Most NFL analysts would probably agree that the Seattle Seahawks' biggest issue entering the 2025 season (just as it had been for the last decade) was the offensive line. The unit's inefficiency caused the offense not to be as productive as it could have been, and that put more pressure on the defense.
This offseason, Seahawks general manager John Schneider did something quite unlike anything he had done before. He chose Grey Zabel, an interior offensive lineman, in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft. Schneider normally eschewed taking an IOL early or overpaying for one.
Zabel's addition, along with stalwart left tackle Charles Cross and a healthy Abraham Lucas at right tackle, should mean the O-line is better. But right guard might still be a mess. This is where an opinion offered by ESPN's Aaron Schatz comes in.
Seattle Seahawks could let Anthony Bradford walk after this free agency signing
Schatz thinks Seattle should sign veteran guard Brandon Scherff, most recently of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Instead of trotting out Anthony Bradford or Christian Haynes, Seattle should give new QB1 Sam Darnold some veteran assistance with Scherff.
The problem with the idea is that the Seahawks are probably set at right guard with one of their young players, Anthony Bradford or Christian Haynes. Sataoa Laumea could also be a player, but new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and new offensive line coach John Benton did not have Laumea getting many first-round reps in OTAs or minicamp.
Bradford has gotten praise from head coach Mike Macdonald about changing his body composition. He might have less wasted weight and gained more muscle. That's great, but the issue with Bradford hasn't always been about not being strong enough. He has been beaten by better technique, and had far too many penalties, which is a mental approach issue.
Scherff would be no more than a one-year addition as he is 33 years old and not likely to play many more years. He has remained a very good pass-blocker, though, and a steady run-blocker. He allowed zero sacks in 625 pass-block snaps for the Jags last season, for instance (Bradford allowed seven in 392 pass-block snaps). He would be an upgrade over Bradford.
The Seahawks might simply trust John Benton, and that he can turn Haynes or Bradford into good players. Scherff would not cost much, however. The Seahawks could keep Haynes, release Bradford, who appears to be a 2023 fourth-round draft bust, and have Scherff for one season before drafting their next Grey Zabel.
If that were to happen, Haynes would serve as a backup, but the Seahawks' 2026 offensive line would consist of Cross, Zabel, your guess at center, a potential 2026 first-round draft pick at right guard, and a re-signed Abe Lucas. That isn't terrible.
As Schatz writes in his article about one final offseason each team should make, "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." Makes sense.
