NFL compensates Seahawks with two extra third-round picks in 2017 draft

Last offseason, the Seattle Seahawks lost defensive starters Bruce Irvin and Brandon Mebane to former AFC West rivals Oakland Raiders and San Diego Chargers in free agency, as well as starting left tackle Russell Okung to another AFC West foe, the Denver Broncos , and right guard J.R. Sweezy to expansion rivals the Tampa Bay Buccaneers . The Seahawks signed a few minor free agents themselves, but overall the contractual balance didn’t offset those moves and so now the NFL grants Seattle two relatively high compensatory draft picks in 2017.