In a bustling span of just 96 hours, Seattle Seahawks General Manager John Schneider proved once again why he’s one of the NFL's most dynamic executives. Schneider orchestrated a trio of trades, each designed to finesse the Seahawks’ roster ahead of the looming Cut Day deadline on Tuesday, when NFL teams must finalize their 53-man rosters.
A New Addition: Trevis Gipson
In a noteworthy move, the Seahawks secured linebacker Trevis Gipson from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday. The acquisition saw Seattle sending a “late-round” draft pick to Jacksonville in exchange for Gipson, a player who never actually took the field for the Jaguars. Signed by Jacksonville in March, Gipson’s tenure with the team was short-lived.
Gipson arrives in Seattle with a resume that includes significant experience. He spent the 2023 season with the Tennessee Titans, making appearances in eight games. Prior to his stint with the Titans, Gipson made his mark with the Chicago Bears, where he started 19 games over three seasons. His standout moment came during the 2021 season when he notched seven sacks, highlighting his potential to disrupt offensive lines.
Injury Woes and Defensive Upheaval
The necessity for bolstering Seattle’s linebacker corps became increasingly urgent following Uchenna Nwosu’s injury. Nwosu strained his MCL during the Seahawks' preseason victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday and is expected to be sidelined for approximately two to six weeks. This unexpected setback put pressure on Schneider to act swiftly in reinforcing the defense.
Schneider’s response was both proactive and strategic. Gipson’s arrival bolsters a linebacking unit that was in dire need of depth and capability. And the Seahawks weren't finished there.
Player-for-Player Trade with Carolina
On August 22, Seattle engaged in a notable player-for-player trade with the Carolina Panthers. The deal saw cornerback Michael Jackson being exchanged for linebacker Michael Barrett. This move was seen as a tactical adjustment, providing each team with a player they hope will better fit their short-term and long-term plans.
Sending Darrell Taylor to Chicago
The very next day, on August 23, Schneider pulled the trigger on another trade, this time sending linebacker Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears. In return, the Seahawks received a 2025 sixth-round draft pick. This trade indicated a clear strategy from the Seattle front office: obtain future assets while making room for new talent and necessary adjustments in their defensive lineup.
Setting the Stage for Cut Day
These moves come as NFL teams across the league are engaging in last-minute transactions to optimize their rosters before Cut Day. The period leading up to this critical day is often rife with trades as teams strategize to either acquire new talent or dispatch players whom they anticipate cutting from the final roster.
A Look Back: The Cleveland Trade
Seattle’s flurry of recent trades actually began earlier in August. On August 11, the Seahawks completed a trade with the Cleveland Browns, though the specifics of this transaction remain unspecified. The consistent activity in the trade market underscores Schneider's approach to leaving no stone unturned in assembling a competitive squad.
As the clock ticks towards the Cut Day deadline on Tuesday, John Schneider and the Seattle Seahawks have demonstrated their commitment to adapting and improving. Whether these moves translate into on-field success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Seahawks are not standing pat. With a series of strategic maneuvers, the team looks to navigate the challenges of an ever-competitive NFL season.