Seahawks' shocking Jarran Reed decision could be a harbinger of things to come

Prior to this move, Seattle found itself $285,000 under the cap. Again, that was the primary motivation after the organization and Reed failed to come to terms on a long-term contract. Even then, it creates a major pass-rush need.

General manager John Schneider and Co. added an underrated edge pass rusher in Kerry Hyder from the division rival 49ers in free agency. He put up a career-best 8.5 sacks last season. Meanwhile, the Seahawks re-signed Benson Mayowa after he recorded six sacks last year.

That won’t be enough to put pressure on elite-level signal callers in the NFC West in Kyler Murray and Matthew Stafford. Add in Alton Robinson’s so-so performance and former first-round bust L.J. Collier doing absolutely nothing of substance in his first two NFL season (three sacks), and that’s magnified further.

Who might the Seattle Seahawks target now?

Without much room under the cap and facing an increasingly weakened free-agent class at the edge rush position, Seattle likely turns its attention to the 2021 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, the team has a league-low three selections next month. It also has obvious needs along the offensive line (more on that below).

Not picking until the end of the second round, the likes of Jordan Smith (Alabama-Birmingham) and Pittsburgh teammates Rashad Weaver and Patrick Jones could be options. Perhaps, local boy Joe Tryon from Washington could be an option.

In terms of potential free agents, former Pro Bowlers Justin Houston and Ryan Kerrigan join the likes of Everson Griffen and Trent Murphy as the top remaining players at this position on the market.

In reality, things have not gone swimmingly for the Seahawks since their loss to the division rival Los Angeles Rams in the NFL Playoffs this past January.

We already know Russell Wilson is not happy about the direction of the team and pass protection in front of him. While the NFL is seemingly all about the quarterback position right now, games are won in January in the trenches. The Seattle Seahawks have obvious issues when it comes to both the offensive and defensive line. This surprising decision on Jarran Reed adds to that.