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Tight end is an increasingly crucial position in the NFL, and the Seattle Seahawks have their starter in Zach Miller. Miller and quarterback Russell Wilson developed a very nice rapport at the end of the last season and in the playoffs.
However, the ‘Hawks need more than Miller. Winning in the NFL is about depth and having multiple options. Now that Anthony McCoy is gone, the Seahawks are looking for someone that can pair with Miller and provide another weapon for Wilson.
The ‘Hawks did just sign Michael Palmer, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, but that’s not exactly an inspiring addition. Still, Palmer brings a bit more experience than Sean McGrath, basketball player Darren Fells, practice squad player Cooper Helfet, undrafted rookie Victor Marshall and fifth-round draft pick Luke Willson.
This also tells us that Pete Carroll and John Schneider do not necessarily have a great deal of confidence in their current list of candidates for the time being. Of course, Carroll and Schneider do like to find late-round gems, so do not be surprised if Willson gets a long look.
Wilson to Willson? Imagine the radio broadcast.
The Darren Fells experiment should be interesting to watch, as Seattle looks for their own version of Tony Gonzalez. The problem with Fells is that he has already been cut once, so he may be facing some long odds. McGrath is the only other tight end with experience. That is, if you can call two games with no catches experience.
A backup tight end might not seem like a big deal, particularly with the running ability of Marshawn Lynch and the addition of explosive receiver Percy Harvin. However, winning is about balance. Anthony McCoy did pull in 18 balls for 291 yards and two touchdowns in 2012.
The Seahawks need another reliable tight end that can make a contribution to the offense. Let the competition begin.
Todd Pheifer covers the Seattle Seahawks for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @tpheifer, “Like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google+.
