Seattle Seahawks – Five Players Who May Play Their Last Snaps For The Team In 2022
While the Seattle Seahawks have done well in adding young talent recently, there are a few players who may be on their way out the door at the end of the 2022 season.
With an influx of rookie talent on the horizon for the Seahawks, there are a handful of veterans that may be on the bubble by the end of the 2022 season. While these players are still useful, I see them being phased out of the Seahawks’ long-term plans by the time the 2023 offseason begins. Whether it’s age, injuries, or the lack of fit in the team’s scheme, they each will need to battle for a future roster spot during the 2022 season.
Poona Ford, DT
While Poona Ford was a great fit on the Seattle Seahawks defensive line of old and was a very sturdy 4-3 lineman, I’m not sure he will fit well into the new hybrid defense. A 3-4 scheme would likely include Al Woods or Bryan Mone at nose tackle and Shelby Harris, Quinton Jefferson and L.J. Collier in the defensive end slots. Poona Ford falls in a place where he’s not quite tall enough to be the mountain of a man needed for the nose tackle position, but he’s also not fast enough to get to the quarterback consistently when playing on the outside.
Gabe Jackson, OG
With the selections of two rookie tackles in Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, I believe Shane Waldron and new Seattle Seahawks offensive line coach Andy Dickerson are attempting to revamp a previously old offensive line. Duane Brown and Brandon Shell were replaced, and I feel that this may happen to Gabe Jackson next offseason. Jackson is still a starter-level guard, but I would not be surprised if he runs out of gas this season. There are many benefits to drafting and developing offensive linemen, including financial relief and higher athleticism among the players. Gabe Jackson will likely be a victim of the refreshing of the offensive line.
Chris Carson, RB
Carson is the biggest question mark on the team right now, as we haven’t heard any of the news that Pete Carroll said was coming in the next few weeks. While it’s looking less likely by the day that Carson returns even for the 2022 season, it would be a shock if he played into the 2023 season. Carson has produced some of the best value for his seventh round draft position, but his body has been through a lot and the Seattle Seahawks may very well decide to preserve Carson’s safety by letting him go this summer.
Sidney Jones, CB
Sidney Jones may suffer from the same problem as Gabe Jackson. The Seattle Seahawks have a great group of young cornerbacks in Tre Brown, Coby Bryant and Tariq Woolen. If Woolen is able to develop well during his rookie campaign and Tre Brown makes a clean return from his 2021 injury, the Seahawks would much rather have a group of players on their rookie contracts than make a big money commitment to Sidney Jones. I think Jones will be excellent in 2022 and earn a big contract with another team, like DJ Reed did this offseason.
Geno Smith, QB
I believe Drew Lock will start at quarterback for the 2022 Seattle Seahawks. That being said, Lock has not been consistently reliable in his career, so Geno may see some playing time this season. Whether Lock is stable or not, I think the Seahawks will definitely pick up a quarterback in next year’s loaded draft class. If they do, there’s a good chance that the younger, more talented Lock would remain as the team’s backup for the future, meaning Geno Smith gets phased out.