Analysis: 3 ‘Hits’ From Seattle Seahawks’ 2021 Free Agency Haul

General Manager John Schneider and the Seahawks entered the past off-season with just $ 17.8 million in salary cap. With several key contributors and starters gaining full freedom of action at the same time, options were limited and desperate times ultimately demanded desperate action.

As such, Schneider did something he was reluctant to do in the past: pulling out his proverbial “credit card” and sacrificing future dollars for the present, thanks to the use of voidable years on several of his signed contracts, handing it out in the spring. Seattle had one of the busiest free agency hours in recent times, with 14 UFAs – some returning – signing deals before training camp began.

Unfortunately, for one reason or another, many of these signings haven’t worked out. However, there are three exceptions that have been absolute successes for the Seahawks in the 2021 season.

FB / ST Nick Bellore

Bringing Bellore back after making his first Pro Bowl selection of his career was a breeze for Schneider and his colleagues. The 32-year-old fan favorite agreed to a two-year period of $ 4.45 million in March. With one of the most colorful personalities you will find in the game today, late bloomer Bellore is having a ton of fun on the grid and his peers caught his eye and selected him as a Pro Bowl alternative for his efforts this season.

TE Gerald Everett

Everett’s first year in Seattle didn’t go entirely according to plan, but despite a battle with COVID-19 earlier in the season and quarterback Russell Wilson’s three-game absence, the South Alabama alum has put together its best solo campaign to date. With two games remaining, Everett has already surpassed his career highs in receiving yards (422), touchdowns (four) and receptions (44), despite seeing his third-lowest target to date (55). With a return to the free agency in the near future, keeping Everett in the Pacific Northwest should be a top priority for the Seahawks this spring.

DT Al Woods

After Woods canceled the 2020 season due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, he made a triumphant return to the NFL in 2021. He was a monster in the running game all year round, finishing fourth in the ESPN run among all defensive tackles stop win rate (42 percent) with 30 stops on his credit. His presence at the heart of the Seahawks’ defensive line, along with that of center-back Poona Ford, is why they are tied to the Saints for the lead in the rushing defense (3.7 yards per allowed carry). Assuming Woods wants to keep playing, his renewed signing to the Seattle front office must be paramount.