John Schneider has been a busy man. The general manager of the Seattle Seahawks executed three trades within the past 96 hours, as the team gears up for the fast-approaching Cut Day.
A Flurry of Trades
In the latest move, the Seahawks sealed a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday to acquire linebacker Trevis Gipson. To bring Gipson to Seattle, Schneider agreed to send a "late-round" pick to Jacksonville. Interestingly, Gipson was signed by the Jaguars in March but leaves the team without having played a single down. Prior to this brief stint, Gipson contributed to the Tennessee Titans during the 2023 season, appearing in eight games. His earlier career saw him start 19 games over three seasons with the Chicago Bears, where he made a notable impact, particularly in the 2021 season, racking up seven sacks.
Injury Shakes Up Linebacker Unit
Gipson's arrival comes at a crucial time for the Seahawks. Uchenna Nwosu, one of the team's key linebackers, strained his MCL during the preseason victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. The injury is significant; Nwosu is expected to be sidelined for anywhere from two to six weeks. This has clearly prompted Schneider to bring in reinforcement quickly, ensuring that the defensive unit remains robust as the regular season looms.
More Roster Maneuvers
This latest trade is part of a broader strategy that has seen Schneider actively tweak the roster. On August 22, Seattle made a player-for-player trade with the Carolina Panthers, sending cornerback Michael Jackson to Carolina in exchange for linebacker Michael Barrett. Just a day later, on August 23, the Seahawks sent linebacker Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears, receiving a 2025 sixth-round pick in return. The flurry of activity is a clear indication that Schneider is leaving no stone unturned in his effort to streamline the squad.
The Trade with Cleveland
Earlier, on August 11, Seattle also completed a trade with the Cleveland Browns, though specifics of that transaction haven't been detailed in the latest news. Nonetheless, it's evident that these moves are part of a carefully orchestrated plan as the team inches closer to Tuesday's Cut Day.
Countdown to Cut Day
With Cut Day approaching, teams across the NFL are busy finalizing their rosters. It's not uncommon for general managers to make trades in the days leading up to this critical date, often as a last resort to deal players who might otherwise be released. Schneider's recent moves are no different, demonstrating a blend of strategic foresight and real-time adaptation to ensure that the Seahawks remain competitive as they head into the new season.
As the countdown continues, Seahawks fans will be watching closely to see how these roster changes impact the team's performance in the weeks to come. For now, all eyes are on the new additions and how they will fit into the larger scheme designed by Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll.