John, how well does Geno have to do to keep his place next year? 10-7 or better? Better stats than last year or just be dependable and good in the fourth quarter? Basically like Russ was. Slow starting but clutch in last quarter.
Question for John: “Of all of the guys you have drafted, which two or three stand out for you as your biggest wins (and don’t include Russ which everybody already knows). Who surprised you to the upside?” And “the Jamal Adams trade—how did THAT happen and what was the impetus to go out and get him—was it Pete saying he had to have that guy or something else?”
John, what is stopping you from extending Geno today?
I would also follow up the Fire Pete question. I was steadfast against firing Pete at the time. However, at the time we didn't know we would hire Grubb and Mike Mac. Mike Mac was number 1 on my list and Grubb I didn't even know was an option.
If Dan Quinn, for example. was the hire or even Ben Johnson. I am not sure I would have voted that way.
But, I do think the moving on from Pete crowd was right with the * that we did a great job in the hiring process. But I'll give the move on from Pete crowd a W and an L for me.
I'm thinking the availability of Ben Johnson and Mike moved the timing to this year. I convinced myself it would be Johnson, but now understand how it was our Defense that negatively affected outcomes, ultimately. Allowing scores to be run up and not being able to get off the field demanded Geno scores on every opportunity due to the limited number of drives we got. Getting Mack was the right call.
I put a fair amount of stock in the rumor that Pete said before the season that last year was going to be his final year, and then he changed his mind but the brass already had succession plans. Seeing him on the sideline after the Cardinals (?) game gazing out at the field made me think that very moment that he might be hanging them up. I just didn't think they would force his hand.
If we had hired Kafka instead of "our" Mike, I still think I would have voted "it was time" to let Pete go. Now, if we struggled to convince someone to take the job and the process seemed disjointed or desperate when we made the hire, I might have changed my vote. The confidence and purpose JS showed when making the hire was a big part of why I am comfortable with the timing.
Hello Mr. Schneider, can you go through your process when deciding how high $$ you're willing to go with an offer when looking at a player on the last year of his contract. What are the potential factors that would increase that number, and on the flip side what potential factors will lower the number you're willing to offer a player? Why is the value you put on a player often lower than the value other teams have for that player and visa versa? Also are there discussions in general around the salary cap number at the start of the process of building a team each year as to the most efficient way to hack it up 51 ways to put the best team together, or do you just sign players until you're running out of cap space and need to look for bargain players to fill holes?
The 49er's Aiyuck's quest to "get what he's worth" is beginning to generate opinions on when too much is too much. My sense is Schneider has a good feel for what the limits are by recognizing he'd have to rob Player A to pay Player B. With Pete leaving, we see a whole new attitude towards our Trench Crews, especially the O-Line. I suspect a big part of our appealing "Culture" in Seattle is the solid fairness John uses in paying people now. If it's in the Budget, he spends it, whereas some teams will see coming in "under budget" as an effective pursuit of profits. That's fine when it comes to budgeting the utility bill or negotiating interest rates. These players risk their health and lives. Truth is, the Players are John's customers. Not us, not the Allen Family. Keep our Guys happy and everything else works itself out. If he earns their Trust, watch out.
Thanks for this. In all honesty, I understand the attitude of a player getting all they can. But with the salary cap, a QB getting 60 million a year or a receiver getting 35 million a year is actually taking money away from a player on the lower end of the 53 players on the team. There is a finite pot of cash to go around. Lots of players at the end of free agency taking the vet minimum to play. Some will actually make real contributions to a teams success. Is the QB really worth 60 times the lineman providing quality play to give the QB time to make the throws? If Dak gets 60 million, and CeeDee and Micah get top dollar, How are the other very decent players going to feel when the offer they get is far below what they're worth? Paying Russell and Team 3 and treating him differently (mostly Carroll) led to a large amount of animosity from the other, very good players who left to get paid. Perhaps that was a very good, if negative experience to have for Schneider. He's been fairly cautious at the top end of the pay scale. Two possible exceptions are Dremont Jones and Leo Williams, but even they have an out if they don't live up to billing after this season. Taking all the hit for Jamal this year makes it easier next year. "Kicking the cap down the road," is something the Seahawks have tried not to do a whole lot of.
