Jarran Reed’s Role in Seattle: Still Valuable, But the Clock Is Ticking
When the Seahawks re-signed Jarran Reed this past offseason to a three-year, $22 million deal, it was a clear signal: John Schneider and Mike Macdonald still saw the veteran defensive lineman as a key piece in their front seven. It was Reed’s largest contract since his post-rookie deal in 2020, and it came at a time when many thought Seattle might start phasing out its older defensive linemen in favor of a youth movement already in motion.
That movement had already begun with the drafting of Byron Murphy II in 2024, and with veterans like Johnathan Hankins and Reed hitting free agency, there was real speculation about whether the Seahawks would continue reshaping their defensive line. Hankins, older and playing a more limited role, seemed the more likely departure. Reed, on the other hand, had quietly remained a productive contributor since returning to Seattle in 2023, even if his impact was sometimes overshadowed by Leonard Williams and the emergence of Murphy.
But now, as the 2025 season enters its final stretch, Reed’s long-term future in Seattle is once again uncertain-not because of a drop in effort or attitude, but because of health, age, and a wave of promising young talent crashing onto the roster.
A Setback at the Worst Time
Reed’s season took a hit in Week 10, when he suffered a broken finger during a win over the Commanders. The injury required two surgeries and landed him on injured reserve. In his absence, Seattle’s defensive front hasn’t collapsed-in fact, it’s held up reasonably well.
Brandon Pili, Quinton Bohanna (now released), and Mike Morris have stepped in to soak up snaps. But more notably, Macdonald has leaned further into his hybrid edge rushers, deploying DeMarcus Lawrence, Boye Mafe, Uchenna Nwosu, and Derick Hall in creative ways. With all four healthy at the same time, Seattle has been able to mix and match fronts, often going lighter and faster without losing much in terms of run defense or pass rush.
That’s not to say Reed isn’t missed. His presence inside still matters, particularly as a rotational piece behind Williams and Murphy. But with Reed turning 32 next season and his Pro Football Focus grades dipping to their lowest since his one-year stint in Kansas City back in 2021, the question becomes less about what he’s done-and more about what’s next.
The Rylie Mills Factor
One of the biggest variables in Reed’s future is fifth-round rookie Rylie Mills. The Notre Dame product would’ve likely gone higher in the draft had he not torn his ACL late in his college career. That injury has kept him sidelined through most of his rookie season, but he’s now practicing, and his return window is open.
Mills has the kind of frame and athleticism that fits perfectly in Macdonald’s scheme. Think of the type of linemen Macdonald coached in Baltimore-guys like Justin Madubuike and Brent Urban, who could rush the passer and hold the edge on early downs. That’s the mold Mills fits.
If Mills proves ready for real snaps down the stretch, he could start eating into Reed’s workload. That’s especially true if Pili or Morris continues to show they can handle nose tackle responsibilities in base sets. Reed’s versatility-he can play anywhere along the interior-is a strength, but it may not be enough if Seattle’s younger options prove they’re ready for bigger roles.
The Numbers Game
There’s also the business side to consider. Reed is set to carry a $7.5 million cap hit next year.
If Seattle were to release him, they’d incur a $3 million dead cap charge, but save $4.5 million in space. That’s not an insignificant number, especially for a team that’s starting to get younger and more cost-conscious along the defensive line.
If Mills rises up the depth chart, and if players like Pili or Morris continue to develop, Reed could find himself in a tough spot. Not because he can’t still play-he can-but because the Seahawks may decide they no longer need to pay a premium for a role they can fill more affordably.
Don’t Count Him Out Just Yet
Of course, this isn’t the first time Jarran Reed has faced questions about his future. And more than once, he’s answered them with production.
If he returns healthy for the playoff push, don’t be surprised if he reasserts himself as a force on the interior. His quickness and ability to generate pressure from the inside are still valuable assets, especially in high-leverage situations.
But the reality is, the Seahawks are building for the future. Murphy is blossoming.
Mills is waiting in the wings. The edge group is deep and dynamic.
And Reed, for all his experience and impact, is entering the later stages of his career.
The final month of the season could tell us a lot. If Reed and Mills are both active, how the snaps are divided will be telling.
It’s the kind of good problem coaches love to have-too much talent, not enough snaps. But for Reed, it may also be a sign that his time in Seattle is winding down.
He’s been a warrior in the trenches for a decade. But in a league that never stops moving forward, even the most reliable veterans eventually face the same question: What’s next?