2012 NFL Free Agents: 12 Position Players the Seattle Seahawks Should Target

Flynn has become one of the most talked about free agents, even though he's started just two games in the NFL.
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The Seattle Seahawks have made an almost unprecedented roster transformation during the past two seasons. Gone are most of Tim Ruskell's draft picks, including the player garnered with every first round draft pick during his tenure (Chris Spencer, Kelly Jennings, Deion Branch, Lawrence Jackson and Aaron Curry). 

The Ruskell-era Seahawks were comprised of fast guys that played football. Pete Carroll and John Schneider are transitioning to football players with speed.

While the difference may seem small, it is quite significant.

Ruskell used early draft picks on short corners with speed and good cover skills, but they had difficulty making plays on the ball. Carroll and Co. have added big, hard-hitting players that force turnovers and punish opposing tacklers.

The Seahawks will continue their transformation in the upcoming offseason, looking to add the final pieces that will make the Seahawks post-season contenders again.

A complete free agency shopping list will be forthcoming, but the Seahawks have a defined need to add a few play-makers at the skill positions. I am limiting the discussion to realistic acquisitions, though, so players such as Ray Rice and Drew Brees won't be making the cut.

Finally, despite a defined need, you won't see any linebackers on the list. Some consider them skill players, but you'll have to wait a few days to see what options lay in store for the Seahawks in the middle of their defense.

Given Seattle's starting talent and depth in the secondary, be prepared if the following list focuses on offense.

That said, here are 12 highly-skilled players that could make a big impression on Seattle's win column next season.

12. Kyle Orton, QB, Kansas City Chiefs

Many Seahawks fans will echo the thought of the Bronco fans that extended a rude "Welcome Back" to Denver.
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This seems like a long-shot, given the Seahawks opted against placing a waiver claim on Kyle Orton earlier in the season. I was in favor of the idea, as he would have provided a better backup option than Whitehurst and would have given the Seahawks time to see how he would mesh with their offense should they be interested in signing Orton in 2012. 

If Orton worked well, they would be ahead of the curve next season. If not, the Seahawks could possibly receive a compensatory draft pick.

The fact that Seattle wasn't interested in 2011 likely means they won't look his direction in 2012.

The perception that he wouldn't be a material improvement over Tarvaris Jackson in 2012 makes the odds even slimmer. However, should other players fall through Orton will be an option to compete for snaps.

	GP	CMP	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	INT	RAT
‘05	15	190	368	1,869	5.08	9	13	59.7
‘07	3	43	80	478	5.98	3	2	73.9
‘08	15	272	465	2,972	6.39	18	12	79.6
‘09	16	336	541	3,802	7.03	21	12	86.8
‘10	13	293	498	3,653	7.34	20	9	87.5
‘11	5	91	155	979	6.32	8	7	75.7
‘11	4	59	97	779	8.03	1	2	81.1
	71	1,284	2,204	14,532	6.59	80	57	79.4

11. Dwayne Bowe, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

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Dwayne Bowe had a breakout season in 2010 with 1,162 yards and 15 TDs. The odds of him repeating that effort in 2011 seemed thin, but the Kansas City Chiefs aren't likely unhappy with the 1,159 yards...even though he managed just five touchdowns.

At 6'2", Bowe has the size to fit in Seattle's big-receiver line-up. The only question is if they would be able to afford him.

The 2012 free agency pool of wide receivers is fairly deep. While Bowe would have been an extremely hot commodity last year, he may be an under-the-radar option this season.

This could play in Seattle's favor. While they don't figure to be actively pursuing receiver talent, Darrell Bevell certainly wouldn't turn one down if he fell into his lap.

10. Vincent Jackson, WR, San Diego Chargers

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The Seahawks aren't likely to make a play for a top free agent at the wide receiver position...particularly not for one as high-profile as Vincent Jackson. However, he brings a style of play that would fit well in Seattle and would immediately give them one of the most feared receiving corps in the NFL.

Jackson has had attitude issues, but signing a big-time NFL contract would likely be a great fix. 

Back to reality, though, the Seahawks don't figure to have the cap room to make a play for Jackson. 

Following an absent 2010 season, Jackson almost matched his 2009 numbers. He posted the same 9 TDs and barely eclipsed 1,100 yards.

