Seattle Seahawks Options For 2013 NFL Trade Deadline
By Erik Lambert
Jan 13, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) warms up before the NFC divisional playoff game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Richard Sherman complains everybody in the world talks about the San Francisco 49ers and choose to ignore the Seattle Seahawks. While that obviously isn’t true given the love affair many analysts and experts have with the new Pacific Northwest powerhouse, they aren’t immune to common NFL business reality. So, just like the 49ers, which players on their roster represent possible trade options?
Brandon Browner
One thing Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks have proven over the course of the past few seasons is they love big corners. Brandon Browner, at 6’4″, is as big as it gets. He isn’t a half bad cover man either. Despite missing four games because of a suspension he still collected three interceptions, deflected six other passes and forced three fumbles. At age 28 he is heading into a contract year. Typical wisdom says the team will try their best to extend him before that time but there are some things to consider. Salary cap is an issue for Seattle. In 2014 they will have over $134 million committed to their current payroll. Finding the money to pay Browner isn’t an easy task. One thing the team has done a good job of in the past is developing young players. If they chose to let Browner go, they have a number of kids like Byron Maxwell (25),Jeremy Lane(22), and Walter Thurmond (25) who could look to take his place. His trade value is questionable because of his contract but given his ability there could be a number of teams who might part with a draft pick if they can get him first.
Chris Clemons
He was the best pass rusher the Seahawks had in 2012, notching 11.5 sacks for the season. That said, he is also 31-years old, coming off a torn ACL and bringing a cap hit of over $8 million in 2013. Those are a lot of hard pills to swallow. It is why the Seahawks went after Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett in free agency. The hope is their precaution wasn’t necessary. Word is Clemons expects to play when the regular season starts. If he gets it going early it’s easy to just let him play out the season but certain general managers would also see the big picture. Clemons brings a larger cap hit in 2014 and his abilities will only decrease moving forward. Dealing him for draft help or another play at a weaker position on their roster might be the more prudent move considering how strong their defensive front is.
Marshawn Lynch
Say WHAT? Trade Marshawn Lynch? Beast Mode? Absurd as it may sound, the logic is there to make some sense of it. Seattle has lived on his running ability for three years, culminating in his impressive 2012 season where he piled up 1,590 yards and 11 touchdowns. Why would they ever want to trade away something like that? Simple economics for one. Buy low, sell high. The Seahawks got Lynch at an incredible bargain in 2010. At age 27 he is one of the best running backs in the NFL. Several teams would love to have him. There won’t be a better time to trade him. Second is a shifting philosophy on offense. Carroll and the coaches will want to start turning the reigns over to second-year quarterback Russell Wilson. After all they added receiver Percy Harvin via trade for a reason. Third is money. Lynch brings an $8.5 million cap hit. Shipping that off to another team would be a welcome relief to the Seattle Seahawks, and give them some needed pocket money to lock down other stars like Earl Thomas and Richard Sherman.