Seahawks OTAs: Three storylines to follow
By Ben Renner
The Seahawks open Organized Team Activities (OTAs) amid several storylines swirling around team this offseason. Here are three narratives to watch.
The Seahawks had to start their OTAs a week after the other NFL teams this season because of their violation of the league’s full-contact policy for Organized Team Activities last year. That extra week spawned renewed calls for the signing of deposed quarterback Colin Kaepernick, saw a story break about the nuances of a Seahawks locker room rift, and added speculation as to which newcomer will make a difference in the Fall.
The Seahawks also lost Ring of Honor and Hall of Fame defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy, who passed away a Seattle sports legend.
Moving on with heavy hearts in the midst of controversy, OTAs start tomorrow, and with them, the long process of creating a roster that can win when the games start to count in September. Let’s take a look at the various storylines surrounding Seahawks camp this year:
Will the Seahawks sign Colin Kaepernick?
If the Seahawks intend on signing Kap, they’ll want to ink him to a deal and put him in camp as soon as possible. This isn’t Training Camp yet, so bringing Kap in on the playbook and the offense isn’t a necessity, but the sooner he’s in camp practicing, the better.
Spike Lee himself tweeted and posted on Instagram that Kaepernick had indeed signed with the Seahawks after reports came out that the former 49ers quarterback was working out in Seattle.
We all know I’m a fan of signing the once-hated NFC West rival, but for the right price. It appeared that Russell Wilson played hurt in several games last year. If Pete Carroll had a veteran QB on the bench, would he have shelved Wilson before one of his bad games? It seems logical the Seahawks will bring in a veteran as another option besides Trevone Boykin, but it won’t necessarily be Kap. Time will tell.
Offense vs. Defense
Seattle practices and OTAs are always intense, and they could be even moreso after Seth Wickersham’s article on ESPN appeared to expose a rift between Richard Sherman and the defense and Wilson. While Sherman and defensive end Michael Bennett have both batted away any implication that Wickersham’s article is accurate, Wickersham has said he’s received messages from players insisting that he was right.
There will always be preferential treatment given to quarterbacks in the NFL. The question is, will this story drag on through Training Camp and into the season, fed by reports of intense feuds between offense and defense in OTAs and Training Camp? If we can make it through this process without a fight, I think the Seahawks will be in good shape team chemistry-wise.
Seahawks Rookies and Newcomers
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There are many new Seahawks out to prove themselves in Carroll’s system of open competition. Eddie Lacy signed a one-year deal with Seattle in hopes of reestablishing himself as a top-tier running back. Luke Joeckel will try to prove he’s no longer a first-round bust on a one-year deal.
John Schneider drafted 11 players in the NFL Draft, and added several more as Undrafted Free Agents. Inevitably, there will be surprising names and faces showing up on the roster by the time final cuts are made. Who will catch Carroll’s eye this time? Will rookie wide receiver Amara Darboh bump the slumping Jermaine Kearse from meaningful action? Will Ethan Pocic become a fixture on the offensive line? Many players have much to prove starting with OTAs.
Next: Seahawks Bold Predictions for Each 2017 Draft Pick
The Seahawks begin their ten days of OTAs today. They will continue June 1st to 2nd, 5-6, 8-9, and the mandatory final workout June 13th through 15th.