The Seattle Seahawks current roster construction is a healthy mix of veteran talent and young, up-and-coming stars, which should help them push for yet another double-digit win season.
Six of the 90 players currently on their roster came from the 10-man 2016 draft class. Those six are entering the final year of their rookie contracts, and for many of them, they’ll need to prove their worth this season if they want to continue playing in a Seahawks uniform beyond the 2019 season.
Here is a quick primer on each of those six players, including their chances of getting a second contract with the Seahawks after the season is up.
Round 1: Germain Ifedi, Right Tackle
Because he was a first round pick, the Seahawks had an opportunity to sign Ifedi to a fifth-year option, which would have cost them about $10 million. They declined, although coach Carroll made it clear they hope to have Ifedi around for a long time.
Ifedi has steadily improved as Seattle’s starting right tackle, although with George Fant and Jamarco Jones both in the picture, the team clearly has a contingency plan in case they can’t agree to terms with him after 2019.
If he takes big strides forward next year, he could easily be signed to an extension. If not, expect to see one of Jones or Fant manning the right side of the line going forward.
Round 2: Jarran Reed, Defensive Tackle
Reed, like Bobby Wagner, Russell Wilson and Frank Clark, was looking for a contract extension this offseason. He still may get it, although the team is likely prioritizing a deal with Wagner after handling both the Wilson and Clark situations.
Reed had a career-year last season, racking up 10 sacks as an interior defensive lineman. Along with run-stuffer Poona Ford, the Seahawks have a dynamic, young defensive line, and they surely want to have both of them around for years to come.
Reed will command a hefty salary on the open market, so it is possible Seattle tries to get a deal done during training camp – after they find a resolution to the Wagner situation.
Round 3: C.J. Prosise, Running Back
Prosise has not come close to living up to the expectations leveled on him when he was a third-round pick back in 2016, primarily because he hasn’t been healthy enough to see the field much.
In three years, Prosise has played in 16 games and carried the ball just 42 times for 192 yards and one touchdown. He does have 26 receptions for 317 yards, as his strength has always been as a pass-catching back out of the backfield.
Seattle selected Travis Homer in the sixth round this year, giving them another option as a third-down back along with J.D. McKissic.
With Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny locked into the top two roles, this may be the year that Prosise loses his roster spot. Even if he sticks around, it is hard to imagine him getting a second contract with the Seahawks, unless he really impresses this season.
Round 3: Nick Vannett, Tight End
Vannett had the best season of his NFL career last year, hauling in 29 receptions for 269 yards and three touchdowns. That was primarily thanks to injuries to rookie Will Dissly and veteran Ed Dickson, however.
Both those guys are healthy at the moment, and unless that changes Vannett may not have a big role on this team next season.
Dissly is the future at tight end, which could mean that the 2019 season will be Vannett’s last in the Emerald City.
Round 5: Quinton Jefferson, Defensive End
Jefferson was a restricted free agent this offseason, but Seattle brought him back on the original round tender. He started 12 games opposite Frank Clark last season, recording 25 combined tackles and 15 quarterback hits with a career-high three sacks.
However, Seattle’s additions of free agent Ezekiel Ansah and rookie L.J. Collier will likely cut Jefferson’s playing time down considerably and could make him expendable when the season ends.
Round 6: Joey Hunt, Center
Hunt was a reliable backup center last season, appearing in 11 games – starting two – and even playing some guard in a pinch.
His versatility should help him, but Seattle has a ton of options to line up on the offensive line – including Ethan Pocic and Marcus Martin – both who have experience playing guard and center.
Hunt will have a hard time cracking Seattle’s 53-man roster this season, and even if he does it is very unlikely he will get a contract once the season is up.
Still, as a sixth-round pick, Hunt has done an admirable job holding his roster spot and serving his role for the Seahawks.
