Free Agent Finds: Tight End
The Tight End position is one of the 5 most interesting position groups for Seattle heading into 2017. It is widely believed that former 5th round pick Luke Wilson will not be back in Seattle, following the expiration of his rookie deal.
Pro Bowler Jimmy Graham has just 1 year left on his contract, worth $10 million, none of which is guaranteed. The Seahawks could cut Graham and instantly add $10 million to their salary cap. They could try and trade him for draft picks or a player. Heck, they could extend him or just let him play out this final season. All are realistic possibilities.
The Seahawks spent a 3rd round pick on Ohio State TE Nick Vannett, but he was inactive for most of the season, basically taking his rookie year as a redshirt season. Brandon Williams played the role of 3rd TE, and could be back in 2017.
With all these question marks surrounding the position, what are the Seahawks options? Well, here are just a few interesting names to keep an eye on in March and April.
Martellus Bennett- I should preface this by saying that Bennett only makes sense if the Seahawks decide to move on from Jimmy Graham. But let’s just pretend that for the moment, they have. Bennett is actually a better fit for the Seahawks offense.
Bennett is an able and willing blocker. Graham has made great strides in his blocking game, but it will never be a true strength of his. Bennett also is a very good pass catcher, averaging 64 catches 688 yards and 5 TD’s over the last 5 seasons.
Simply put, Graham is the better pass catcher, Bennett is the better blocker. But Spotrac places Bennett’s market value at $6 million per year. That seems low, so let’s bump it up to $8 million. So now the question becomes: Jimmy Graham at $10 million or Martellus Bennett at $7.5-$8 million?
If Seattle is serious about returning to its “run first” mentality, it seems like a no-brainer.
Vernon Davis- Yes, that Vernon Davis. The one who Kam Chancellor has destroyed once or twice?
Davis is 33 years old, and has certainly lost a little of his game breaking speed, but he is still a really good player. Breaking down his game and it is similar to UFA Luke Wilson. A speed guy with good but not great hands who are adequate blockers.
Davis played in all 16 games in 2016, hauling in 44 passes for 583 yards. Davis played last year at $2.4 million and is probably looking for something in the $3 million range for 2017.
Jordan Cameron- Cameron has been a major disappointment since his breakout season in 2013. He played in only 3 games last season, and reeled in only 50% of his targets in 2015. Cameron is still really athletic, and only 28 years old. It’s possible he could be had on a 1 year “prove it” deal to regain his value on the open market in 2018 as a 29 year old.
Cameron played for Head Coach Pete Carroll at USC and the team reportedly almost landed him in a trade for Percy Harvin back in 2014. Now that he is available, and at a sizeable discount, the team could renew its interest in this intriguing TE.
The Best of the Rest: Jermaine Gresham is an interesting name to watch, as he really fits the Zach Miller mold for a Seattle tight end. Vannett also fits the same mold, and is likely to be considerably cheaper, so Gresham only makes sense if it is at a discount.
Larry Donnell of the Giants has some drop issues, but is at least an experienced body to add to the TE room. Jacob Tamme and Rhett Ellison also provide a veteran presence and a solid understanding of the West Coast offense.
Gavin Escobar is a real wild card, as his athletic gifts are off the charts, but he was never able to knock Jason Witten of his mantle, and thus could be a nice Luke Wilson replacement.