Most cool, Danno. Excellent observations. This has been The Elephant in the room for the NFL for a long time. Expect JS to take his GM duties to another level. Players need to bring their agents back to earth. The signing of Connor Williams gave me a feel that players recognize a well-rounded outfit they want to be a member with. A love for this game must be at the heart of why folks want to work in it.
I would try to discuss the ways the Seahawks evaluate talent. My dream job is to be a scout so I am all in on the evaluation side of the question spectrum. And why didn't we draft Chubb instead of Penny? jk...no but seriously??
I remember watching that draft and when we were on the clock saying, "Nick Chubb, Nick Chubb, Nick Chubb!" and then, "Are you F'ing KIDDING ME!?!" But I do believe the process made some sense in retrospect. He was the healthiest RB prospect in the draft and Chubb was coming off of serious injury. And Penny really was crazy talented. It's a shame his college durability didn't hold over much better than CJ Procise's in the league. Kinda reminds me of the reason DK was available at pick 64 after breaking his neck and has been healthy at the next level. The best predictor of durability may be past durability, but even the best predictor is at best playing the odds.
I was watching the draft and I had to leave when we were on the clock. When I got back I asked my wife who we took and she said 'I don't know- a running back though' so I assumed it was Chubb and I was so excited, I was cheering and going crazy...only to shortly learn a valuable lesson, trust but verify. Needless to say I was using your phrase "Are you F'ing KIDDING ME!?!" quite liberally...wamp wamp.
Pete sure went through running backs in his time here. I suspect he was diverting OLine pay off to more "skilled" positions. Marshawn stops short of telling us the whole truth, but it is obvious he did not like Pete. Specifically, he went up and "laughed" in Pete's face after "The Interception".
John, there is a ton of speculation amongst those who follow and cover the ‘Hawks as to your QB philosophy.
On the one hand there’s the group that knows you come from the Ron Wolf/GB school which has had nothing but MVP-level QB’s and has prioritized the position to such an extent as to use 1st rd picks on QB’s and then stash them away, even if they’re not top 10 picks. This group noticed you scouted Mahomes and Allen and hypothesizes you’re about to go all in on a potentially great QB
On the other hand there’s the group that notices you’ve only drafted 2 QB’s ever as a GM, and no one above 3/75. There was the Matt Flynn signing but that’s a far cry from for example what the Broncos did to get Russ. Definitely not the GB approach. You seem to believe a good QB is enough (game manager?), don’t need a great QB.
To answer the headline question for John: "Who did you like that Pete wasn't high on and who did Pete like that you weren't, whether drafted by the Seahawks or not. Tell the truth."
Also, I should point out that I was probably the 1, 2 and 19% saying firing Pete was the wrong move. I've softened on that and am coming around to Mick Mac who was my favorite candidate after we had to pick someone, but we were always competitive under Pete's watch. And as a lifelong Seahawks fan, I know what most of the other seasons felt like. The saying, "Don't ever get tired of winning" applies. And I remembered the exact things being said about Brandon Staley . But as time has gone on, I'm somewhat less sad about it and more excited for the future. Everything has its lifespan, and even Belichick with his dominance finds himself out of a job in 2024.
John, how much input does the coaching staff have in regards to personnel? Was Grub telling you we need better lineman, or was Williams just an opportunity you saw to make the team better?
I had to comment to share how much I've enjoyed reading as a free subscriber, but realized I couldn't because I wasn't a paid subscriber. Looking forward to unlocking and reading all you have to offer here!
John, how well does Geno have to do to keep his place next year? 10-7 or better? Better stats than last year or just be dependable and good in the fourth quarter? Basically like Russ was. Slow starting but clutch in last quarter.
As a side note, I wish the Mariners had a Seaside Joe.
I'd ask John how it is to general manage without Pete helping out.
