Who should Seahawks target next in second wave of free agency?
May 9, 2019, 12:13 PM | Updated: 12:20 pm
The Seahawks reportedly hosted OLB Shane Ray for a visit. (Getty)
(Getty)
A new wave of free agency began earlier this week, and already the Seahawks have made two new additions on defense, adding pass rusher Ezekiel “Ziggy” Ansah Wednesday and nickel cornerback Jamar Taylor Thursday. Thanks to a trade of Frank Clark, the Seahawks freed up over $17 million in cap room and can afford to make a third signing. But where is that money best spent?
Seahawks 2019 free agency tracker
The answer for 710 ESPN Seattle’s Jake Heaps is on a defensive player – specifically, a defensive lineman.
“My wish list is, if you’re going to go after an edge rusher, I want Shane Ray or Nick Perry,” Heaps said during Thursday morning’s Blue 42 segment on the Brock and Salk show.
“I think both of those guys fit the style of what you want. They can come in and maybe replace a Barkevious Mingo, playing that (strong side) linebacker role, or maybe taking over for Jacob Martin, being that edge rusher and adding that level of insurance.”
The Seahawks were rumored to be interested in ex-Packer outside linebacker Nick Perry as early as March. The 28-year old was a former first-round pick out of USC, where he played under then-head coach Pete Carroll in 2009. Perry remains a free agent, in large part, due to his injury history; he has yet to start a full season in seven years. The 25-year-old Ray, also a former first-round pick, reportedly visited with Seattle May 3. His underwent three wrist surgeries in his career with the Denver Broncos.
Edge rushers aren’t the only position of need, though. Heaps says Seattle could also use help defending the run, and former UW Huskies DT Danny Shelton would be a perfect fit.
“And then finally, I think defensive tackle Danny Shelton is a perfect fit for this defensive line that can help be an effective, consistent run-stuffer for this group,” Heaps said. “I know there have been other names thrown around here, and I know Danny Shelton hasn’t necessarily been dominant, but I think he’s been very consistent and would fit very well within this scheme.”
Listen to Heaps’ full Blue 42 segment in the audio clip embedded above. Heaps was also asked why Ansah was Seattle’s top free agent target, and which two or three routes rookie wide receiver D.K. Metcalf needs in his arsenal.
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