Back in 2021, the Seattle Seahawks selected Dee Eskridge in the second round of the NFL Draft, hoping he would complement star receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Eskridge, who showcased impressive skills during his senior year at Western Michigan, seemed like a solid bet for the No. 3 receiver spot. However, reality didn’t quite match expectations.
In his three seasons with the Seahawks, Eskridge accumulated just 122 receiving yards and a single touchdown. Most of these stats were achieved during his rookie season, and his performance has been on a downward spiral since. In 2023, he appeared in only four games, played a mere 18 offensive snaps, and received just one target, which he failed to catch.
The Thin Ice Under Dee Eskridge
Despite sticking around through Seattle’s offseason coaching change, Dee Eskridge’s place on the roster is precarious. Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon highlighted Eskridge as the most likely candidate to be cut from the Seahawks during the 2024 offseason.
Kenyon pointed out, “Honesty is appreciated. General manager John Schneider basically said the team kept Dee Eskridge only because of the coaching change. The second-round pick in 2021 has turned 373 career snaps into just 17 catches and 122 yards. He’s no higher than the fifth receiver right now.”
Schneider’s comments suggest that Dee Eskridge’s survival thus far was mainly to allow the new coaching staff to make a final call on his future. However, it seems the writing is on the wall for Eskridge, with his chances of remaining with the team looking slim.
Dee Eskridge’s Future With Seattle Seahawks Uncertain
Examining the Seattle Seahawks’ current wide receiver lineup reveals the tough competition Dee Eskridge faces. With Metcalf, Lockett, and the recent addition of Jackson Smith-Njigba from the first round, the top three spots are securely filled. Moreover, players like Laviska Shenault Jr. and Jake Bobo likely rank ahead of Eskridge, pushing him further down the depth chart.
In such a scenario, retaining a WR6 who barely contributes to the game seems impractical. Eskridge’s potential role might be limited to special teams, like returning kicks, which doesn’t justify his spot on the active roster. Unless Eskridge delivers an extraordinary performance during training camp, his departure from the Seahawks appears inevitable.
Seattle Seahawks Face Tough Decision With Dee Eskridge
Cutting a second-round pick before the end of his rookie deal is never an easy decision for any team. For the Seahawks, releasing Dee Eskridge would symbolize a significant admission of a draft misstep. Nonetheless, the NFL is a results-driven league, and Eskridge’s underwhelming performance leaves the Seahawks with little choice.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Eskridge’s efforts to prove his worth to the new coaching staff. However, barring a remarkable turnaround, it seems likely that the Seahawks will move on from their 2021 second-round pick, closing the chapter on one of their more disappointing draft investments.
