The Seahawks have already made one deadline splash, landing eight-time Pro-Bowl guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts. But after a 34-17 Week 8 home loss to the Chicago Bears, it’s fair to wonder whether Seattle is done shopping.
At 4-4, the Seahawks may need another move if they want to steady a season that has been too uneven on offense. The clearest answer, based on what’s shown so far, is a trade for a tight end.
Seattle’s offense has been all over the place, and the tight end room has been part of the problem. First-year offensive coordinator Brian Fleury has dealt with inconsistency, the offensive line has regressed, and quarterback Sam Darnold hasn’t been able to cleanly deliver the ball when pressure forces him off his spot. Outside of wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, there hasn’t been a reliable quick outlet.
The numbers reflect that mess. Through eight games, Seattle ranks 18th in passing offense at 222.3 and 22nd in quarterback rating at 88.5.
Third-year tight end AJ Barner has not given the Seahawks the kind of production they need. He has 21 catches for 203 yards and no touchdowns, and the offense has had to manufacture touches for him.
Fleury has been forced to design plays just to get the ball in his hands. Barner was supposed to be a dependable piece as a run-blocker and one of Darnold’s most trusted pass-catchers, but this season he has struggled to separate, leaving Darnold to use him on quick throws and screens.
That’s why Seattle may need to chase a true No. 1 tight end and slide Barner into a secondary role. One name that stands out is Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who is seeking a contract extension.
Through 49 games in his young career, LaPorta has 217 receptions for 2,471 yards and 23 touchdowns. He would give the Seahawks a high-end option who could fit alongside JSN and head coach Mike Macdonald’s MOB mindset.
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert is another possibility, though there are more questions there. He is about to turn 32 and is in the final year of his deal. Last season, he caught 60 passes for 591 yards and 11 touchdowns.
There are also other names Seattle could explore, including Indianapolis Colts tight ends Tyler Warren or Mo Alie-Cox and Los Angeles Chargers’ David Njoku. Warren could be viewed as a longer-term answer, while Alie-Cox and Njoku might make sense as short-term additions with some future upside.
In Other News...
Seahawks Suddenly Face Another O-Line Problem Before Cardinals Showdown
The Seahawks offensive line got a little more complicated Thursday, when Quenton Nelson showed up on the injury report with a knee issue and did not practice ahead of Sundays Week 9 meeting with the Cardinals. Seattle was already juggling a long list of absences, with nine players sitting out, including six starters such as quarterback Sam Darnold and left tackle Charles Cross, leaving the front line with more uncertainty than it wanted heading into a division game.
If Nelson cant go, the ripple effect could be significant for Seattles interior alignment. Anthony Bradford could slide back into his usual spot at right guard, which would open the door for rookie Grey Zabel to move back to left guard and restore a setup the Seahawks may prefer if the lineup cooperates. For a team already dealing with enough moving parts, the next practice report will matter a lot. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Suddenly Have A Drew Lock Problem They Cant Ignore
Sam Darnolds quad injury has opened the door for Drew Lock to get another look in Seattle, and the timing is awkward in more ways than one. Lock is expected to be the option in Week 9, which gives the Seahawks a chance to see what he can do in a meaningful stretch, but it also comes with the reminder that his own elbow issue could complicate how long that chance lasts.
Even if Lock gives Seattle a lift in the short term, the bigger picture around the quarterback room is not suddenly changing. Darnold is under contract through 2027, while Lock is heading toward free agency next season and could be looking for a fresh opportunity elsewhere, which leaves the Seahawks with a familiar kind of uncertainty even as they navigate the immediate one. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks Face Two Roster Holes That Could Define Their Deadline
The Seahawks are approaching the trade deadline with the kind of roster questions that tend to sharpen in October, when every weakness gets magnified and every upgrade starts to feel urgent. Edge rusher and wide receiver stand out as the clearest places where Seattle could look for help, and the list of possible fits reflects how wide the search might be, from Josh Downs and Khalil Mack to Dallas Goedert.
Seattle also has to decide whether it can create room by moving pieces out as well as bringing them in. Tyrice Knight and Dante Fowler Jr. are among the names mentioned as possible trade candidates, while Riq Woolen adds another layer to the conversation because any deadline move has to balance immediate need against the longer-term shape of the roster. [Read more 🡒]