The Seattle Seahawks are going to be without tight end Will Dissly for the rest of the 2019 season, pending a miracle, according to coach Pete Carroll.
While the team does have veteran Ed Dickson returning from the injured reserve after Week 8, the position is in a grim spot at the moment.
Luke Willson and Jacob Hollister are the only two true tight ends on the active roster, and they don’t have anyone on the practice squad.
George Fant has played some tight end, but he is filling in for Duane Brown at left tackle at the moment, and may need to be there at least another week.
As such, the Seahawks could turn toward the trade market or the free agent pool to try to find some extra help at that spot, either in the short-term or even for the rest of the season if the opportunity presents itself.
Here are three options the Seahawks should consider at their tight end position.
Tyler Eifert – Cincinnati Bengals
There are rumors circulating that two teams – the Saints and the Patriots – have already inquired about acquiring Eifert from the 0-6 Bengals.
However, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to learn that John Schneider picked up the phone and made that same inquiry this week.
Eifert has a history of health issues, but when he is healthy he’s proven to be a dynamic receiving threat.
He may not be a perfect fit scheme-wise, but his talent is undeniable and the cost would likely be a fourth or fifth round pick, a worthwhile investment for a team that relied so heavily on Dissly in the receiving game.
Tyrone Swoopes – Free Agent
Swoopes is a familiar name to Seahawks fans, having spent parts of the last two seasons with the Seahawks – mostly on their practice squad but also appearing in two games and hauling in one reception for 23 yards.
Swoopes was waived with an injury settlement back in August, and he has gone unsigned ever since. Assuming he is healthy (which is unclear) he could be a nice depth signing for Seattle.
Swoopes wouldn’t replace either of Willson or Hollister, but he could be added to the practice squad and rostered as extra depth.
His understanding of the offense would make him extra valuable, as he would be able to play in a pinch and pick up what was going on on offense.
Austin Seferian-Jenkins – Free Agent
It can’t be a real Seahawks rumor mill unless Austin Seferian-Jenkins is involved.
Seattle has kicked the tires on the former UW star multiple times in the last few years, including making him an offer back in April that he declined when he signed with the Patriots instead.
New England released him in June however, and he has been a free agent ever since.
ASJ hasn’t lived up to the lofty expectations many had for him, but he has recorded 116 career receptions for 1,160 yards and 11 touchdowns in 43 games over five NFL seasons.
He would give Seattle an experienced pass-catcher, and one who coach Pete Carroll clearly likes based on their repeated attempts to sign him.
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