Seahawks OTAs: Three storylines to follow

The Seahawks open Organized Team Activities (OTAs) amid several storylines swirling around team this offseason. Here are three narratives to watch.

TheSeahawkshad 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 spawnedrenewed callsfor the signing of deposed quarterbackColin Kaepernick, saw a story break about the nuances of a Seahawkslocker room rift, and added speculation as towhich newcomerwillmake a differencein the Fall.

TheSeahawks also lostRing of Honor and Hall of Fame defensive tackleCortez 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 himselftweeted 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 thatRussell Wilsonplayed 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 besidesTrevone 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 afterSeth Wickersham’s article on ESPNappeared to expose a rift betweenRichard Shermanand the defense and Wilson. While Sherman and defensive endMichael Bennetthave 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 treatmentgiven 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 Lacysigned a one-year deal with Seattle in hopes of reestablishing himself as a top-tier running back.Luke Joeckelwill 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 asUndrafted 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 slumpingJermaine Kearsefrom 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.

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