5 offensive linemen Seahawks should target this offseason

This offseason, the Seattle Seahawks have some decisions on how they are going to reconstruct the roster for the 2022-23 season. With deciding on the new defensive coordinator and direction of what is needed for their roster, Seahawks should address the offensive linemen situation.

The Seahawks would have to upgrade their offensive line with PPF (Pro Football Focus) ranking them 25th, which was something they have had trouble building since letting Max Unger go in 2015. It’s an issue that is a major priority to give Russell Wilson more protection so he could have more time in the pocket. Also, Wilson could avoid more injuries that previously happened last season by injuring his finger off Aaron Donald’s helmet because the interior offensive linemen didn’t protect the backfield.

It’s time to reevaluate the offensive line with various problems coming to this offseason. The problems are the centers struggling to stay healthy and two offensive left tackles are free agents.

According to Overthecap.com, the Seahawks are ranked sixth in cap space with $37 million and $35 million in effective cap space. This amount of cap space gives John Schneider some flexibility in making moves for the offensive linemen to pursue this free agency. Here are five offensive linemen the Seahawks should get this offseason.

Brandon Scherff

First, Seahawks could consider Scherff to bolster the offensive line with a veteran presence to an offensive line that Duane Brown had. He is versatile in blocking for the run and block with the rating a solid grade of 73.6. The only issues are Scherff is at the age of 30 (the age when offensive linemen usually decline) and had injuries that sidelined him a few games last season. Though the Seahawk’s need for a guard isn’t necessary, the use of Scherff would be a major help with a pro bowl talent on the line.

Ryan Jensen

Second, the Seahawks’ health need for a health center could be answered if they pick up Jensen from free agency. The team would have to pay the Buccaneers’ center top money and out-pay other teams that want Jensen’s service. According to PFF, Jensen only allowed two sacks, played 1151 offensive snaps and had an overall grade of 70.8 from last season. The only issue with Jensen is that he is a better pass protector than run protector, which is contradicted offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s offensive scheme of a balanced scheme. Although it’s an issue, Jensen protected Tom Brady efficiently and probably could do the same for Wilson.

Brian Allen

Like Jensen, Brian Allen could be a viable center the Seahawks could acquire. He fits in Seahawks’ offensive scheme which Allen could be familiar with the Rams. Allen had a breakout 2021-22 season that put him in the top 10 of interior linemen in free agency and an under-the-radar talent that teams might not be looking for in a free agent. PFF gave Allen an 80.2 player grade and only allow 5 sacks which are almost on the same level as Jensen. The 2021 season mark Allen’s first full season being healthy compared to previous seasons with a severe knee injury. If Seahawks acquire Allen, they get a player that understands Waldron’s system and is a durable player on the offensive line.

Orlando Brown Jr.

The Seahawks picked up Brown Jr. is unlikely with the Chiefs likely to resign him, but the Seahawks could use him as a replacement for Duane Brown because Brown Jr. is younger and less injured than Brown. The 2021 season was the opposite with Brown Jr. as a Chief (76.5 overall grade) and then in the Ravens (75.2 overall grade). Although the grades indicate that he took a step down from the 2020 season, Brown Jr. had only 4 sacks and was in the top 10 in offensive snaps according to PFF. If Seahawks want to get Brown Jr., he could be the next young star to protect Wilson’s blind season for future NFL seasons.

Terron Armstead

Lastly, Seahawks should target Armstead because he is the best offensive lineman in free agency and the next best pickup the team should get if the Chiefs resign Brown Jr. Armstead is good at the pass and run blocking, but has a history of injuries. He has a PFF grade of 76.6 and has been having to three-consecutive pro bowls so it’s going to be exceptional if Seahawks would replace Brown for a younger 31-year-old Armstead.

If the Seahawks choose any of these offensive linemen, they could have a successful passing and running attack with Wilson finally having a line to rely on.