Jackson is a legitimate star receiver that will improve a roster in 2012.

9. Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers

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Yes, THAT Alex Smith. While he certainly hasn't been a take-charge NFL quarterback, the offense in San Francisco has been in a constant state of flux since he took over his rookie season. He has lacked receiver options and a productive game plan, which led me to talk about him being an option for the Seahawks last offseason.

While Pete Carroll expressed some interest in Smith last year, there was little effort to attempt to steal him from rival coach Jim Harbaugh. It is difficult to imagine he'll look any harder this year. However, it would give the added benefit of disrupting the offense of the defending division champion.

Smith showed that, combined with a good defense, he is capable of winning a playoff game against an elite quarterback. Perhaps Smith should be a little further into this list.

8. Michael Bush, RB, Oakland Raiders

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I'm hesitant to add too many former Oakland Raiders or Minnesota Vikings to a list of targets. Seattle had success securing players with ties to Darrell Bevell and Tom Cable in 2011, but using players with ties to the Seahawks offense maker for lazy assumptions.

To make this list, offensive players must fit what both Tom Cable and Darrell Bevell are looking for, and must fill an area of defined need for the team. They must also be a player that would turn heads if they didn't have ties to Seattle's coaching or management.

That said, Michael Bush has the skill set to be a very good starting running back in the NFL. Seattle may chase him as a replacement for Marshawn Lynch, or use him in a complimentary role. He is a solid pass blocker and valuable in the passing game. 

After being used sparingly over the first six games of 2011, Bush took over the running duties following the injury to Darren McFadden early in game seven. He still put up 977 rushing yards on the season, 837 in the final 10 games. That would project to over 1,300 yards in a full season.

His yards per carry were lacking, particularly compared to McFadden, but Bush is a power runner that gets tough yard between the tackles.

Bush will turn 28 this summer but only has four years of NFL service. He was not able to play his rookie season while rehabilitating a broken tibia suffered during the first game of his senior year at Louisville.

Bush will make an impact as a starter in 2012 and Seattle's offense fits his style. He should also have a lot of carries left on his 6'1", 245 lb. frame. 

Rush	GP	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	FD
2008	15	95	421	4.4	3	15
2009	16	123	589	4.8	3	22
2010	14	158	655	4.1	8	32
2011	16	256	977	3.8	7	53
	61	632	2,642	4.2	21	122
REC	GP	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	FD
2008	15	19	162	8.5	0	7
2009	16	17	105	6.2	0	3
2010	14	18	194	10.8	0	11
2011	16	37	418	11.3	1	14
	61	91	879	9.7	1	35
Total	GP	Touches	YDS	AVG	TD	FD
2008	15	114	583	5.1	3	22
2009	16	140	694	5.0	3	25
2010	14	176	849	4.8	8	43
2011	16	293	1,395	4.8	8	67
	61	723	3,521	4.9	22	157

7. Michael Robinson, FB, Seattle Seahawks

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Michael Robinson put together a solid season in Seattle, albeit with a slow start. He added some bulk in the offseason to help him open holes for Marshawn Lynch and it didn't seem to hurt his efforts on special teams.

The Seahawks don't figure to let Robinson leave town for good headed into the 2012 season. Not because there isn't still room for improvement at the position, but rather, because the fullback position is a bit thin on free agent options.

Seattle may opt to use a draft pick on the position, but could get a few more solid seasons from Robinson who turns 29-years-old in February.

6. Le'Ron McClain, FB, Kansas City Chiefs

Will Le'Ron McClain flee from KC?
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Le'Ron McClain was a prized signing for the Kansas City Chiefs prior to the 2011 season. He became expendable for the Baltimore Ravens after they signed Vonta Leach.

The Chiefs only secured McClain for one year, though, for $1.5 million.

This was perhaps a solid decision for McClain. It allows him to re-enter free agency in a down-year at the fullback position. He's just 27 years old, leaving him as an attractive option for teams looking for a big, bruising fullback that can also give a few good carries and catch a swing pass.

The 6'0", 260 lb. McClain isn't likely to come near the three-year, $11 million deal that Leach signed last offseason, but he is certainly worthy of a three-year deal. The deficiency at fullback could land him between $6 and $7.5 million over that term.

