Rayshawn Jenkins explains his unexpected choice of the Seattle Seahawks over the San Francisco 49ers.
The San Francisco 49ers seem to have a big advantage over the Seattle Seahawks when it comes to luring players, considering their divergent previous experiences.
However, despite the fact that the 49ers advanced to the Super Bowl the previous season and had won their previous five games against Seattle, including postseason games, new Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins disclosed last week that he chose the Seahawks over the 49ers after visiting with both.
He is obviously thrilled about the opportunity to play under one of the best defensive minds in the league in new Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald, but football was not the deciding factor in his choice.
“I wanted to go to a contender, I wanted to go to a bigger market,” Jenkins stated.
“I thought Seattle was the ideal location. Lots of chances. I’m joining a team led by a defensive-minded head coach who, to be honest, is from San Francisco and Seattle—not to mention the taxes. I had to consider it, then.
“I went to see the 49ers. I went to the 49ers after coming here. I was scheduled for two more visits, but Seattle called and extended an offer. Of course, the 49ers matched it, but considering those taxes, I decided to go.”
When the football aspect is removed, Jenkins’ choice becomes quite clear.
California has the highest state income tax in the nation, while Washington does not. Jenkins’s contract guarantees $6.26 million over two years, so it makes sense that the 30-year-old would place a high value on avoiding tax losses.
The Seahawks were able to sign an undervalued safety because of their advantage in that area.
According to the NextGen Stats catches above anticipated measure, Jenkins was the top safety in the NFL in 2023. Last season, he had 5.6 less receptions than anticipated, demonstrating the strength of coverage, which is further supported by efficiency statistics.
According to Sports Info Solutions, Jenkins was the NFL’s sixth-most targeted safety during the previous season. Despite being hurled at 41 times, he gave up the fifth-lowest completion percentage (41.5%) and had the eighth-best passer rating against (50.3) among safeties with at least 20 targets.
In terms of positive play rate allowed (31.7%), Jenkins was outperformed only by four safeties; in terms of Expected Points Added per target allowed, he ranked eighth.
To put it briefly, Jenkins is a safety who can improve the Seattle pass defense’s ability to stop San Francisco’s formidable aerial offense. Though it remains to be seen if his presence will be sufficient for the Seahawks to end their losing trend against the 49ers, they can be grateful that he prioritized his financial situation over his loyalty to one of the two NFC West rivals.
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