The Seattle Seahawks spotted the Carolina Panthers 31 first-half points on Sunday and although Pete Carroll‘s team made a valiant effort to come back in the second half, the hole they dug themselves was too deep as the Panthers emerged victorious 31-24. After an up-and-down year, the Seahawks head into the offseason looking for answers. Here are five players they must pursue.
5. OT Russell Okung
Getty ImagesOkung is arguably the best left tackle on the market and coincidentally, he's currently the Seahawks' left tackle. Re-signing Okung needs to happen.
4. G Kelechi Osemele
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Right guard J.R. Sweezy is a free agent following the season and the Seahawks could stand to upgrade the offensive line that struggled to protect Russell Wilson and create holes in the running game. Osemele would be the perfect fit as he helped turn around the Ravens' offensive line over the last two seasons.
3. OLB Vincent Rey
Getty ImagesBruce Irvin is a free agent this offseason and he played horribly in a contract year. It doesn't help that prior to the season he made it known that he'd like to play in Atlanta with his former defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. The Seahawks should let Irvin walk and sign the Cincinnati Bengals' leading tackler Rey who is a more traditional 4-3 linebacker.
2. CB Casey Hayward
Getty ImagesThe Seahawks signed Cary Williams this past offseason to fill the void left by Byron Maxwell's departure to Philadelphia. Williams was so bad that the Seahawks cut him at midseason and replaced him with a number of backups. Hayward will be one of the top corners on the market this offseason, but he should command a much lower price than top corner Josh Norman.
1. C Alex Mack
Getty ImagesThe Seahawks struggled along the offensive line all season long until they moved Kevin Lewis into the starting lineup at center. While Lewis performed admirably, Mack is one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL and would solidify the Seahawks' offensive front.