This would likely be a bit of a salary bump at the position from Robinson's unreported 2011 contract, but it would be a solid investment in the offense.

5. John Carlson, TE, Seattle Seahawks

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There are a few teams that will need to take a close look at the tight end position in the offseason. Seattle is one of them, as they will need to decide just how important the tight end position is to their offense.

John Carlson has had mixed results in the changing offenses over the last few seasons. 2011 was the most disappointing, though, as he missed the entire season with a torn labrum.

Pete Carroll has a vision of lining up two very good tight ends in Darrell Bevell's offense. He will certainly attempt to keep Carlson in Seattle, but it will come down to cost. 

Should the Seahawks not be able to afford $10 million a year for two tight ends, Cameron Morrah will be in line to take over in the number two spot.

4. Jason Campbell, QB, Oakland Raiders

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The free agent quarterback buzz has been all about Matt Flynn. Tim Hasselbeck has also bestowed the virtues of New England Patriot backup Brian Hoyer. However, Hoyer isn't readily accessible given his restricted status.

Of the top prospects, Jason Campbell figures to have the least amount of competition from his current team. The Raiders have mortgaged their next two drafts for Carson Palmer, likely leaving them out of the discussions with their former starter.

There are a few other names that will make the rounds as free agency heats up. I've hit on two already, but Campbell could actually be a very good fit in Seattle...and not because of a 2010 connection with Tom Cable. That is a tempting angle, as it is the same one Seattle used with asking Tarvaris Jackson to follow Darrell Bevell to Seattle.

The case for Campbell is compelling for a different reason.

Campbell fits Bevell's mold of a mobile quarterback that can extend plays with his feet. He fits Pete Carroll's requirement of a solid game manager that limits turnovers and is a compliment to the running game.

Seattle's offensive compliments should help Cambell open up his game. Sidney Rice would provide a deep target that is adept at getting up and securing passes. Zach Miller would be a familiar target from the tight end position, and Seattle has speed options that can get under Cambell's passes.

Campbell is most comfortable throwing from the pocket and has great arm strength. He can go deep and deliver intermediate throws quickly.

He's not as mobile as Tarvaris Jackson, but has the size and toughness to battle through blitzers and extend plays with his legs.

The biggest positive for Seattle's offense is he is an accurate passer that doesn't throw many interceptions. 

For fans into catchy phrases like "Suck for Luck" I have a few for you. I'm calling this one "Gamble on Campbell."

Expect the Seahawks to be one of the first teams entertaining Campbell once free agency begins.

	GP	CMP	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	INT	QBR
‘06	7	110	207	1,297	6.27	10	6	76.5
‘07	13	250	417	2,700	6.48	12	11	77.6
‘08	16	315	506	3,245	6.41	13	6	84.3
‘09	16	327	507	3,618	7.14	20	15	86.4
‘10	13	194	329	2,387	7.26	13	8	84.5
‘11	6	100	165	1,170	7.09	6	4	84.2
	71	1,296	2,131	14,417	6.77	74	50	82.8

 

3. Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears

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I know...if Ray Rice isn't realistic, how is the running back that could press him as the best free agent at the position?

The answer lies in the other free agents each team needs to sign. Rice is far and away the most important player for the Baltimore Ravens to deal with in free agency, and they will either sign him or extend the franchise tag.

The Chicago Bears, on the other hand, have several big names entering free agency this season. Matt Forte may not be their top priority, as middle linebacker Brian Urlacher has been the heart and soul of their defense.

Chicago also reportedly balked at five-year, $40 million contract request from Forte's agent. If they aren't willing to wrap him up for his expected proficient years at $8 million per season, they may not want to extend a $7.7 million franchise tag.

Forte isn't a typical power back, as much of his production has been as a receiver out of the backfield. Still, he was on pace to challenge 2,000 yards from scrimmage prior to missing four games to injury in 2011.

The Seahawks would have an intriguing decision to make if they had an opportunity to sign Forte. He has good size (6'2", 218 lbs) and is faster than Marshawn Lynch in the open field. 

