Seahawks Called on to Pursue $111 Million Former All-Pro After Shaquill Griffin Signing

The Seattle Seahawks addressed cornerback this week, bringing back former third-round pick Shaquill Griffin. But on Thursday, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz encouraged the Seahawks to target one more free agent — offensive guard Brandon Scherff.

On a list where Schatz named one more move each NFL team should make this offseason, the ESPN writer argued the Seahawks should consider adding Scherff.

“The interior offensive line was a major problem for the Seahawks in 2024, and while first-round rookie Grey Zabel should stabilize the left guard position, the other positions are still in flux. Olu Oluwatini is penciled in at center, where he was below average in both pass block win rate (92.4% versus NFL center average of 93.8%) and especially in run block win rate (64.5% versus 72.8%) last season,” wrote Schatz.

“The current leader at right guard is 2024 third-round pick Christian Haynes. Why not bring in a former Pro Bowler who can provide some stability and veteran leadership? Scherff is still available and could take the right guard position, kicking Haynes over to battle Oluwatini for the center position at training camp.”

Over his 10-year NFL career, Scherff has made five Pro Bowl teams. In 2020, he also earned a first-team All-Pro nomination with the then Washington Football Team.

At one point, Scherff was the highest-paid offensive guard in the league. The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Scherff to a three-year, $49.5 million contract during 2022 free agency.

The deal paid the guard $16.5 million on an average annual basis.

Over his decade in the league, Scherff has earned $111.2 million.

Why Seahawks Could Target Brandon Scherff in NFL Free Agency

It’s no great secret why Seattle could be interested in Scherff. The Seahawks offensive line hasn’t been elite for years, and as Schatz explained, the interior of the line is in the worst shape.

That’s why the Seahawks targeted North Dakota State’s Grey Zabel at No. 18 overall in the first round. Zabel is expected to slide inside to play left guard.

At right guard, Seattle could sign Scherff to replace 2024 third-rounder Christian Haynes. The 25-year-old didn’t start a game as a rookie last season, but he appears to be at the top of the Seahawks right guard depth chart entering training camp.

Although Scherff hasn’t been a Pro Bowler since 2021, he would bring 140 games of NFL experience. He started all 140 of those contests.

According to Pro Football Focus, the 33-year-old is not the same run blocker he once was. But Scherff remains good in pass protection. Scherff could be an upgrade in both areas for Seattle.

Seahawks Offensive Line Depth Entering NFL Training Camp

Depth is typically the part of the roster NFL teams target to improve over the summer. It’s much easier to find that than a starter.

But adding a starter, if available, does improve a team’s depth as well.

With Scherff, the Seahawks could slide Haynes back into his backup role. In that position, he would compete with Sataoa Laumea, Anthony Bradford and sixth-round rookie Bryce Cabeldue for a depth role.

At center, Olu Oluwatimi is expected to start. Behind him on the Seahawks projected center depth chart is Jalen Sundell and undrafted free agent Federico Maranges.

Not considering Oluwatimi, there would only be room for two of those interior linemen on the 53-man roster with Scherff. But the veteran would likely improve Seattle’s interior offensive line in a significant way this fall.