The Seattle Seahawks, led by Mike MacDonald, have always prided on their ability to adjust when the pressure is on. With a playoff spot that looks seemingly within reach this season, every decision feels extra important. Injuries have pushed their depth to the limit, with roster changes happening nonstop. The team needs to make moves that will increase their chances of winning now and faster than ever. Well, the Seahawks made a move that surprised many, a twist that can reshape their roster in a way that’s more strategic than it first appeared.

In a power move by Mike MacDonald, the Seahawks waived tight end Tyler Mabry and brought back defensive tackle Brandon Pili to the practice squad. At first glance, the move might seem like just another roster adjustment, but it carries a significant financial weight. When Mabry joined the Seahawks, the team offered him a $915K annual contract. So, the decision comes at the cost of this massive number hanging between the team and Mabry. There is always a good chance that Tyler will clear the waivers and return to the practice squad, but NFL is always unpredictable. Isn’t it?

Mabry’s journey with the Seahawks was full of growth since he first joined the team back in 2020. Signed as an undrafted free agent, he didn’t enjoy the luxuries many players otherwise have, so the tight end worked his way up from the practice squad. Over time, Tyler became a trusted backup tight end for the team. But, even with his presence on the team, Mabry wasn’t a part of the Seattle team’s big win against the 49ers.

On the other hand, Brandon Pili’s return to the Seahawks is a part of a much bigger picture. Pili was also an undrafted free agent out of USC and started his NFL journey with the Dolphins in May 2023. He played 12 games for Miami during the 23-24 NFL season, recording 4 tackles overall, before they waived him and later re-signed him to their practice squad. Now, Pili joins the Seahawks where coach Mike MacDonald plans to leverage his NFL experience for the upcoming games.

Moving on from the roster shuffles, the team surely had a nice week, grabbing a win vs the mighty 49ers.

Was the 49ers win an easy one for MacDonald and Co?

The showdown between the Seattle team and the 49ers was nothing short of an explosion. The Seahawks delivered a tough performance, led by QB Geno Smith. Smith worked out a crucial game-winning drive in the final minutes, capping it off with a 13-yard touchdown run that helped secure a 20-17 victory. This win was the key for the Seahawks as they climbed back to the top and kept their playoff hopes alive.

Smith’s leadership and the way he took charge of the team were the key factors behind this much needed victory. During his interview on The Richard Sherman Podcast after the win, the QB expressed his emotions, “I just felt like we had to get it done and I was actually just smiling as I was running on the field for that last drive man I just kind of I knew it you know I knew we were going to win.” Despite an interception earlier in the game, he remained calm and composed throughout.

Seattle’s defense also stepped up to help the QB push team towards a win. 49ers felt the absence of their star pass rusher Nick Bosa due to an injury throughout the game as they continued struggling. In the last few minutes, the Seattle team’s star QB completed 7 of 8 throws for 65 yards, and helped the team score a win.

With the 49ers win boosting their confidence, the team’s roster changes can position Seattle for continued success as they navigate their way to the playoffs.