The Seahawks' headline free agent signing was that of defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones, but their smartest acquisition is considered by some to be the move to sign safety Julian Love.

In inking Love to a two-year, $12 million deal, the Seahawks landed a 25-year-old coming off the most impressive season of his career at a contract worth just $6 million a year, that average tied for 26th among safeties.

Last year, Love recorded two interceptions, five pass breakups and six tackles for loss in helping the Giants return to the postseason. Yet for all his strong showings in 2022, Love may still have to go some way to effectively replace his predecessor in the starting lineup.

Ryan Neal started next to Quandre Diggs at safety last season. The Seahawks originally placed a restricted free agent tender on Neal, but then rescinded it, allowing him to hit the open market. Neal signed a deal with the Buccaneers.

That looks a somewhat surprising decision given Neal's performance in 2022.

By yards per target, Neal was the best coverage defender in the NFL last season, giving up an average of just 3.7. More advanced metrics support his status as a top-tier pass defender. Neal led all safeties (minimum 25 targets) in Expected Points Added per target, per Sports Info Solutions.

Having also registered eight pass breakups and an interception, Neal demonstrated a similar nose for the football as Love, who will be tasked with matching that proficiency in coverage.

Though Jamal Adams is set to return from a torn quad, he will likely be used more in the box and as a blitzer, meaning Love should see plenty of coverage snaps in the defensive backfield.

And he has significant ground to make up to be as effective as Neal was in that area last season. Love allowed 6.7 yards per target and allowed a positive EPA in coverage, finishing the year 25th in EPA per target.

The Seahawks are banking on the younger Love building on his impressive 2022 and proving a bargain signing. Yet if Neal thrives in Tampa and Love cannot replicate his prowess in coverage, questions may well be asked of Seattle's decision-making at safety.

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