JOHN CLAYTON

Clayton: Seahawks may still add more offensive firepower like Wilson wanted

May 20, 2020, 4:15 PM | Updated: 4:52 pm

Seahawks QB Russell Wilson...

Russell Wilson expressed that he wanted the Seahawks to add more star power. (Getty)

(Getty)

Early in the offseason, Russell Wilson was encouraging the Seahawks to bring in a little star power.

The front office responded early by signing tight end Greg Olsen. They gave him a deep threat with great speed when they signed wide receiver Phillip Dorsett. And based on what we are starting to hear, more star power might be on the way.

Report: With Penny’s injury, Hawks have tried signing Devonta Freeman

Mike Silver of the NFL Network reported Wednesday that the Seahawks offered former Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman a one-year, $3 million contract that could be worth up to $4 million. It’s already been known that the Seahawks have been talking to running backs Carlos Hyde and Marshawn Lynch, as well.

The Philadelphia Eagles have been looking at Freeman and Hyde but they would like to sign the running backs for a minimum salary. Freeman would have more star power than Hyde, who would Philadelphia would have a better chance at getting to settle for a minimum salary deal.

Freeman had 1,000-yard seasons in 2015 and 2016, totaling 22 touchdown runs in those two years. With second-strong Seahawks tailback Rashaad Penny coming back from ACL surgery and likely to miss the first six games and starter Chris Carson coming off a hip injury, the Seahawks would like a veteran insurance policy in the backfield. They have second-year RB Travis Homer and rookie DeeJay Dallas as backups, but Freeman or Hyde would give them a solid back if something would go wrong.

Lynch would be more of a short-yardage option. He showed in his three games back with Seattle in Week 17 and the playoffs that he can still score when his team is near the goal-line, though he had just 67 yards on 30 carries (2.23 yards per carry).

It’s pretty clear the Seahawks want to run the ball even more this year. They have loaded up at tight end and tried to stay big along the offensive line. But it’s not out of the question for the Seahawks to add another wide receiver. According to sources, Wilson would love to add Antonio Brown. Brown is also close with backup QB Geno Smith, whose one-year contract with the Seahawks was finalized Wednesday.

Don’t expect anything soon in regards to Brown. While it is an option down the road, deals like that are something John Schneider waits on, as he likes to leave extra cap room for moves in the summer and during the season. And let’s not go overboard on the Antonio Brown option. He won’t be signed this month, and the Seahawks wouldn’t sign him next month. Don’t let it be a topic like trade talk years ago with the Cleveland Browns or the Seahawks drafting Josh Allen. Those things weren’t happening. If the Seahawks would do something with Brown, it would be in late July or August.

Another option might be brewing. Out of the blue on Wednesday, the NFL reinstated linebacker Aldon Smith, who had been on an indefinite suspension. Smith hasn’t played since 2015 but he signed a one-year, $2 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys. Smith and his representatives had been frustrated by the slow movement to resolve his status but now he’s on the roster as an active player. His return could open the door on at least two more suspensions being resolved: Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory and wide receiver Josh Gordon, who spent most of the 2019 season with the Seahawks.

Gregory and Gordon could be reinstated at any point. If Gordon comes off suspension, the Seahawks would be interested. He liked it in Seattle and the Seahawks liked him.

Everyone knows the Seahawks are going to sign a veteran defensive tackle who can be a run-stopper. Damon Harrison or Marcell Dareus would offer power. Getting Jadeveon Clowney back would also satisfy Wilson’s request for star power. But getting some on offense is still on the table.

Follow 710 ESPN Seattle’s John Clayton on Twitter.

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