Seattle Seahawks Make Waves with Series of Trades Ahead of Cut Day
John Schneider, the general manager of the Seattle Seahawks, has been incredibly active in the trade market over the past few days. Within a span of just 96 hours, the Seahawks have executed three trades, showcasing Schneider’s determination to fine-tune the roster before the impending Cut Day.
A New Addition: Trevis Gipson
The most recent acquisition by the Seahawks is linebacker Trevis Gipson, who was acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday. To bring Gipson to Seattle, the Seahawks will send a late-round draft pick to Jacksonville. The move is significant for Gipson, who had just signed with the Jaguars in March and now finds himself on the move again without having played a single down for the team.
Gipson, however, is no stranger to the NFL. He played the 2023 season with the Tennessee Titans, appearing in eight games. Before his stint with the Titans, he spent three seasons with the Chicago Bears, starting in 19 games. Gipson made a notable impact in the 2021 season, recording seven sacks for the Bears. His addition to the Seahawks' lineup comes at a crucial time as the team grapples with injury concerns.
Injuries and Impacts
One of the key factors driving these trade moves is the injury sustained by linebacker Uchenna Nwosu. Nwosu strained his MCL during the preseason win over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. The injury is expected to sideline him for anywhere from two to six weeks, adding urgency to bolster the linebacker position.
Early Trades: Panthers and Bears
Schneider’s flurry of trades began on August 22 when the Seahawks completed a player-for-player exchange with the Carolina Panthers. Cornerback Michael Jackson was sent to Carolina in return for linebacker Michael Barrett. The very next day, on August 23, the Seahawks traded linebacker Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a 2025 sixth-round pick. This trade marks the second instance of a linebacker move involving the Bears under Schneider’s watch within the past year.
Preparing for Cut Day
These transactions come at a crucial period as teams across the NFL prepare for Cut Day, scheduled for Tuesday. Cut Day is a critical moment when teams finalize their rosters, often leading to a series of trades as teams aim to deal players who might otherwise face release. For the Seahawks, the recent trades signify not just preparation but a strategic approach to solidify their lineup.
As Schneider continues to maneuver through the trade market, the Seahawks’ roster is shaping up to be notably different from what it was just a week ago. The blend of new talent, necessitated by injuries and strategic swaps, highlights the dynamic nature of NFL team management in the lead-up to the regular season.