Seattle Seahawks Bolster Edge Rusher Depth with Trade for Trevis Gipson
The Seattle Seahawks have made a move to address their depleted edge rusher depth, acquiring veteran Trevis Gipson from the Jacksonville Jaguars in a trade. The move comes on the heels of a potentially concerning injury to starting edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu, who suffered a knee injury during Saturday’s preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns. While the severity of Nwosu’s injury remains unknown, the Seahawks are clearly taking precautions to ensure they have adequate depth at the position, especially with the regular season just weeks away.
Key Takeaways:
- Seahawks acquire veteran edge rusher Trevis Gipson in a trade with Jaguars. This is a clear indication that Nwosu’s injury may be more serious than initially thought and the team needs to bolster their edge rushing depth.
- Gipson brings a proven track record as a pass rusher, having recorded seven sacks in 2021. While he regressed in 2022, his experience and potential make him a valuable addition to a Seahawks defense eager to improve on last year’s performance.
- The Seahawks’ trade for Gipson suggests they lack faith in their current in-house options. This is a blow to the prospects of young edge rushers Jamie Sheriff and Nelson Ceaser who were hoping to earn a roster spot.
A Look at Trevis Gipson’s Career
Gipson was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He made a significant impact in his second season, recording those seven sacks and establishing himself as a promising young player. However, he faced a significant drop in production in 2022 after the Bears implemented a different defensive scheme. The Bears would trade him to the Tennessee Titans in 2023, where he played a largely reserve role.
Gipson signed a one-year contract with the Jaguars this past March, but his lack of playing time in Jacksonville suggested he was not likely to make the final 53-man roster. This trade ultimately ensures Gipson’s roster spot and gives him a chance to re-establish himself in a new environment.
Filling a Crucial Need
The Seahawks clearly identified a need to bolster their edge rushing corps following Nwosu’s injury, especially considering they also traded away Darrell Taylor to the Bears earlier this off-season. Gipson now joins a talented edge rushing group alongside Boye Mafe, Dre’Mont Jones, and Derick Hall. His arrival adds valuable experience and depth to the position, ensuring that the Seahawks have a solid rotation even if Nwosu’s injury keeps him sidelined for an extended period.
Impact on Other Edge Rushers
The acquisition of Gipson will have a notable impact on other young edge rushers on the Seahawks roster. It significantly reduces the chances of Sheriff and Ceaser making the final 53-man roster. This move indicates that the Seahawks are not willing to risk relying on raw potential at the position, especially given the team’s aspirations for a playoff run.
Gipson’s presence offers him a chance to solidify a starting role while also providing valuable mentorship to younger players like Mafe and Hall. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as the Seahawks navigate a challenging schedule.
The Future of Uchenna Nwosu
While the severity of Nwosu’s injury remains unknown, this trade suggests that the Seahawks are preparing for the possibility of him being sidelined for a significant amount of time. If Nwosu’s injury is indeed serious, Gipson will likely step into a starting role, with Mafe, Jones, and Hall filling out the rest of the rotation.
However, even if Nwosu’s injury is minor, Gipson’s arrival strengthens the Seahawks’ depth at a critical position. This move will allow the team to maintain a consistent edge rush throughout the season, a key factor in their playoff aspirations.
A Bold Move by John Schneider
Seahawks general manager John Schneider has consistently demonstrated a willingness to be proactive in addressing team needs. This trade demonstrates his commitment to building a competitive roster for the upcoming season. The acquisition of Gipson, a player with a proven track record, shows that Schneider is willing to invest in experienced players who can immediately contribute.
The trade for Gipson is a sign that the Seahawks are serious about fielding a competitive team this year. They are not afraid to make bold moves to ensure they have the depth and experience needed to succeed, even in the face of unexpected setbacks.
The arrival of Gipson is likely to be a welcome addition to the Seahawks’ defensive unit. He brings valuable experience, talent, and depth to a position that was suddenly in need of reinforcement. This move shows that the Seahawks are not shying away from difficult situations and demonstrates their unwavering commitment to building a championship-caliber team. With Gipson’s arrival, the Seahawks will enter the season poised to be a formidable force in the NFC West.
