NFL
Heading into OTA Workouts this May, the Seattle Seahawks had a number of major holes in their roster. While lack of depth along the offensive line and diminishing production from a once vaunted defensive unit stole the headlines, an equally worrisome issue for Pete Carroll and the Seahawks coaching staff still remained largely unaddressed.
Following the departure of Jimmy Graham in the off season to the Green Bay Packers on a lucrative three year, $30 Million deal, the Seahawks offense no longer had a true Red Zone threat. Graham, who ranked second in the NFL in total touchdowns with 10 in 2017, was the most utilized Red Zone Receiver in the NFL last season, ranking first in targets within 10 yards (16), targets within 20 yards (26), receiving touchdowns within 10 yards (9) and Red Zone team target percentage, being targeted on 35.1% of the Seahawks Red Zone Pass Attempts. To fill this void in Red Zone production, Seattle has turned to veteran Brandon Marshall via free agency.
Underwhelming Replacements
With the departure of Graham, the Seahawks looked to address the lack of an endzone threat via trade and free agency in the offseason. Seemingly searching through the bargain bin, the Seahawks signed veteran WR Jaron Brown (6-3, 204) to a one year, $2.75 million deal and traded for Marcus Johnson (6-1, 204) with the Eagles to fill the void left by Graham’s departure. Brown found pay-dirt four times for the Cardinals last season in a lackluster offense riddled with injuries, while Johnson struggled to find meaningful snaps in a crowded and talented Philadelphia receiver group. In the draft, the Seahawks also invested a 3rd round pick in Will Dissly, a large framed TE out of the University of Washington, who was mostly utilized for his blocking prowess in college. While these moves softened the blow of a Graham departure, the production lost was not nearly replaced.
Taking a Chance on a Former Star
With OTA’s now beginning, the Seahawks have taken a chance on the oft-injured Brandon Marshall to adequately fill their Red Zone void, signing the receiver to a one year, $2 million deal. Following a disappointing stint with the New York Giants, Marshall is looking to bounce back to his All-Pro form.
While his past two seasons have been marked by injury and lack of production, Marshall brings an impressive resume to the Seahawks receiving corps. Over his 12 seasons in the league, Marshall has amassed 12,215 yards, 82 touchdowns, 6 Pro Bowl nods and 2 All Pro selections. As a big bodied and physical receiver, Marshall is one of the most electric touchdown threats in league history.
Implications of the Marshall Move
If Brandon Marshall can find even a sliver of his former greatness with his new Seahawks counterpart Russell Wilson, Marshall could go a long way to help Seahawks Nation forget about Jimmy Graham. While health has been a concern in recent seasons, the low risk, high reward nature of this deal is nothing short of a touchdown for this Seahawks Receiving Corps.
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This article was originally written by former TSJ101SPORTS NFL Department Head and writer William Zurcher. Due to systems modalities, the article has been assigned to the author tag designation “Former Writers”.
