I'm on vacation until March 4, but while I'm out, here is a position-by-position list on where the Seattle Seahawks stand at each spot and what they may need heading into 2015.
Today it's the linebackers:
Middle linebackers -- The Seahawks have one of the best in the NFL in Bobby Wagner, and now they're going to have to pay him to reflect that status. Wagner is in position to renegotiate his rookie deal. He's probably looking at a four or five-year deal in excess of $40 million, or more than $8 million a season. Whatever it costs, he's worth it. The Seattle defense suffered last season when he was out with a turf-toe injury, but it blossomed when he returned in the final six regular-season games by going on a historic run of allowing only 39 points total in those games. The Seahawks moved K.J. Wright inside when Wagner was out, but that weakened two spots. Rookie Brock Coyle is a tough kid, but doesn't come close to Wagner's talent.
Outside linebackers -- Wright signed a new deal at the end of last season to reward his skills and his ability to play all three linebacker spots. The question comes on the other side where Sam LB Bruce Irvin is entering the final year of a rookie deal that pays him $1.7 million this season. The Seahawks have a decision to make here. Irvin had his best season in 2014, including two pick-6s and 6.5 sacks in the regular season. The team also has two veterans who are free agents in Malcolm Smith and Mike Morgan. It's unlikely both players return. The coaches are high on 2014 rookie Kevin Pierre-Louis, who likely will fill the role as the first backup.
Draft -- The Seahawks learned last season how vulnerable they are if something happens to Wagner, so they might look for an inside linebacker in the middle rounds. What happens with Smith and Morgan will determine what they do on the outside spots. But overall, this doesn't rank as one of the top areas of need for the team.
