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Seahawks should kick tires on 2-time Super Bowl winner at guard

The Seattle Seahawks had their eyes on a lot of offensive line prospects at last week’s NFL Combine. A veteran interior blocker is about to hit the open market
Russell Baxter|
Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans guard Shaq Mason (69) in action during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Sep 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans guard Shaq Mason (69) in action during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

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Seattle Seahawks

With the exception of left tackle Charles Cross, the offensive line of the Seattle Seahawks left a lot to be desired in 2024. Via Zoltán Buday of Pro Football Focus, only the New England Patriots’ front earned a lower grade this past season. The overall numbers are hard to ignore. Mike Macdonald’s club finished 28th in the league in rushing yards per game (as was the case in 2023). Only the Chicago Bears (68) and Cleveland Browns (66) allowed more than the Seahawks (54), with quarterback Geno Smith on the receiving end of 50 of those quarterback traps.

The organization is certainly aware of this shortcoming. It was reported that at last week’s NFL Scouting Combine at Indianapolis that the franchise met with a dozen offensive line prospects. Seattle has a new offensive line coach in John Benton, who worked with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak in New Orleans.

Schneider and the club have the 18th overall pick in April’s draft, and more than one mock draft has the ‘Hawks opting for offensive line help. It makes sense considering the team has used seven picks since 2022 in addressing the offensive front. Could the team take a hard look at a 10-year veteran who is about to hit the open market?

Mason has quite the resume. A fourth-round pick by the Patriots in 2015, he’s started double-digit games in each of his 10 seasons. He was part of three Super Bowl teams in New England and helped the club win in 2016 (LI) and ’18 (LIII). He was traded to Tampa Bay in 2022, played one season with former Patriots’ teammate Tom Brady, and then dealt to Houston in 2023. Perhaps the most impressive part regarding Mason’s career is that he has also played and started in 17 postseason games with three different franchises.

However, it’s worth noting that his performance (via PFF) has been on decline in recent years. For what it’s worth, the Texans’ offensive front was ranked 29th by Pro Football Focus this past season—just two spots ahead of the ‘Hawks. Like Seattle, Houston also allowed 54 sacks in 2024. Something to consider while the tires are being kicked.

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Russell Baxter
RUSSELL BAXTER

Russell S. Baxter has been writing and researching the game of football for more than 40 years, and on numerous platforms. That includes television, as he spent more than two decades at ESPN, and was part of shows that garnered five Emmy Awards. He also spent the 2015 NFL season with Thursday Night Football on CBS/NFLN.