Update: Seahawks Have Rethought On Trading Important Player

According to the most recent Seattle Seahawks reports, the team was ready to deal Darrell Taylor, a pass rusher.

Following the season-ending injury to Uchenna Nwosu, the Seahawks had a change of heart, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

On October 27, 2023, Breer wrote, “My attention has been drawn to Seattle’s one remaining team.” Before Uchenna Nwosu was hurt, they were willing to move Darrell Taylor, and they have been exploring the possibility of acquiring some depth on the edge. For the next four days, I anticipate that the Seahawks will be in contact.

A few points to note: Breer’s article was published before Leonard Williams was signed by the Seahawks. As it happens, Breer was right when he said that Seattle was “active” in the NFL trade deadline—the Seahawks-Giants deal was among the biggest.

Taylor, a former second-round selection, has the remainder of the season to establish his eligibility in Seattle. Frank Clark was added by the Seahawks, therefore there was competition at the position.

Seattle Seahawks Pass Rusher Darrell Taylor Will Be a Restricted Free Agent in 2024

Taylor’s four-year, $6.7 million rookie contract is coming to an end this season. In addition to a $2.1 million cap charge, the pass rusher’s 2023 salary is set at $1.5 million.

The good news for the Seahawks is that Taylor is a restricted free agent, meaning they can match any offer. The problem is that Williams, a free agent in 2024, will also require payment from the Seahawks. Even if Taylor was not traded, there will undoubtedly be speculation regarding his long-term future among Seahawks fans.

Taylor, a defensive end, just finished a 2022 campaign in which he recorded career-high 9.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and 26 tackles. This season, through eight weeks, Taylor has racked up 12 tackles, 3 QB hits, and 2.5 sacks.

Seahawks Rumors: Seattle Is Only Paying Leonard Williams the Vet Minimum for 2023

Seattle traded fifth- and second-round selections for Williams in part because the Giants covered the lion’s share of his 2023 salary. For the balance of the season, Williams will only receive the prorated portion of the Seahawks’ minimum salary.

It would be surprising if Seattle did not re-sign Williams to a long-term agreement given the draft money going to New York. However, the Seahawks can still obtain compensatory picks if they decide not to select Williams.

On October 31, NFL analyst Andrew Brandt tweeted, “The Seahawks-Giants trade of Leonard Williams has a bit of Moneyball to it, rare for NFL trades.” The Seahawks trade a second-round pick for Williams after just half of a season. However, Giants are covering his entire salary—minus the minimum. Giants will spend $9 million for a pick in the second round.

NFL Trade Deadline: Did Seahawks Make Right Decision Choosing Leonard Williams Over Chase Young?

The 49ers responded to the Seahawks’ trade for Williams in just one day. Star pass rusher Chase Young cost San Francisco a third-round pick in exchange for him.

It is natural to wonder if Seattle was correct to pay a premium for Williams. Williams was acquired by the Seahawks at a cost that included a fifth round pick and a higher pick (a second rounder).

With his ability to line up both inside and outside, Williams’ positional versatility was clearly appreciated by Seattle. It will take time to determine if the Seahawks made the proper choice in selecting Young, who is more of a conventional edge rusher.