Seattle Seahawks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney may be the team’s top free agent, but defensive tackle Jarran Reed is not far behind.
Reed reportedly hopes to receive a contract in free agency that gives him at least $10 million per year. However, his 2019 production does not jump off the stat sheet. Only two sacks in 10 games and a six-game suspension will raise some concerns about any player on the defensive line. In addition, applying a $15 million franchise tag to a player with that kind of production in the previous season is all but out of the question, even when taking Reed’s importance as a run-stopper into account.
However, coach Pete Carroll has expressed interest in re-signing Reed and stated that his production in 2019 could have been better if the defensive ends provided more pressure on the outside.
“He missed six games, he could have had five or six sacks anyway, easily,” Carroll said. “I do think that he’ll benefit as we pick up our pressure on the outside. I thought our outside guys could have done more, so he’ll benefit from that. We’d love to have him back with us, and all that, with the expectation that that year is within his reach.”
Reed would certainly be useful for the Seahawks on the defensive line, but they cannot pay everyone. Fans will see whether Reed will stay or depart in free agency in a few weeks.
