In addition to 19 unrestricted free agents from last year’s squad, the Seattle Seahawks also have five restricted free agents who they will have to make decisions on heading into the 2020 season.
Among them is defensive end Branden Jackson, who is coming off a career year and plays a position of need for the Seahawks, especially if they are unable to retain one or all of Jadeveon Clowney, Jarran Reed and Quinton Jefferson.
Jackson made the roster right out of camp last year and appeared in 15 games, racking up 20 combined tackles, three quarterback hits, two sacks and two passes defended, all career highs in his fourth NFL campaign.
An undrafted free agent who originally signed with Oakland in 2016, Jackson pinballed between Seattle’s roster and practice squad before last year. However, his performance in 2019 should merit some consideration on the free agent market.
He’s unlikely to get any big offers though, and considering Seattle’s lack of pass rush depth and Jackson’s familiarity with the defense, he seems like a prime candidate to return on a small one-year deal in order to compete for a job out of training camp.
