Here are the moves the Seattle Seahawks should consider when free agency opens at 4 p.m. ET Wednesday:
Find a left tackle: This could prove easier said than done. Russell Okung is testing the market, and the guess here is that another team will be willing to pay him more than the Seahawks. General manager John Schneider needs to have a plan if that happens, especially considering there are no viable options on the current roster to replace Okung. Kelvin Beachum of the Pittsburgh Steelers could fit the bill. But he's coming off ACL surgery and could have other suitors. If Donald Penn doesn't re-sign with the Oakland Raiders, he could be a short-term play. With their Super Bowl window wide-open, the Seahawks can't afford to go into 2016 with a giant question mark at left tackle.
Push to re-sign CB Jeremy Lane: With the failed Cary Williams experiment last year, the Seahawks learned that adding veteran corners who have spent a lot of time in other systems can be difficult. They've done a great job drafting and developing corners. Lane will be only 26 when next season starts, and he's versatile enough to play on the outside or in the slot. Given how Seahawks cornerbacks are valued around the league, there will certainly be a market for him. But the overall class of free-agent corners is strong, and Lane has just six career starts under his belt. The Seahawks were willing to spend on Williams last offseason. They should lock Lane up this time around.
Bargain-shop at guard, center: Because of the way the season ended in Carolina, there is a perception that the Seahawks' offensive line was a disaster last year. But that wasn't the case. The offense ranked second in efficiency and averaged 31.25 points per game after its Week 9 bye. Because of that, I don't see the Seahawks spending big at guard and center. If right guard J.R. Sweezy leaves in free agency, they'll have second-year player Mark Glowinski to replace him. They should look to add competition on the offensive line. Perhaps signing a veteran like Evan Mathis or Chris Chester to a one-year deal would make sense.
Add more pass rush: Bruce Irvin played a versatile role with the Seahawks, acting as a linebacker in their base defense and moving to defensive end in their nickel package. If he signs elsewhere (which seems likely), the Seahawks need to find a replacement. Courtney Upshaw of the Baltimore Ravens hasn't had much success rushing the passer (five sacks in four seasons), but he's capable of dropping in coverage. Nick Perry of the Green Bay Packers is a great athlete and played at USC. He didn't drop into coverage much but could be an option to play defensive end in the Seahawks' sub package and back up Cliff Avril at the Leo (hybrid outside linebacker/defensive end) spot.
The Seahawks are always on the lookout for rotational defensive linemen. Someone like Jason Jones, who spent 2012 in Seattle, could make sense. William Hayes or Chris Long of the St. Louis Rams might as well, if the price is right.
Figure out defensive tackle situation: The Seahawks' run defense was outstanding last season, limiting opponents to 3.6 YPC. But both defensive tackles -- Ahtyba Rubin and Brandon Mebane -- are free agents. Given that they're both two-down players and the draft is loaded with defensive-line talent, they might not find a lot of interest on the open market. If one or both sign elsewhere, look for the Seahawks to sign a veteran to a short-term deal.
Fill in holes on offense: The Seahawks need to get their backup quarterback situation in order with Tarvaris Jackson set to be a free agent. They have to find a third-down back to replace Fred Jackson. Someone like Chris Polk could make sense. And they'll likely try to re-sign wide receiver Jermaine Kearse.