Forte would also give whomever will be throwing the ball in Seattle next season another viable target. I doubt Forte vs. Lynch will tip a free agent quarterback's decision, but he is certainly a solid security blanket.

Rush	GP	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	FD
2008	16	316	1,238	3.9	8	63
2009	16	258	929	3.6	4	39
2010	16	237	1,069	4.5	6	42
2011	12	203	997	4.9	3	40
	60	1014	4,233	4.2	21	184
REC	GP	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	FD
2008	16	63	477	7.6	4	23
2009	16	57	471	8.3	0	17
2010	16	51	547	10.7	3	21
2011	12	52	490	9.4	1	19
	60	223	1,985	8.9	8	80
Total	GP	Touches	YDS	AVG	TD	FD
2008	16	379	1,715	4.5	12	86
2009	16	315	1,400	4.4	4	56
2010	16	288	1,616	5.6	9	63
2011	12	255	1,487	5.8	4	59
	60	1,237	6,218	5.0	29	264

2. Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seattle Seahawks

"Beast Mode" certainly broke out in 2011.
Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

What list of free agent skill position targets would be complete without the Seahawks most important qualifying free agent?

Marshawn Lynch might make the top spot on this list if not for the relative ease in which the Seahawks can retain their breakout offensive performer of 2011. They can retain his services in 2012 at a relatively reasonable salary via the franchise tag.

This step actually seems prudent for the Seahawks. It would give them another season to see if the second half performance of 2011 can be repeated over the course of an entire season.

If they add another back via free agency or the draft, they can also get a feel for how much of the production was Lynch and how much is the scheme and improved blocking. Seahawks fans know all too well how often Lynch was hit three yards deep in the backfield in 2010 and early in the 2011 season.

Granted, using the tag could upset a player that has had attitude issues in prior years.

The Seahawks should be able to wrap up Lynch with a five-year, $35 million contract. That meshes well with Frank Gore's three-year, $21 million extension and Maurice Jones-Drew's 2009 contract.

RUSH	TEAM	GP	ATT	YDS	AVG	TD	FD
2007	BUF	13	280	1,115	4.0	7	51
2008	BUF	15	250	1,036	4.1	8	53
2009	BUF	13	120	450	3.8	2	18
2010	BUF	4	37	164	4.4	0	9
2010	SEA	12	165	573	3.5	6	29
2011	SEA	15	285	1,204	4.2	12	63
		72	1137	4,542	4.0	35	223
REC	TEAM	GP	REC	YDS	AVG	TD	FD
2007	BUF	13	18	184	10.2	0	10
2008	BUF	15	47	300	6.4	1	14
2009	BUF	13	28	179	6.4	0	6
2010	BUF	4	1	7	7.0	0	0
2010	SEA	12	21	138	6.6	0	5
2011	SEA	15	28	212	7.6	1	8
		72	143	1,020	7.1	2	43
Total	Touches	GP	TCH	YDS	AVG	TD	FD
2007		13	298	1,299	4.4	7
2008		15	297	1,336	4.5	9
2009		13	148	629	4.3	2
2010		16	224	882	3.9	6
2011		15	313	1,416	4.5	13
		72	1,280	5,562	4.3	37	266

1. Matt Flynn, QB, Green Bay Packers

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Flynn has become the trendy discussion topic on the free agent quarterback front over the last few weeks.

But Bleacher Report has been linking him to the Seahawks since last April. We also ran a feature piece in November on why he would be the next Seahawk quarterback: Seattle Seahawks to Follow an Old Pattern to Land Their New Quarterback?

Flynn's monster day against the Detroit Lions (480 Yds, 6 TDs, 1 INT) will make it a bit harder (aka: more expensive) for the Seahawks to land Flynn, but he still figures to be a big part of their offseason planning. Seattle GM John Schneider was part of the draft team that took Flynn in the 2008 draft.

Schneider should have as good a feel for Flynn's talent as any GM outside of Green Bay. If he and OC Darrell Bevell are on the same page, it is hard to imagine the Seahawks letting Flynn take his talents to Washington, Miami or Cleveland. We will see if they are "All-in on Flynn" in March.

Flynn is ideally suited for a west coast offense, mixing good arm strength and accurate passing. He can throw on the run, but will need to work on making quicker throws should he join the Seahawks in 2012.