Seahawks Free Agency Grades for Each Signing
By Ben Renner
DeShawn Shead CB 1 year, $1.5 million, $1 million guaranteed
Grade: B
Shead was a solid second banana across from Richard Sherman last season. It’s generally understood throughout the league that you shouldn’t throw too many passes in Sherm’s direction, so teams trying to find a chink in the LOB armor last year focused on Shead. And Shead held his own for the most part.
Another year taking his licks across from Sherman should help Shead develop into an even more effective cornerback. And another Training Camp in the Carroll school for big-bodied defensive backs won’t hurt, either.
In this case, a one-year deal makes sense. Shead was adequate last season but has been uneven in coverage at times. If the Schneider and Carroll find a stud defensive back in the draft, as they are wont to do, they can move on from Shead for an even cheaper option rather easily. And the cycle of developing Seattle cornerbacks continues.
The Portland State product will turn 29 this summer. Despite only one interception in 15 starts last season, Shead broke up 14 passes and made a solid 56 tackles. Although an ACL injury will keep him sidelined for the start of the 2017 regular season, he should fit back into the starting lineup as soon as he’s ready. Giving the injured starter one million dollars in guaranteed money was a classy move by Seattle as well.