Brock: Dwight Freeney signing says Seahawks are in it to win it
Oct 25, 2017, 9:43 AM | Updated: 9:57 am
(AP)
The Seahawks announced Tuesday night – or rather, Dwight Freeney himself announced Tuesday night – that Seattle and the seven-time Pro Bowl defensive end have agreed to terms on a deal. Freeney, 37, will be a boost for the Seahawks’ pass rush, following the loss of veteran defensive end Cliff Avril.
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The move signals three things for 710 ESPN Seattle’s Brock Huard, starting with the message that the Seahawks are in it to win it.
“This is a 10 to 15 snaps maximum guy, and if they weren’t all in and committed to win this thing and to build that defense, I don’t think they make this move, but they did,” Brock said. “And I think they’ve got offensive line issues – I’d still love a move to be made there but as the trade deadline looms in less than a week, more than likely not going to happen – but this signals to me that they’re in it to win it.
“No. 2, this signals to me that (Michael) Bennett’s foot is a concern. When you’ve got a fascia injury and you’re a 280-some pound man, he’s going to have to deal with it all season. It also signals that Marcus Smith is pretty average.”
Bennett sustained a plantar fascia injury in the Seahawks’ 16-10 win over the Rams in Week 5, though he was active for the Seahawks’ Week 7 win over the Giants.
Freeney, 37, adds another veteran presence to Seattle’s defensive line. In 11 years in the NFL, Freeney has appeared in 209 games, forced 46 fumbles and recovered four, and has recorded 281 tackles and 122.5 sacks. Last year, Freeney signed to Atlanta’s squad and almost won his second Super Bowl. Unfortunately, the Falcons fell short, but the move to Brock also signals an investment on Freeney’s part.
“When it comes to Freeney,” Brock said, “(the signing signals) that he believes this team can win a title.”