dissly’s future in Seattle could be in jeopardy, particularly given the emergence of other tight ends on the roster.
7. Jamal Adams – Safety
Jamal Adams was once considered one of the top safeties in the NFL, but since his trade to Seattle, he has failed to live up to expectations. Adams has been plagued by injuries, and his inability to stay on the field has been a major concern. While his aggressive playing style is still valuable, his contract and injury history may push the Seahawks to reconsider whether Adams is worth keeping around long-term. With Seattle’s defense in transition, the team may look to invest in younger, healthier options in the secondary.
8. Shaquill Griffin – Cornerback
Shaquill Griffin was once considered one of Seattle’s best cornerbacks, but his play has fallen off in recent years. Injuries have taken a toll on his performance, and his inability to shut down top-tier receivers has become a liability for the Seahawks. With a shift toward a younger, more dynamic secondary, Griffin may not fit into the future plans. The Seahawks could look to part ways with Griffin and either develop a younger corner or bring in an upgrade to shore up the secondary.
9. Rashaad Penny – Running Back
Rashaad Penny has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, but injuries have consistently held him back. Seattle’s backfield depth has improved with players like Kenneth Gainwell and DeeJay Dallas, and Penny has failed to stay healthy long enough to establish himself as a true lead back. With the Seahawks needing to solidify their running game and reduce the risk of relying on a player with an injury history, it may be time for Penny to move on and for Seattle to pursue other options at running back.
10. Ethan Pocic – Center
While Ethan Pocic has been a serviceable starter for the Seahawks, his play at the center position has been inconsistent at times. With Seattle needing to upgrade their offensive line to protect their quarterback and establish a strong run game, Pocic could be a casualty of the team’s desire to improve. The Seahawks might look to draft a more reliable center or sign a free agent to take over the position, as Pocic has not shown the level of consistency the team needs.
While the Seahawks remain a competitive team in the NFC, they are in the midst of a transition and need to make tough decisions to ensure future success. Moving on from veterans who are no longer performing at the highest level, like Bobby Wagner, Dwayne Brown, and others, will give Seattle the opportunity to get younger and more dynamic across the roster. As Pete Carroll continues to build for the future, these changes are necessary for the team to reload and remain competitive in the years to come.