Seattle Seahawks: Mychal Kendricks signing smells of desperation
By Erik Lambert
The Seattle Seahawks are in a tough spot. Not only did they lose their opening game in Denver in heartbreaking fashion, but they didn’t escape unscathed either.
The team is already banged up in a number of ways. Their biggest name to watch at present is wide receiver, Doug Baldwin. He left the game with a knee injury that was later diagnosed as a Grade 2 MCL tear. This means he’s likely to miss multiple weeks in recovery, leaving the Seahawks receiver position in the hands of 34-year old Brandon Marshall and primarily special teams man Tyler Lockett.
However, one problem that some people may have glossed over is their situation at linebacker. Not only is K.J. Wright already expected to be out at least for this week with a knee injury, but star middle linebacker Bobby Wright could join him with a groin issue. That doesn’t bode well for a defense that gave up 146 rushing yards last week and is about to go against Jordan Howard in Chicago.
This might explain why they were so quick to sign veteran Mychal Kendricks. It’s a move that reeks of desperation. Consider the fact that Kendricks faces sentencing by a federal court for insider trading on the stock market, something he plead guilty to. That’s not even regarding a possible (likely) suspension once the NFL reaches its own ruling.
LB Mychal Kendricks, released by the Browns following charges of insider trading, is signing a one-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks, per sources..
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 14, 2018
Seattle not likely to waste any time: Kendricks expected to play Monday night vs. Bears.
Kendricks expected to play despite limited prep time
Just think about the situation in order to get an understanding. There is no way Seattle would bring this sort of distraction onto their roster, a man facing punishment for a federal crime unless it was utter desperation. Otherwise, they may be forced to go into Chicago with Barkevious Mingo, Austin Caltiro and Shaquem Griffin as their primary starters at linebacker. Griffin struggled in Denver, finding himself caught out of position on several plays.
Kendricks, who has experience at weakside linebacker would fill that role. It would at least give them experience going into Soldier Field. Otherwise, they’d be riding with a 1st round bust, a primary backup and a rookie against one of the better running backs in football. That is far from the ideal scenario. Seattle knows they can’t afford to start this season 0-2. Not with the Los Angeles Rams already off to a hot start. Every game matters.