NFL Free Agent Signings: With Zach Miller Headed to Seattle, NFC West Repeat?

The Seattle Seahawks have been getting written off since the beginning of last year. No one really thought much of them, most said they shouldn't even be allowed to make the playoffs at 7-9, and almost every analyst, fan and bookie in the country aren't giving them a chance this year.

I don't know why.

The Seahawks are in a serious youth movement. They've brought in a load of young, talented players at every position. And one position where they've struggled to get consistent production from just got a massive lift.

Zach Miller has agreed to a new contract with the Seahawks for five years and $48 million. It is likely Miller was somewhat swayed by former Raiders head coach Tom Cable, who is now the offensive line coach in Seattle.

Miller has been a fabulous up-and-coming player for the Raiders. Not only is Miller adequate at all the dirty work tight ends are asked to do,—pass-blocking, run and screen-blocking—but he is one of the better tight ends in the league at catching the ball.

In Oakland, he's been their most consistent receiver for a few years now, never having anyone talented enough to rely on at wideout. Put into a new offense where Sidney Rice will stretch the field, Mike Williams is the prototype possession receiver and the young Earl Bennett can contribute, and you've got a nice, varied passing attack in every spectrum.

Not only that, but Miller is the every-down tight end quarterbacks, especially quarterbacks who have never started before, look to first when things start to break down. Miller is the definition of a safety valve and could contribute 800-plus-yard seasons like he did for the Raiders. Tarvaris Jackson should be extremely happy.

This likely spells the end of John Carlson in Seattle, whose contract expires next year. Carlson has all the tools to become a good tight end, but has never fully realized his athletic potential. It is possible someone might be willing to trade for Carlson before he hits free agency. It's possible he could even end up going to the Raiders, who will have a big hole at tight end now, though it's unlikely Al Davis will let Tom Cable have the last laugh twice.

Young players, a tough offensive line, a bold new strategy. This is what is going to put Seattle on the radar again. And in the NFC West, really, just getting steadily better is enough to propel a team to a division title. Zach Miller is another step to becoming a better team.