Which Seahawk could be seeing an extension soon?
Oct 19, 2018, 2:22 PM
The Seahawks signed QB Russell Wilson to a four-year extension Monday. (AP)
(AP)
At the beginning of season, the outlook on the Seahawks was more than a bit shaky, what with a totally lackluster run game and an offense that began and ended with Russell Wilson. But the recent dominant 27-3 win over the Raiders saw them return to .500, and may be a sign of the team finding their identity.
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It wouldn’t have happened without the performance of a few keys players, whose agents may be on the receiving end of an extension call from general manager John Schneider. 710 ESPN Seattle’s Jake Heaps and Mike Salk voiced their picks:
Jarran Reed
Reed is in the midst of breakout season that regularly sees him mentioned among the NFL’s best defensive tackles.
“This is a guy who should absolutely get an extension,” said Heaps. “When you look at his leadership, and what he means to that defensive line group. He’s been playing really good football.”
In 2016, Reed signed a 4-year deal worth $4.8 million and finished his 15-game rookie year with 34 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and three passes defended. This season he has 20 tackles and four sacks, and has already matched a career-high in tackles for loss.
“I like who he is and what he seems like in the locker room, and when you hear him interviewed, and the way he has sort of risen to this challenge,” said co-host Mike Salk. “Pete Carroll mentioned him first when we were talking about guys who’ve emerged as leaders this week.”
D.J. Fluker
Though he missed the first two weeks a hamstring injury, Fluker has been instrumental in helping to improve the Seahawks’ run game, in which they’ve averaged 157 yards per game in the last four weeks.
“I think that he is a perfect scheme fit for this team. I don’t think this is a one year one-hit wonder,” Heaps said. “I think that this guy is exactly what this team needs, to carry the same attitude that Pete Carroll wants.”
As a half of a thriving combination on the offensive line with veteran J.R. Sweezy, the two have contributed to impressive consecutive rushing games from the backfield.
Russell Wilson
Fluker has also played a key role in Wilson’s return to form, which enabled the Seahawks’ run game to significantly improve after Fluker’s absence. Wilson has since posted a 116 passer rating and only took seven sacks.
“This guy has really taken over as a field general. Not only is he doing great, he’s been efficient with the play-action pass game, and he’s tied for fifth in the league for touchdowns,” Heaps said. “He’s doing so many things at the line of scrimmage, almost Peyton Manning-esque. He’s starting to really take over and take shape as the field general.”
“This next contract negotiation with Russell will be the biggest sports story in the history of Seattle sports,” Salk added.
