John Schneider, the Seattle Seahawks general manager, faces significant offseason decisions regarding key players such as Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett, alongside enhancing the offensive line. Defensively, Schneider will need to manage cap savings while preserving the team's competitive edge.

A critical dilemma is the future of cornerback Riq Woolen. Despite being a fifth-round pick with potential All-Pro abilities, Woolen's inconsistency raises questions about his long-term fit within the team's plans. With one year remaining on his rookie deal, Seattle might consider trading him for a substantial return, especially given their needs at cornerback.

The Seattle Seahawks, under head coach Mike Macdonald, are making significant strides in their defensive performance, showing a marked improvement from the previous season. They finished the regular season ranked 11th in points allowed and 14th in yards allowed, a stark contrast to their 2023 performance, where they ranked 25th and 30th, respectively. However, further enhancement is needed to elevate the defense from decent to elite, prompting discussions about potential trade opportunities for talent infusion.

One significant name emerging as a potential trade target for the Seahawks is Marlon Humphrey of the Baltimore Ravens. Humphrey, a former player of Macdonald, has demonstrated his capabilities, returning to form with a career-high six interceptions in 2024, and earning All-Pro honors. The Seahawks are currently facing salary cap constraints, projected to be around $25 million over the cap, making any trade requiring creative maneuvering to acquire Humphrey a complex challenge.

To facilitate this move, Bleacher Report suggests that the Seahawks could offer their third, fourth, and sixth-round picks to the Ravens in exchange for Humphrey and a fifth-round pick. This potential acquisition could solidify the Seahawks' secondary, providing a formidable trio alongside Devon Witherspoon and Riq Woolen, thus enhancing their defensive outlook for the upcoming season.

Byron Murphy II, a rookie defensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks, has been officially ruled out for their Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams due to a back injury. This injury has worsened during the game, forcing him out before halftime. Murphy, who had already been dealing with this issue, finishes his first NFL season with a total of 36 tackles, two tackles for loss, and half a sack.

Additionally, cornerback Riq Woolen is listed as questionable to return after suffering a rib injury during a touchdown play by Rams tight end Tyler Higbee. Woolen absorbed a significant hit during the play. The Seahawks are already facing challenges in their secondary, having lost starting cornerback Josh Jobe. To fill the gaps, rookie Nehemiah Pritchett will join cornerbacks Tre Brown and Devon Witherspoon on the field.

The Seattle Seahawks will be without starting right tackle Abraham Lucas as they conclude the 2024 season against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Lucas is sidelined due to a new abdomen injury and did not practice throughout the week. With the Seahawks eliminated from playoff contention, it's prudent to rest him in a game of no consequence. Veteran Stone Forsythe and rookie Mike Jerrell are potential replacements for Lucas in the lineup.

This season has been particularly challenging for Lucas, who has missed over half of the games for the second consecutive year. He began the season on the PUP list following offseason knee surgery and only returned to the field in Week 11. Despite his struggles with injuries, he started the last seven games, contributing to a 5-2 record while allowing 17 pressures and two sacks without any penalties.

With Lucas out, the Seahawks will also miss cornerback Josh Jobe, who injured his knee in a Week 17 win. Jobe, who joined the team’s practice squad in September, had emerged as a starter and had been effective in coverage. Tre Brown is expected to start in his place, with rookie Nehemiah Pritchett also active, and veteran Artie Burns could be elevated from the practice squad if needed. Additionally, rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II is questionable due to a back issue, which may lead to further roster adjustments.

In a game that saw the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears combine for the lowest score of the NFL season, the Seahawks emerged victorious with a narrow 6-3 win at Soldier Field on Thursday night. The match was characterized by a dominant defensive performance by Seattle, which sacked Bears quarterback Caleb Williams seven times, matching their season high. The Bears struggled offensively, managing only 179 total yards, the lowest allowed by the Seahawks since 2018. Chicago's passing game was particularly ineffective, with just 76 yards, while Seattle's defense consistently pressured Williams throughout the game.

Seattle's offensive performance, however, was far from stellar. The Seahawks' scoring was limited to just a pair of field goals, with their only touchdown opportunity thwarted by a dropped interception in the red zone. Quarterback Geno Smith completed 17 of 23 passes for 160 yards but had a lackluster first half, finishing with 97 yards before halftime. The Seahawks relied heavily on their running game, with Zach Charbonnet and Kenny McIntosh combining for 87 yards on 14 carries in the first half. Despite a strong rushing attack, Seattle's offense failed to capitalize on opportunities, leaving the game in the hands of their defense.

The second half continued the trend of defensive dominance, with both teams struggling to move the ball. The Bears finally showed some life late in the game, but a critical interception by Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen sealed their fate, extending Chicago's losing streak to ten games. Seattle's win keeps them in the playoff hunt, as they prepare for a crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18, where the NFC West title could be on the line. The Seahawks now find themselves needing to secure a victory while hoping for favorable outcomes in other games to clinch a playoff spot.