Clayton: Seahawks’ pass rush should be excellent despite losing Jarran Reed

The shuffle on the Seahawks’ defensive line got even more intriguing when Jarran Reed decided over the weekend to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.

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That puts Reed in an even better spot than he was three years ago when he played on the Seahawks’ line with Frank Clark. Clark’s great pass-rush ability opened enough single blocking opportunities and space that Reed had 10 1/2 sacks in 2018.

What makes Reed’s move to Kansas City better for him is that he will be with Clark and defensive tackle Chris Jones, who is one of the best interior pass-rushers in the NFL.

Reed should have a good season for sacks as Jones and Clark will be double teamed before him.

Related: What are Seahawks losing by moving on from Reed?

The Seahawks decided it was more important to add to their pass rush than keep Reed. They were willing to pay to keep Carlos Dunlap. They were able to get fellow defensive end Kerry Hyder for a two-year deal at $6.5 million – $3.25 million a year. They re-signed Benson Mayowa to a two-year deal at $7.62 million – $3.81 million a year. They also brought back defensive tackle Al Woods on a one-year, $3 million deal.

Even though it’s tough to lose Reed, the Seahawks probably would have lost him in free agency after the 2021 season. He was on the last year of a contract that was paying him $11.5 million a year. Because he probably would have received more money than that in free agency next year, the Seahawks might not have paid to bring him back.

What’s good about the Seahawks’ defensive line deals is that the players they added or re-signed can be with the team this year and next. The pass rush should be excellent.

For football fans, it will also be fun watching Reed and Clark on a Chiefs team that is favored to go back to the Super Bowl.

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