Younger, cheaper, and faster. That’s what next season's Seahawks roster should look like, according to KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel.
Art talked with KNKX Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick about the big changes the team has made and why it’s not over yet.
Shedding Salaries
"This roster has to get younger, it has to get cheaper and it has to get faster. And that's what's governing what's going on in free agency now," Thiel said.
In just over a week, the Seahawks have either traded or released Michael Bennett, Richard Sherman, Jimmy Graham, Paul Richardson and others. Thiel outlines the changes here.
"They have to get below the salary cap that governs everything in the NFL," he said. "And it's a very cruel thing because it causes teams to get rid of players they would rather keep. But what it does is it spreads the talent around the NFL to make other teams strong as well."
No. 1 Goal: Keep Earl Thomas
In order for the Seahawks to stay strong, Thiel said the team needs to do everything in its power to keep free safety Earl Thomas.
"He's the linchpin in the defense. They've got to keep him. He's entering his final contract year. He's made it known that he'd like to be the highest-paid safety in the game. And I think he probably deserves it."
"Can the Seahawks afford him? Well, that's why they've been shedding salaries. They need to try to keep Earl Thomas happy. They also want to do the same thing for their left tackle they acquired in mid-season last year, Duane Brown."
"It's a tumultuous time for the Seahawks. They have numerous spots to fill with veteran free agency as well as the college draft, coming up at the end of April. And it's really difficult to do when they're up against the salary cap, having paid so many veterans who brought them success."
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