Monday Morning Huddle: Time to Flush the Dead Weight in Seattle
AI-generated image · US National Wire
The Seahawks' preseason opener against Dallas exposed a glaring need to stop relying on aging veterans and start trusting the youth movement.
Let's be clear: the Seattle Seahawks are playing a dangerous game by clinging to yesterday's production. After a lackluster 17-7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in their first preseason game, the writing is on the wall, as Sports Illustrated first reported. Head coach Mike Macdonald even felt the need to apologize to the fans at Lumen Field for a performance that highlighted a systemic issue: veterans occupying spots that belong to younger, more capable players.
**OPINION:** It is time for the front office to stop paying for names and start paying for performance. The roster is currently clogged with players who are more of a liability than an asset, and the preseason tape doesn't lie.
Look no further than offensive tackle Bobby Hart. Signed in June to a key backup role, Hart was a disaster against the Cowboys. According to Sports Illustrated, Hart looked lethargic and vulnerable, getting dominated from the opening drive until the end by rookie edge rusher Malachi Lawrence. Sports Illustrated notes that Hart's lack of production in 2023 and 2024—during which he played no games—should have been a warning sign. He lacks the quality required for a starter or backup in the NFL, and the Seahawks should move in a different direction.
In his place, the team has Amari Kight. While Sports Illustrated reports Kight wasn't perfect and suffered a costly holding penalty on a 4th-and-2 that led to a missed field goal by kicker Jason Myers, he showed the ability to make good blocks and hold his own. Kight is the future; Hart is a relic.
The offensive line issues don't stop there. Guard Christian Haynes looked slow and unathletic against Dallas' aggressive defensive line and speedy pass rushers, per Sports Illustrated. The solution is already in the building: Mason Richman. Sports Illustrated reports that Richman has been praised for his toughness and efficiency during training camp, specifically in 1-on-1 battles with defensive tackle/end Rylie Mills. Richman is a young talent who deserves the opportunity over a veteran who cannot meet the coaching staff's challenges.
Then there is the defensive backfield. Cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles was, by far, the most vulnerable defender on the field. Sports Illustrated reports that Jean-Charles allowed the Cowboys' first touchdown in single coverage and was beaten repeatedly on both deep and short plays, including a critical pass interference call. While the Seahawks placed him on IR on Monday for an undisclosed injury, his lack of speed against explosive players makes him a poor fit for a team focused on developing young defensive backs.
On the bright side, the youth movement is already paying dividends elsewhere. Safety A.J. Finley delivered a stellar performance against Dallas, serving as a reliable run-stopper and pass defender, according to Sports Illustrated. Finley, who tore his ACL in 2025, has proven he belongs alongside rookie Bud Clark.
Seattle cannot afford to be sentimental. If they want to be competitive in 2026, they must purge the dead weight and give the keys to the players who actually show up on the tape.