Question for John: “Of all of the guys you have drafted, which two or three stand out for you as your biggest wins (and don’t include Russ which everybody already knows). Who surprised you to the upside?” And “the Jamal Adams trade—how did THAT happen and what was the impetus to go out and get him—was it Pete saying he had to have that guy or something else?”
John, what is stopping you from extending Geno today?
I would also follow up the Fire Pete question. I was steadfast against firing Pete at the time. However, at the time we didn't know we would hire Grubb and Mike Mac. Mike Mac was number 1 on my list and Grubb I didn't even know was an option.
If Dan Quinn, for example. was the hire or even Ben Johnson. I am not sure I would have voted that way.
But, I do think the moving on from Pete crowd was right with the * that we did a great job in the hiring process. But I'll give the move on from Pete crowd a W and an L for me.
I'm thinking the availability of Ben Johnson and Mike moved the timing to this year. I convinced myself it would be Johnson, but now understand how it was our Defense that negatively affected outcomes, ultimately. Allowing scores to be run up and not being able to get off the field demanded Geno scores on every opportunity due to the limited number of drives we got. Getting Mack was the right call.
John did Pete get fired for game and clock management? May the 12s be with you and Go Seahawks!
I put a fair amount of stock in the rumor that Pete said before the season that last year was going to be his final year, and then he changed his mind but the brass already had succession plans. Seeing him on the sideline after the Cardinals (?) game gazing out at the field made me think that very moment that he might be hanging them up. I just didn't think they would force his hand.
If we had hired Kafka instead of "our" Mike, I still think I would have voted "it was time" to let Pete go. Now, if we struggled to convince someone to take the job and the process seemed disjointed or desperate when we made the hire, I might have changed my vote. The confidence and purpose JS showed when making the hire was a big part of why I am comfortable with the timing.
My bet is JS called Mack after our ass whooping and asked him what his plans for the future were. Both men saw the timing was right.
Hello Mr. Schneider, can you go through your process when deciding how high $$ you're willing to go with an offer when looking at a player on the last year of his contract. What are the potential factors that would increase that number, and on the flip side what potential factors will lower the number you're willing to offer a player? Why is the value you put on a player often lower than the value other teams have for that player and visa versa? Also are there discussions in general around the salary cap number at the start of the process of building a team each year as to the most efficient way to hack it up 51 ways to put the best team together, or do you just sign players until you're running out of cap space and need to look for bargain players to fill holes?
The 49er's Aiyuck's quest to "get what he's worth" is beginning to generate opinions on when too much is too much. My sense is Schneider has a good feel for what the limits are by recognizing he'd have to rob Player A to pay Player B. With Pete leaving, we see a whole new attitude towards our Trench Crews, especially the O-Line. I suspect a big part of our appealing "Culture" in Seattle is the solid fairness John uses in paying people now. If it's in the Budget, he spends it, whereas some teams will see coming in "under budget" as an effective pursuit of profits. That's fine when it comes to budgeting the utility bill or negotiating interest rates. These players risk their health and lives. Truth is, the Players are John's customers. Not us, not the Allen Family. Keep our Guys happy and everything else works itself out. If he earns their Trust, watch out.
Lot of truth in this, but I think Mr. Schneider's customers are a far more complicated web than only managing players.
Thanks for this. In all honesty, I understand the attitude of a player getting all they can. But with the salary cap, a QB getting 60 million a year or a receiver getting 35 million a year is actually taking money away from a player on the lower end of the 53 players on the team. There is a finite pot of cash to go around. Lots of players at the end of free agency taking the vet minimum to play. Some will actually make real contributions to a teams success. Is the QB really worth 60 times the lineman providing quality play to give the QB time to make the throws? If Dak gets 60 million, and CeeDee and Micah get top dollar, How are the other very decent players going to feel when the offer they get is far below what they're worth? Paying Russell and Team 3 and treating him differently (mostly Carroll) led to a large amount of animosity from the other, very good players who left to get paid. Perhaps that was a very good, if negative experience to have for Schneider. He's been fairly cautious at the top end of the pay scale. Two possible exceptions are Dremont Jones and Leo Williams, but even they have an out if they don't live up to billing after this season. Taking all the hit for Jamal this year makes it easier next year. "Kicking the cap down the road," is something the Seahawks have tried not to do a whole lot of.
