NFL Futures: Will the Seattle Seahawks Finish With the Worst Record?

The Russell Wilson era in Seattle has come to an end, and a new quarterback will be under center for the Seattle Seahawks for the first time since 2012. In light of the Seahawks' rebuild, we examine their odds of finishing with the NFL's worst record in 2022, and why that pick is showing value.

The Seattle Seahawks traded Wilson to the Denver Broncos in a blockbuster move. Seattle acquired two first-round picks, two second-round picks, a fifth-round pick, quarterback Drew Lock, tight end Noah Fant, and defensive end Shelby Harris.

The Seahawks reeled in significant draft capital in the deal. But how they used those picks, along with a few other decisions, leads me to think they'll finish with the NFL's worst record. Even if you believe in some of the moves they made, the +1000 price point at Caesars still grabs your attention.

Let's look deeper at the Seahawks' situation, and why they're the best pick to finish with the NFL's worst record.

Odds to Finish With the NFL's Worst Record

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Seahawks' Draft Decisions and Offseason Moves

The Seahawks have shown their long-term thinking throughout the offseason. They were successful during the Wilson era largely because he was on a cheap entry-level contract, giving the team more salary-cap room to address needs elsewhere.

The Seahawks declined from being a Super Bowl contending club to a playoff one when Wilson signed a lucrative contract. The Seattle organization, more than any other, quickly realized the value of a quarterback on a rookie contract. That's why the team moved on from Wilson.

The Seahawks passed on numerous opportunities to draft a quarterback in 2022, choosing instead to fill a different need. Now to maximize their salary-cap opportunities, they surely intend to have a solid roster in place before selecting their next franchise passer.

Another key indicator of that strategy is the decision to keep Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf and to trade for Fant. The front office is ensuring the right weapons are around the team's future quarterback immediately. Seattle doubled down on that strategy with the selection of offensive lineman Charles Cross at ninth overall this past spring and running back Kenneth Walker in the second round.

What's the final step in Seattle's roster construction? Tanking for a franchise-altering quarterback. One will be available at the top of the 2023 draft, whether it's CJ Stroud or Bryce Young.

Worst NFL Record Pick: Seahawks (+1000 via Caesars)

After reading between the lines following the Seahawks' offseason, there's clearly the potential for tanking in 2022. But you know what's even better? The +1000 odds for Seattle to finish with the worst record.

The New York Jets and Chicago Bears have both been given shorter odds than the Seahawks, and neither will be tanking for Young or Stroud given their quarterback situations. Meanwhile, the Carolina Panthers are clearly trying to win after acquiring Baker Mayfield, and they've been given the same odds of finishing with the worst record as the Seahawks.

The Houston Texans and Atlanta Falcons have already invested draft picks in Davis Mills and Desmond Ridder, respectively. That makes the +275 price on the Texans and the +400 price on the Falcons for a potential tank job unappealing. If those two prove they can handle the starting job, any thoughts of tanking evaporate.

Drew Lock is fresh off showing in Denver he's not capable of being a franchise quarterback. He's now a placeholder at the position in Seattle, and the price on the Seahawks finishing at the very bottom of the league is the final push you need.

Where to Bet on Seahawks NFL Futures

Here are our top-rated sportsbooks:

FanDuel Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
PointsBet
BetMGM

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Seahawks worst record picks made 7/25/2022 at 3:53 p.m. ET.