Detroit Lions are trying to hire Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider for the same role, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. Schneider has been with the Seahawks for 11 seasons and built the Super Bowl XLVIII list.
The Wisconsin native is known for his mid-to-final draft findings, such as Russel Wilson, Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, Tyler Lockett and KJ Wright. Wilson’s presence allowed the franchise to stay afloat while deconstructing the Super Bowl squad and rebuilding it.
Schneider is known for negotiating since the first round and for not being afraid to make big deals. His recent selections in the first round were not so popular in the Scout community. Seattle acquired tight end Jimmy Graham of Saints in exchange for pivot Max Unger and a choice in the first round in 2015. Last year, the team acquired safety / linebacker Jamal Adams and a choice in the fourth round of the Jets in exchange for safety Bradley McDougald, first and third round picks in the NFL 2021 Draft and a first round pick in the NFL 2022 Draft.
Prior to his time in Seattle, Schneider held executive positions in Washington, Green Bay and Kansas City, including participating in the Packers’ victory in Super Bowl XXXI.
According to Jason La Canfora, a member of the CBS Sports NFL, Lions also covet Steelers’ Kevin Colbert.
NFL.com also linked Steelers, vice president of football administration, Omar Khan, Colts GM assistant Ed Dodds, Saints VP / GM personal assistant Terry Fontenot, Seahawks VP of football operations Scott Fitterer, director of scouting at college Rams Brad Holmes, GM Vikings assistant George Paton, Will McClay, vice president of Cowboys team players, and Eliot Wolf, Patriots front office consultant, for the vacancy.
The Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Football Team also have general manager positions.