Seahawks to Trade for $19 Million Pro Bowler Amid ‘QB Purgatory’
The Seattle Seahawks may benefit from acquiring a pass rusher before the trade deadline this season.
According to Douglas Clawson of CBS Sports, the Seahawks are among the seven teams he identifies as being in “QB purgatory.” This term refers to quarterbacks who are considered average to above average in skill but are not deemed capable of leading a team to a Super Bowl victory nor are they poor enough to warrant a complete rebuild.
Clawson specifically points out Geno Smith as falling into this category due to his lack of playoff wins in 11 seasons and his decline in performance during the 2023 season compared to 2022. With the Seahawks aiming to make a playoff return after narrowly missing out in 2023 due to a tiebreaker, Clawson recommends that Seattle pursue a pass-rushing threat like the Los Angeles Chargers’ Khalil Mack before the trade deadline next season.
Highlighting defensive players like Devon Witherspoon, Tariq Woolen, Boye Mafe, Leonard Williams, and rookie first-round pick Byron Murphy II for the Seahawks, Clawson advises Seattle to emulate the 2021 Rams’ strategy and seek ways to enhance their defense by the 2024 trade deadline. Emphasizing the importance of edge rushers, he suggests targeting players in contract years whose teams may fall out of contention, specifically mentioning Khalil Mack from the Chargers.
Seahawks do not have a top-tier pass rusher on their team roster
The suggestion is that if the Seahawks want to solidify their position as playoff contenders, they should pursue a top pass rusher. Seattle performed reasonably well, ranking 11th in total sacks, but they lack a dominant edge rusher. Linebacker Boye Mafe led the team in sacks with nine during the 2023 season.
At 33 years old, Mack is arguably one of the best pass rushers of his era. Since being drafted in the first round in 2014, Mack has accumulated numerous accolades such as Defensive Player of the Year, five All-Pro selections, and eight Pro Bowl appearances.
Despite his age, Mack is coming off a stellar season with 17 sacks and 10 pass deflections, ranking fourth in the NFL for sacks.
The Price Tag for Acquiring Khalil Mack via Trade
The potential for a trade involving Khalil Mack is heightened by his contract situation, with him set to earn $19.2 million in base salary in the final year of his deal. The Chargers, facing the possibility of being more pretenders than contenders, may be open to dealing Mack for draft picks.
Given Mack’s elite status as a pass rusher, the Seahawks would need to offer a substantial package to secure him for a playoff push. A recent trade involving Brian Burns saw the Giants receive a second-round and fifth-round pick, indicating a similar draft capital requirement for a Mack trade. Should the Seahawks be in contention and the Chargers looking to sell, acquiring Mack could be a compelling option worth exploring.
