We are only two days now into the NFL offseason, and already there have been some headlines relating to the Seahawks QB1 seemingly showing a sort of issue in Seattle that has been taking place between the franchise and the quarterback himself. How much should we really read into this?
The first headline was from Jason La Canfora, stating that several teams had contacted Seattle about a potential trade for Russell Wilson, and the general possibility of that happening. Another follow up report stated that Seattle had no intention of trading Wilson, but Canfora stoked the fire with an article saying that Seattle should listen, seemingly helping his report. With how many teams seem to be looking for a quarterback this offseason, it would make sense that teams would reach out to check in about one of the top QBs in the league, but no trade should be entertained for Wilson. None.
The second report regarding Wilson and an issue potentially with the franchise came Monday, around 9pm, stating that Wilsons camp was frustrated with the lack of emphasis on protecting the star QB. Wilson has been sacked 394 times in his nine year career, the most by any QB since the NFL merger. It is no secret that Wilson has had to deal with some bad O-line play in his career. With offensive linemen that converted from basketball players (this is NOT George Fant slander, we appreciate George Fant here) and just overall sort of plug and play solutions at the offensive line, there has been a need for a stronger line for the franchises best quarterback in its history. So, taking a look at this headline really is not a surprise. It is just another example of Wilson seeming to say that he wants the franchise to show urgency in improving aspects of the team. An example of this would be in the pre-super bowl festivities, Wilson said that Seattle should go out and get more playmakers. Whether it was offense or defense that he meant, he got one when Seattle traded to acquire disgruntled safety Jamal Adams from the Jets amidst the falling out that had taken place between Adams and the lesser of the two New York teams.
With this being said, do I believe that Wilson will be traded? No. All that I believe this does is again tells general manager John Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll that they need to make certain things a priority, at least in Wilsons eyes. Taking a look at that offensive line, right now there are three spots on the O-line that are solid and that do not currently need replacing. Left tackle, right guard, and right tackle. Duane Brown has held down the fort at the left tackle spot, and should do that for a few more years, but in the future left tackle will again be a spot that Seattle needs to address. Right guard Damien Lewis showed some great things in his rookie year, even having to fill in as emergency center vs the Cardinals on Thursday night football. He has some things to work on, particularly with pass protection, but he was in his first year after all. I can see Lewis being an anchor at the right guard position for years to come. Right tackle Brandon Shell came in as a sort of under the radar signing that we were not sure of when it happened in free agency. When healthy, he did a solid job at the other tackle spot opposite of Duane Brown. That leaves two spots on the offensive line that need to be addressed this offseason: Left guard, and Center. Starter Mike Iupati was in and out of the lineup at the left guard position due to injury, and while he has been a helpful contributor in the couple years that he has been in Seattle, it is critical to continue to improve while Russell Wilson is in his prime, so the team must move on from Iupati and find a capable starter at left guard. In a 2020 offseason podcast episode, I mentioned second year guard Phil Haynes as a dark horse candidate to break out and become someone that would make appearances at the LG spot. His season was derailed due to injury and we never saw him on the field. So, unless he turns things around, I am not sure Haynes will be that guy. Ethan Pocic was someone that had filled in at the guard spots in past years, but this year he had a solid first half of the season before dropping off in stability in the second half of the season. If he can maintain that level of play from the first half, he would not be a bad option to bring back on a deal that would not break the bank. If the Hawks wanted to really improve the line, signing center Corey Linsley in free agency would improve the line IMMEDIATELY. Guards Brandon Scherff and Joe Thuney would also drastically improve the line and help Seattle in the passing game and in the running game. In free agency, pay attention to those three linemen.
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