Stacy Rost: 3 big questions Seahawks face as training camp begins

The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks have returned to team headquarters in Renton to start training camp on Saturday, and there are a few things we have on our mind going into it.

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Here are three big questions we have as camp begins.

What will a full offseason with Rashid Shaheed mean?

The Seahawks made a trade with the New Orleans last season to acquire Shaheed, a speedy wide receiver and return man. Shaheed made a big impact on special teams, but on offense he had just 188 yards on 15 receptions and 26 targets in nine games for Seattle.

Unsurprisingly, Shaheed’s role in the offense is a sticking point. My Bump and Stacy co-host, former NFL wide receiver Michael Bumpus, feels AJ Barner will become a top five tight end by years’ end, which probably means being the second target on this team. But Shaheed’s speed (and big new contract) warrant special effort to explore every role he can play on offense.

What we’re watching for from Shaheed this summer: chemistry with quarterback Sam Darnold and an expanded route tree.

When does Devon Witherspoon get his new deal?

One of the first players reporters will look for on Saturday is No. 21. Will Witherspoon, the star cornerback awaiting a contract extension with the Seahawks, be out practicing with teammates?

Witherspoon held out of camp during his rookie season when he was still ironing out that deal, and no one should be upset with a player for avoiding injury that might cost millions before putting pen to paper. But the sooner that deal gets done, the better.

Who’s the next man up with Nick Emmanwori out?

A breakout safety as a rookie in 2025, Emmanwori will begin camp on the PUP list after reportedly having ankle surgery, which came after he was missed three games earlier last season with a high ankle sprain and very nearly missed the Super Bowl after suffering another ankle injury.

There’s no safety on the roster quite like Emmanwori, whose size allows him to play a hybrid role. But there’s depth with Ty Okada and some new faces with a player like rookie Bud Clark.

Seattle Seahawks news and more

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