NFL insider: Too late for Seahawks to upgrade OL in NFL free agency

Through the first two weeks of NFL free agency, the Seattle Seahawks have retooled their offense, focusing primarily on the quarterback and skill positions. However, NFL games are won and lost in the trenches, and Seattle's offensive line might be the team's biggest weakness.

Thus far, the Seahawks have done little to address these needs in free agency. The team signed swing tackle Josh Jones but he's been a backup for much of his career. While a few impact players were initially available in free agency, the offensive lineman market has largely dried up.

A new feature in The Athletic broke down Seattle's roster by position and suggested the team missed its chance to upgrade the offensive line during the first wave of free agency.

"Seattle is still scouting veteran free-agent linemen, but at this point, anyone signed in the second or third wave of free agency won’t dramatically impact how badly this unit needs to be upgraded," wrote Michael-Shawn Dugar.

Realistically, the Seahawks are unlikely to find an impact starter at this point in free agency. As Dugar points out, the team's best option may be to target an interior offensive lineman in the 2025 NFL draft.

"The draft is the key. Armed with five picks within the top 92 selections, the Seahawks should come out of Day 2 with at least one starting-caliber interior player," said Dugar. "In an ideal world, Schneider would draft a center to compete with Oluwatimi and Sundell, and a guard to plug in at either spot."

Mar 5, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan offensive lineman Olu Oluwatimi (OL35) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Seattle has plenty of draft capital after trading quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf for picks. However, there's no guarantee the team will find an impact player along the offensive line in the draft.

Sam Darnold signed a $100 million contract and while the former No. 3 pick is coming off a career season, he isn't the most effective passer when he's under pressure. We'll have to wait and see what general manager John Schneider has up his sleep in next month's draft.

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