The Seahawks lost a couple of key players, but didn't replace them, which has some concerned about Seattle's ability to go back-to-back.
The offseason plan for the Seattle Seahawks was clear and obvious early on, and it was one that fans were likely unsure of.
Granted, having a Super Bowl title helps, but the Seahawks were content in allowing the likes of Kenneth Walker, Boye Mafe, Riq Woolen, and Coby Bryant to walk out the door in free agency without even trying to re-sign them.
But that might not be the most troubling part.
It's the fact that the franchise didn't "really" replace any of them.
Jadarian Price and Bud Clark are draft selections, Dante Fowler Jr. is coming off a poor year in Dallas, and Emanuel Wilson, Rodney Thomas II, and Noah Igbinoghene are "just" guys.
But again, the front office and John Schneider appear content with their plan, which also saw Jaxon Smith-Njigba become the highest-paid receiver in football. Plus, there are reports of Devon Witherspoon also resetting the market with his expected new contract.
So, they needed cap space for those two stars.
Still, the lack of incomings has seen CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan give the Super Bowl champs a C- grade for their offseason.
"They can sleep soundly knowing they are about to unveil a Super Bowl banner in September, but the offseason saw more talent exit than enter for the defending champs," Sullivan wrote. "Namely, Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Chiefs in free agency.
"With Zach Charbonnet recovering from a torn ACL he suffered during the playoff run, it forced their hand in the draft to bring in Jadarian Price in the first round. of a mystery. Meanwhile, the defense was hit hard, with Boye Mafe, Riq Woolen and Coby Bryant all cashing in elsewhere."
Now, as Super Bowl champs, you get a little grace if you have an offseason like Seattle, and you can make the case that even without some key incomings, the roster that Mike Macdonald and Schneider have assembled is still among the NFL's best.
Ideally, strengthening an area of the roster is good business, even for a team like Seattle, but it is comfortable with how things are presently constructed, with the internal development of the young players key to pushing this team forward.
A C- grade for an offseason isn't good, but when you are the Super Bowl champs, you can get away with it...for now.
