The Seattle Seahawks have undergone significant changes since the end of the 2024 season, reshaping their roster as they head into a crucial new fiscal year. With high-profile exits and new acquisitions, the team's offense is set to look quite different come the 2025 season.
Gone are key players like Ryan Grubb, Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett. Instead, the Seahawks have brought in new faces including quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, while bolstering their offensive line with versatile Josh Jones. Despite their push to strengthen their lineup, Pro Football Focus has ranked Seattle’s offensive line as the second-worst in the league following last season.
As the free agency period continues, the Seahawks’ focus remains on filling critical roster gaps. Notably, tight end is a position the franchise appears determined to bolster, revealed during a press conference by New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson on Monday, March 17, 2025. Johnson disclosed that the Seahawks were one of the teams he had spoken to during the free agency process before re-signing with the Saints on a three-year deal worth $30.75 million. This pursuit of Johnson seems to signal a clear need for depth at the tight end position, as current Seahawks tight ends Noah Fant and rookie AJ Barner look to carry the load following the departure of Pharoah Brown to the Miami Dolphins.
Following last year’s tumultuous performance, Seattle's tight end room now comprises Hansen and Barner, alongside special teams standout Brady Russell. Brown's exit leaves the team looking for a No. 3 tight end to provide added support, yet Johnson's pursuit suggests the Seahawks are seeking a long-term fixture given that Fant will be a free agent after the 2025 season.
Brock Huard, a FOX football analyst and former NFL quarterback, emphasized the importance of the tight end position in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme. During his segment on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk, Huard stated, “You can never – in (new offensive coordinator Kubiak’s) system – have enough quality tight ends with different skill sets.” His comments underline the evolving dynamics of the team's offense as they anticipate the NFL Draft in late April, where they may also look to enhance their tight end corps.
Exploring the draft options, Huard noted that the 2025 tight end class could be one of the deepest in recent memory. Highlighting prospects such as Oregon's Terrance Ferguson, Penn State's Tyler Warren, Michigan's Colston Loveland, and Harold Fannin Jr. from Bowling Green, Huard expressed his excitement regarding how these potential new recruits could complement Seattle's existing roster. He remarked, “There are a lot of dudes there, and (I’m) going to be very, very excited to see who they pair with their young draft pick (Barner) from a season ago.”
While the Seahawks actively pursue improvements, general manager John Schneider remains focused on addressing the team's offensive line, which is critical considering their struggles in the previous season. After investing seven draft choices in the offensive line over the past three years, this could be a pivotal moment for Schneider to continue that trend through free agency.
Prominent names have emerged in discussions regarding potential offensive line additions, including guard Brandon Scherff, center Garrett Bradbury, and guard Shaq Mason. Scherff, a seasoned veteran with five Pro Bowl selections, was previously with the Washington franchise before securing a lucrative deal with the Jaguars in 2022. The 33-year-old guard has been recognized for his strong pass protection, coming in as Pro Football Focus’ 12th-ranked guard in this category.
Bradbury, a six-year pro who has recently become available after the Vikings explored trade options, started all 17 games for his team last season, showcasing reliability and experience. Furthermore, Shaq Mason, a veteran who has played for multiple teams, brings postseason experience and accolades, having participated in 17 playoff games and won two Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots. His extensive career makes him a candidate to provide both depth and leadership on the Seattle offensive line.
As the Seahawks continue to navigate free agency and look toward the draft, the need for quality positions and skilled players remains paramount. With a bevy of options ahead, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the franchise will finalize its roster, particularly as they search for those key positions to set the tone for the upcoming 2025 season.