Most cool, Danno. Excellent observations. This has been The Elephant in the room for the NFL for a long time. Expect JS to take his GM duties to another level. Players need to bring their agents back to earth. The signing of Connor Williams gave me a feel that players recognize a well-rounded outfit they want to be a member with. A love for this game must be at the heart of why folks want to work in it.
Great question
I would try to discuss the ways the Seahawks evaluate talent. My dream job is to be a scout so I am all in on the evaluation side of the question spectrum. And why didn't we draft Chubb instead of Penny? jk...no but seriously??
I remember watching that draft and when we were on the clock saying, "Nick Chubb, Nick Chubb, Nick Chubb!" and then, "Are you F'ing KIDDING ME!?!" But I do believe the process made some sense in retrospect. He was the healthiest RB prospect in the draft and Chubb was coming off of serious injury. And Penny really was crazy talented. It's a shame his college durability didn't hold over much better than CJ Procise's in the league. Kinda reminds me of the reason DK was available at pick 64 after breaking his neck and has been healthy at the next level. The best predictor of durability may be past durability, but even the best predictor is at best playing the odds.
I was watching the draft and I had to leave when we were on the clock. When I got back I asked my wife who we took and she said 'I don't know- a running back though' so I assumed it was Chubb and I was so excited, I was cheering and going crazy...only to shortly learn a valuable lesson, trust but verify. Needless to say I was using your phrase "Are you F'ing KIDDING ME!?!" quite liberally...wamp wamp.
Pete sure went through running backs in his time here. I suspect he was diverting OLine pay off to more "skilled" positions. Marshawn stops short of telling us the whole truth, but it is obvious he did not like Pete. Specifically, he went up and "laughed" in Pete's face after "The Interception".
John, there is a ton of speculation amongst those who follow and cover the ‘Hawks as to your QB philosophy.
On the one hand there’s the group that knows you come from the Ron Wolf/GB school which has had nothing but MVP-level QB’s and has prioritized the position to such an extent as to use 1st rd picks on QB’s and then stash them away, even if they’re not top 10 picks. This group noticed you scouted Mahomes and Allen and hypothesizes you’re about to go all in on a potentially great QB
On the other hand there’s the group that notices you’ve only drafted 2 QB’s ever as a GM, and no one above 3/75. There was the Matt Flynn signing but that’s a far cry from for example what the Broncos did to get Russ. Definitely not the GB approach. You seem to believe a good QB is enough (game manager?), don’t need a great QB.
Can you help us understand your QB philosophy?
Excellent question
John, when does Jody plan on selling the team?
To answer the headline question for John: "Who did you like that Pete wasn't high on and who did Pete like that you weren't, whether drafted by the Seahawks or not. Tell the truth."
Also, I should point out that I was probably the 1, 2 and 19% saying firing Pete was the wrong move. I've softened on that and am coming around to Mick Mac who was my favorite candidate after we had to pick someone, but we were always competitive under Pete's watch. And as a lifelong Seahawks fan, I know what most of the other seasons felt like. The saying, "Don't ever get tired of winning" applies. And I remembered the exact things being said about Brandon Staley . But as time has gone on, I'm somewhat less sad about it and more excited for the future. Everything has its lifespan, and even Belichick with his dominance finds himself out of a job in 2024.
John, how much input does the coaching staff have in regards to personnel? Was Grub telling you we need better lineman, or was Williams just an opportunity you saw to make the team better?
What are three character traits that you look for and how do you determine if a player has those traits?
For John: What do analysts and fans think they understand about roster construction that experience tells you is actually completely misguided?
Love this one
I'd ask him what exactly is Pete doing within the organization or was the advisor role just a face saving label with no objective meaning behind it.
I had to comment to share how much I've enjoyed reading as a free subscriber, but realized I couldn't because I wasn't a paid subscriber. Looking forward to unlocking and reading all you have to offer here!
Welcome!