A player touted for his run-stopping abilities coming out of Alabama, Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed was one of the best pass-rushing interior linemen in the league last season, posting career-highs in tackles (50), pressures (31), sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (12).
It was a boon for the young lineman's career but also placed upon him higher expectations entering the new season.
Just how effective was Reed last season? The only interior linemen with more sacks were Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald (20.5) and Kansas City’s Chris Jones (15.5). Philadelphia’s Fletcher Cox, a First-Team All-Pro selection, matched Reed’s sack total.
Was his breakout season a sign of things to come, or just a flash in the pan? That very question is likely the reason Reed, 26, enters the 2019 season without a contract extension, and one that desperately needs answered. The coaching staff wants to see him duplicate that success.
“You know he’s always been one of our better players and a great leader on the team and all of that, but to see him improve that much was really something and, so, (we’re) just thrilled about the part that he plays on this team,” Carroll said. “He is a very, very good ball player and I think he is going to continue to get better. There is a big upside.”
Reed’s rookie deal expires after this season when he’s due $1.1 million in base salary. His career upshot is difficult to project because it's so rare for a lineman to suddenly become such a dominant pass rusher when he wasn't known as one before. For now, though, that contract is a bargain.
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