The Seattle Seahawks have commenced their training camp activities, with rookies reporting on July 17th and veterans scheduled to join on July 23rd. As the team prepares for full squad practices, there are ongoing deliberations about potential roster additions.
Roster discussions are a continuous part of the Seahawks’ front office operations, both internally and in the public eye, especially during the offseason. The focus, particularly for Seattle, often centers on bolstering their defensive lineup.
Under head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks are notably thin at inside linebacker and safety positions, exacerbated by the offseason departures of Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams, strategic moves aimed at managing salary cap constraints.
Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Network recently evaluated potential free agent targets for NFC teams ahead of training camp, highlighting former New England Patriots safety Adrian Phillips as a viable option for Seattle.
“Seattle doesn’t have many obvious weaknesses on its roster. While the Seahawks could conceivably add another interior offensive lineman, new faces like veterans Laken Tomlinson and Nick Harris and third-round rookie Christian Haynes should provide enough competition at guard and center.
Let’s give the Seahawks more safety depth after they parted ways with Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs this offseason. Adrian Phillips was a full-time starter for the Patriots before moving into a reserve role in 2023. At worst, he’d be a special teams maven in Seattle after playing 321 ST snaps last season.” – Dallas Robinson, Pro Football Network
During the offseason, Seattle made modest additions in the safety position, securing Rayshawn Jenkins and K’Von Wallace. While competent, these acquisitions may not offer the transformative impact that Phillips, with his extensive experience and special teams proficiency, could potentially bring.
Phillips initially joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the San Diego Chargers in 2014, gradually expanding his role over six seasons before joining the Patriots. His tenure in New England included three seasons as a starter before transitioning into a rotational role in 2023.
The Seahawks face a decision regarding their safety strategy, with considerations extending beyond just on-field performance. Corbin Smith, among others, advocates for potentially re-signing Diggs, albeit possibly in a backup capacity. This suggestion stems from Diggs’s proven track record as a versatile safety, having started 104 games since 2017.
“While Jenkins and Love are solid options, finding a starting role for Diggs would require adjustments, given his extensive experience. However, even if he doesn’t start every game, his situational contributions could still be invaluable, particularly under Macdonald’s defensive schemes, which have emphasized deploying three-safety formations during his tenure with the Ravens.”