The Seahawks are staying busy in the offseason. They continue to enhance their roster. And they learned this week that they'll get even more opportunities to do that during next month's draft.
But KPLU sports commentator Art Thiel says the biggest question about the Seahawks next season has yet to be answered.
More New Faces
In addition to signing tight end Jimmy Graham from the New Orleans Saints and cornerback Clay Williams from the Eagles earlier in the offseason, the Seahawks more recently added defensive lineman Ahtyba Rubin from the Cleveland Browns to the roster.
"Coach Pete Caroll says he's very excited about this guy," Art said. "But then again when HASN'T Pete Carroll been very excited about a guy?"
Bennett Wants Sweeter Deal?
Another recent development is word that Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett wants to renegotiate his contract.
"He completed the first of four years in the deal - $28 million total," Art said. "And there's no history of the Seahawks renegotiating a player's contract in such an early stage. So, I don't see a whole lot of progress there and that might be a bit of a stalemate."
More Draft Picks
The Seahawks found out this week they will have additional picks in next month's NFL draft.
"The Seahawks love the draft like it's Christmas," Art said. "And they got four new presents!
"The NFL annually awards compensatory picks for teams who lost players in the previous year to free agency," Art said. "And the Seahawks now have four additional picks for April's draft in the third through sixth rounds.
"That's something that Seahawks General Manager John Schneider is really excited about. He loves the talent level in the third, fourth, fifth and sixth rounds."
Some examples of the Seahawks' later-round success: Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was a third-round draft pick. Linebacker K.J. Wright was a fourth-round draft pick. Cornerback Richard Sherman and strong safety Kam Chancellor were selected in the fifth rounds of their drafts. Just to name a few.
Over It?
Carroll is still fielding questions about the Seahawks' last-minute loss in the Super Bowl, when Russell Wilson's pass was intercepted at the goal line. Carroll says he's over it.
"That's what he has told many reporters, including this week in Phoenix where the NFL has its annual meetings," Art said.
"He said 'We're moving on. But I know we're going to get questions every stop, every time and we're going to have to answer it; we're have to deal with it.'"
"I give Pete Carroll a lot of credit in this regard. I think this is going to be a motivational tool he's going to use - not only for himself and his staff but certainly for the players," Art continued.
"And he's probably going to try to give cues to the fans to get beyond that play. In my view, it was the most critical play in the history of the Super Bowl and, obviously, from a Seattle perspective, the most devastating.
"It is going to be THE story of the NFL season next year: can the Seahawks get back to where they were and finish the job?"
Russell Wilson Contract
The biggest question for many fans regarding next season is when will Russell Wilson sign a contract extension. Art says there are a lot of rumors swirling about the nature of the deal. But nothing is definite yet.
"What I can say is that it will probably be a trend-setting and altogether remarkable contract," Art said.
"In the history of pro sports there's never been a guy quite like Russell Wilson. At age 26, he has won one Super Bowl, nearly won a second and is the most accomplished guy of his age to ever run a team."
"Even if (the contract) doesn't get done, Russell still has the fourth and final year of his rookie contract to play under next year," Art continued.
"There is not anything that has to happen this summer to secure him. But it would be easy on the minds of fans, Carroll and Russell himself if they get it done this summer."
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You can find Art Thiel's work at Sportspress Northwest and Crosscut.com.
