A Look at The 2009 Offseason For The Seattle Seahawks

The Seattle Seahawks came into the 2009 offseason looking to improve a team that ranked 28^th in total offense and 30^th in total defense.  The Seahawks knew they needed to make vast improvements in their roster if they wanted to prove that last season was just an aberration.

Many fans felt that Tim Ruskell really needed to have a stellar offseason in order to appease the masses.  In essence, Ruskell potentially had his job on the line. 

In light of that, Ruskell and the Seahawks have really plugged many of the holes surrounding this team after the 2008 season. 

The first move by the Seahawks in free agency was signing WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh to a five year deal, a move that really bolstered a receiving core that was decimated by injuries last season.

Houshmandzadeh brings great hands and a big body, perfect for a red zone target for Matt Hasselbeck.  Houshmandzadeh has blossomed into one of the league’s best pass catches, snagging 294 over the past three seasons.

The Seahawks then looked towards improving the defensive line.  Looking for a wide body to command double teams and help seal offensive lineman, they signed free agent Colin Cole from the Green Bay Packers.

Cole fits the bill nicely, weighing in at 330 pounds he provides the run stuffing ability the Seahawks were desperate for last season.

As the draft loomed closer, the Seahawks made a move surprising to some, dealing linebacker Julian Peterson to Detroit for Cory Redding.  Redding is a quicker defensive tackle who should compliment Colin Cole nicely.

The Seahawks then focused their attention on the draft.  With many speculating the Seahawks to choose between WR Michael Crabtree and LB Aaron Curry, some experts felt the Seahawks were going to take the quarterback of the future in Mark Sanchez of USC.

With all the smokescreens and rumors, the Seahawks stuck to their plan and drafted Aaron Curry.  Later, the Seahawks dealt their second round pick to Denver for their first round pick in next year’s draft.

The Seahawks traded their way back into the second round and drafted talented center Max Unger out of Oregon, who could supplant Mike Whale as starting left guard this season.

Seattle drafted speedy wide receiver Deon Butler in the third round, helping shore up the depth at wide receiver.

Finally the Seahawks signed free agents Ken Lucas and Justin Griffith.  Lucas, drafted by Seattle in the 2001 draft, is a taller corner who has the daunting task of trying to cover a number of tall, physical receivers in the NFC West.

The Seahawks really addressed their needs on the defensive line, wide receiver and corner.  However, there are still some glaring holes that the Seahawks could address before the start of the 2009 season.

One of those holes is at the safety position.  Brain Russell and Deon Grant were signed before the 2007 season to shore up the safety position for years to come.  However, the secondary took a step back last season ranking 32^nd in the NFL in passing yards allowed. 

The Seahawks could potentially wait one more year and draft a safety next season.  There is also the possibility to sign a veteran safety before the start of the season; however it is more likely they will enter the 2009 season with Grant and Russell battling C.J. Wallace and Jamar Adams in camp.

The Seahawks also have a need at center.  Chris Spencer has struggled through injuries and is being challenged by third year player Steve Vallos. 

The Seahawks are looking to shore up the center position after potentially converting Max Unger to guard. 

Seattle signed undrafted free agent David Washington from Oklahoma State as a potential challenger for the starting center position.  However, look for the Seahawks to look at potential free agent centers during training camp.

With the Seahawks filling these gaps this offseason, they could potentially be a surprise team in 2009.