In the modern NFL you can never have too many options at a few key positions. Among them are wide receiver, cornerback and edge rushers. The Seattle Seahawks are as stacked as any team in football in the first two and they have a pretty decent rotation on the edge. However, that unit just suffered a significant blow as the No. 1 option, Uchenna Nwosu will require surgery on his pectoral injury, ending his 2023 season.
For now head coach Pete Carroll says the team is not pursuing adding another edge and they’ll roll with Boye Mafe, Darrell Taylor, Derick Hall and the rest. We think it would be unwise not to at least inquire about star edge rushers around the NFL who might be available at the trade deadline – now just six days away.
Good news – if Carroll is just playing possum or if he changes his mind, there are several high-quality edge defenders who could be on the trade block. Here are three worth targeting over the coming days…
Panthers OLB Brian Burns
We have been banging this drum for two years now, but it’s worth repeating again. If the Seahawks were to add Panthers outside linebacker Brian Burns it would bring their defensive front-seven up into the top-10 conversation at least. While it’s foolish to ever trade your team’s best player, general manager Scott Fitterer knows Carolina (0-6) isn’t going anywhere in 2023 and a case can be made for stockpiling assets for the future. Burns would be a game-changer for any defense. So far, he has tallied 42 sacks, 86 quarterback hits and 131 pressures in just 70 games. He’s also in the last year of his contract, so Seattle wouldn’t have to make a long-term investment.
Commanders DE Chase Young
After Burns, the next-best young edge rusher who might be on the trade block is Commanders defensive end Chase Young – as well as his teammate Montez Sweat. While Young hasn’t lived up to the hype he had coming into the league, that’s a high bar to clear and he’s still been quite productive despite injuries limiting his playing time. Through 33 career games Young has posted 14 sacks, 26 quarterback hits and 56 pressures. He is also in the last year of his rookie deal.
Vikings DE Danielle Hunter
While it’s fun to think about landing a piece like Burns or Young, truthfully, there’s going to be a lot of competition for them if they are really on the trade block. Odds are if Seattle’s front office is in the market for another edge they’ll probably have to settle for a second-tier option like veteran Danielle Hunter. Now in his eighth NFL season, Hunter has racked up 80 sacks and 121 quarterback hits and he currently leads the league in both sacks (nine) and tackles for a loss (12) this year. Hunter is also in the final year of his contract.
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