Seattle Seahawks 5 storylines the week before training camp opens

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Jul 22, 2021
Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks.

Extensive coverage from the VMAC can’t come soon enough for loyal Seattle Seahawks fans. Before the drills and practices begin, here are five storylines to keep an eye on.

For many diehard football fans, there are two seasons. The first is football season, and the second is what will happen during football season, season. Their wait is almost over. On July 27, the Seattle Seahawks open their training camp in preparation for a successful 2021.

Extensive coverage from the Virginia Mason Athletic Center can’t come soon enough for loyal 12’s. Before the drills and practices begin, here are five storylines to keep an eye on.

Is Russ really happy?

Great question. In February, Russell Wilson‘s comments on the Dan Patrick Show plus his agent releasing a list of teams RW3 would accept a trade to sent the Seahawks (and NFL) spinning. In the aftermath, Seattle coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider made it clear that they heard the star quarterback.

Recently, Wilson put on a happy face in public and professed his love for the Emerald City. Was he acting, or are his sentiments genuine? Russ is a stand-up guy, so it’s probably the latter. Then again, it could change depending on how many times he gets hit in 2021.

Will Jamal Adams’ contact be a distraction?

Jamal Adams is not known for his patience either on or off the football field. One of the reasons the All-Pro forced his way out of New York was because he didn’t think the Jets were moving fast enough on a contract extension. Not only was he upset that Gang Green didn’t show him enough appreciation, but he was also very vocal about it.

A year later, Adams is now part of the Seattle Seahawks and still doesn’t have a new contract. The Seahawks had some other issues to deal with earlier this year. With the draft over, and RW3 in a good mood, it’s time to get a deal with Adams done. Schneider can’t let this turn into a holdout situation.

Life without K.J.

12’s have to find it exceedingly odd to start a training camp missing outside linebacker K.J. Wright. He’s been part of the team for a decade. Wright is still a free agent, and the Seahawks don’t seem to be in any rush to bring him back.

When Wright hit the open market, he said that Seattle wasn’t getting a hometown discount. The situation has obviously changed. On Sirius XM Tuesday, Wright said the door was still open for a return.

“Yes, there is a chance,” Wright said. “There is a chance, and I’m not closing the door on Seattle. Going into free agency, I thought it’d be a no-brainer, but they’re going to wait until training camp, so we’ll see.”

Wright is a steady player and can only make the defense better. Without him, the Seahawks will have to rely on Darrell Taylor, Ben Burr-Kirven, or Cody Barton.

O-line quality

If the Seattle Seahawks were a running team, this would be the offensive line they’d want. But as much as Pete Carroll would like them to be, the Seahawks aren’t a running team. They are dependent on what Wilson can do when he drops back to pass.

Last season, opposing defenses came after Russ early and often. They have to do better in 2021. There is only one new face among the starting five. Back in March, the Seahawks traded for guard Gabe Jackson from Las Vegas. He’ll replace Mike Iupati at left guard. Left tackle Duane Brown is solid, but the Seahawks will need better play from Ethan Pocic (C), Brandon Shell (RT), and Damien Lewis (RG).

Cornerbacks

After four years with the Seahawks, former Pro Bowl cornerback Shaquil Griffen left as a free agent. It won’t be easy to replace a fixture in Seattle’s secondary. Especially one who was the team’s best cover corner.

D.J. Reed becomes the Seahawks’ top corner now. Opposite Reed is newly signed Ahkello Witherspoon and inconsistent Tre Flowers. The hope is Witherspoon can stay on the field more than he has during the first four years of his career. So far, he only played in 47 out of 64 possible games and not more than 14 in any season.

What do you see as the biggest Seattle Seahawks storylines before training camp opens? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.

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