Clayton: Seahawks could look to O’Brien Schofield for pass-rush help
May 10, 2016, 11:21 AM
O'Brien Schofield, who played for Seattle in 2013 and 2014, is still available on the free-agent market. (AP)
(AP)
The Seahawks hit three major areas of need multiple times during the NFL draft: offensive line, defensive line and running back. But in the process, Seattle forwent filling in its last glaring need: a replacement for outside linebacker Bruce Irvin.
ESPN football insider John Clayton told “Brock and Salk” Tuesday that there are a few names left on the free-agent market – or will be soon – who could help fill Irvin’s spot, including former Seahawks linebacker O’Brien Schofield.
“I’m kind of wondering if they go after O’Brien Schofield now that the unrestricted free-agent period is over, just to get another pass rusher,” he said. “Atlanta had brought in a couple pass rushers, and I know (Atlanta head coach) Dan Quinn said on Monday that they want to bring him back, but (Schofield) may feel better about coming out here and playing on the defensive line and maybe playing a little linebacker.”
Related: Pete Carroll says Seahawks will use Brandon Browner at safety
Schofield, 29, played two years in Seattle, collecting a combined 29 tackles and four sacks during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. The 6-foot-3, 242-pounder had two sacks and 29 tackles last season in Atlanta.
The Seahawks have already reached into the past this offseason by signing former Seattle defenders Brandon Browner and Chris Clemons.
Another possibility could be Stephen Tulloch, the Lions’ veteran middle linebacker who is expected to be released. While Clayton said Seattle would “maybe” consider the 31 year old who notched 107 tackles in 2015, Brock Huard did not see Tulloch as a match on the strongside.
“Unfortunately, that’s not a fit,” Huard said. “If this was a situation where Bobby Wagner went to the Raiders and got paid all sorts of loot, and you were looking for a guy who has been there and done it as a middle linebacker that’s been so highly productive, I’m with you. But he’s just not (the right fit) … Finding that strong-side linebacker is not just a challenge at the collegiate level, it’s even a challenge with a bunch of guys you’re seeing released around the league who just don’t have that skillset.”
