So far the Seahawks are off to a pretty rough start in 2016 free agency, but do have one bright spot moving forward.

Most notable are the losses of Bruce Irvin and NT Brandon Mebane. 

Bruce Irvin left for a resurgent Raiders defense. His arrival could be very beneficial for the team that I believe will take the next step this upcoming season. Historically, this is no team to bet on. However, I will go out on a limb and say you will see them in the playoffs next season. 

The combination of Irvin with a guy like Kahlil Mack makes for an energetic and smart defense that just went from good to great with the Irvin addition. 

Irvin said he went to the Raiders based simply on it being the best decision for him and his family. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he thanked the fans. The post included a picture of him along with the draft class of 2012. 

It spoke on changing the organization and bringing the city a championship. After thanking the fans, those teammates, and the Seattle ownership... Irvin went on to say hopefully he can bring a championship to the city of Oakland next. 

A day after losing Irvin, Mebane was lost to the Chargers. The aging nose tackle has still been affective. In all, Mebane started 125 games in 9 seasons. He played on nearly 50 percent of snaps for Seattle last year and helped the Hawks limit teams to just 3.6 yds per carry.

The Seahawks have had a next man up look to the NT position and have both Jordan Hill and AJ Francis that will be in the mix next season. 

Another position that now seems to be sured-up is the Seahawk backfield. 

The same day Mebane left, the Seahawks bolstered the secondary adding Jeremy Lane. He should be starting opposite of Shurman come this summer. Lane has been in the Seahawks system for 4 years making just 6 starts.

It has been apparent that the system is hard to learn for even solid long tenured veterans though. Lane has shown he has the grasp of that system and the contract is a nod to this. He is also a flexible player who can be used in nickel packages, and provided the best option for the open spot in either the draft or free agency.

The signing now makes for a nice, still effective, legion of boom. Along with Lane and Shurman,... Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas will all be in place through 2017. 

We will still have to see what ahappens with Michael Bennett, and how the team will plan to replace Irvin. The team has some other defensive needs and need to add depth as well.

On top of this we will have to still see how the Hawks plan to restructure their biggest need on the offensive line. Something I will address in my next free agency update.