Seattle Seahawks News: Zach Miller Will Return in 2014
By Todd Pheifer
Feb 2, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Zach Miller (86) celebrates after a victory against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Zach Miller will return!
The Seattle Seahawks have been making a number of cuts in recent weeks, and Miller was rumored to be a player who might be let go. In the NFL, teams often have to make decisions based on the salary cap, rather than on talent or personnel needs.
Another cut was avoided as Miller agreed to a restructured deal. This will probably end any dialogue with free agent Jermichael Finley.
Miller is a long way from where he was when he caught 60 balls for the Oakland Raiders in 2010. However, Miller did covert five touchdowns in 2013 to go along with 33 catches, and the Seahawks utilized him a lot as a blocking tight end.
Despite the elusiveness of Russell Wilson, a blocking tight end can be invaluable in the NFL, particularly when you have a bruising back like Marshawn Lynch that can be sprung on the edge with a key block. With the departure of Golden Tate, it was important to retain an experienced part of the offense.
This is really a smart move by both sides. The Seahawks keep a veteran presence in the lineup. Otherwise, the Seahawks would have been relying on Luke Willson and an uncertain Anthony McCoy, who is returning from a tough injury.
The benefit for Miller is that he gets to keep his current job, rather than having to go looking on the open market. Granted, he probably would have found employment, and it is possible that he would have received more short-term money by signing with another club.
Seattle has lost a number of players in recent weeks, so it is nice to keep a starting tight end rather than chase free agents or make that position a draft priority. This time, a pricey player is staying.
Zach Miller will return.