Seahawks put themselves in strong position to take advantage of new kickoff rules with latest move
The Seattle Seahawks had one of the best kick return units in the NFL last season, and their latest move on the open market should put them in an even stronger position in that area as the NFL pivots to new kickoff rules in 2024. Seattle, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, is signing 2020 second-round […]
The Seattle Seahawks had one of the best kick return units in the NFL last season, and their latest move on the open market should put them in an even stronger position in that area as the NFL pivots to new kickoff rules in 2024.
Seattle, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, is signing 2020 second-round pick Laviska Shenualt.
Having entered the league as an intriguing prospect with the potential to do damage in the passing game and out of the backfield, Shenault has never come close to justifying his draft status across spells with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers.
He is unlikely to get many opportunities to be involved in a passing game that already features DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
However, Shenault could have a significant impact on special teams, having impressed in brief action as a return man for the Panthers last season.
On just six kick returns for Carolina last season, Shenault averaged 27.8 yards per return.
The Seahawks already have one versatile receiving threat who has previously shown flashes of potential as a returner, their second-round pick from 2021, Dee Eskridge.
Injury problems and off-field issues have seen Eskirdge's playing time limited over his three seasons in the NFL, but he averaged 28 yards per return over the small sample size of eight runbacks last season.
There's no guarantee that either Eskridge or Shenault will make the final 53-man roster, but their odds are improved by the new kickoff rules, which allow two returners inside the 'landing zone' between the goal line and the 20-yard line, with the kick coverage team not allowed to move until one of them has touched the ball or it has hit the turf.
Seattle averaged 26.2 yards per return last season, the fourth-most in the NFL. With both Eskridge and Shenault on the roster, they have two exciting return options who could put them in an extremely strong position to take advantage of the new rules.
The Seahawks on paper look to be a distant third in the NFC West behind the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams, but special teams can be a great equalizer and, if at least one of Eskridge or Shenault can take advantage of new rules that are designed to create more return opportunities, it could give Seattle more hope of bridging the gap.
Shenault's signing won't create too many headlines, but it's one that could have an underrated impact if he proves himself worthy of a place on the roster and the Seahawks' return team.
