Seahawks could target four potential free agent offensive linemen

Following up on the cap casualty series, here is a list of potential offensive line targets for the Seahawks. All are either already cut or likely to be cut by their current teams.

The Seahawks offensive line has not been good the past few years. Definitely the weakest position on the Seahawks roster. However, the Seahawks believe they added needed pieces last season, so do not expect a major overhaul.

With Duane Brown added last season via trade and George Fant backing him up, left tackle is solid. Center is capably manned by Justin Britt. The Seahawks will be moving Germain Ifedi to right guard and letting Jordan Roos compete with him at guard. This leaves potential holes at left guard and right tackle. Ethan Pocic will fill ones of those holes. Likely left guard as he doesn’t have the base to handle the right tackle position yet.

We will detail who is available at tackle and also list the possible cap casualties at guard…just in case.

Ja’Wuan James – 6’6 “- 317 pounds – Age: 25 – Current team: Miami Dolphins

Ja’Wuan James is a very talented player. The former first round pick brings intriguing skills and has played the right tackle position his entire NFL career.

What’s to like

The Seahawks will love his size and athleticism, which was sorely lacking last year with Ifedi at right tackle. The former Tennessee Volunteer is strong at the point and disciplined. He has good technique and good feet. James is also young enough to make him a long-term piece for the Seahawks roster.

What’s not to like

It is hard for me to imagine adding James. If he is released, he instantly becomes one of the top offensive lineman available in free agency. Although he fits the profile of being a cut player, he will be expensive. With our current cap situation, it seems hard to fathom him landing in Seattle.

(James has not been released.)

Jason Peters – 6’4″ – 328 pounds – Age: 36 – Current team: Philadelphia Eagles

Jason Peters was at one point the best left tackle in the NFL. Now at age 36, he is overpriced and has seen injuries cost him time each of the last two seasons. He could be seen as a high risk, high reward bounce-back candidate.

What’s to like

Peters was a tight end in college and kept his nimble feet in transitioning to offensive tackle in the NFL. He coupled the great feet with excellent strength as well. Add in a good base and he became one of the best. When he played the last two seasons, he still looked like the tools were there.

What’s not to like

If you add Jason Peters, you are banking on a one-year contract. His age is the biggest drawback. Peters is older, but may still get a decent amount of money based on his past performance. Adding the Eagle is also a gamble based on his recent injury history.

(Peters has not been released.)

Austin Howard – 6’7″ – 333 pounds – Age: 30 – Current team: Baltimore Ravens

Austin Howard is an average player with excellent size. He has good playing experience and let’s face it, just about anyone is better than Ifedi was for the Seahawks last season.

What’s to like

Size and experience.

What’s not to like

To me, this feels a lot like Bradley Sowell did a few years back. Big enough and experienced, but that doesn’t always translate. I believe Howard is a better player than Sowell was, but by how much?

(Howard has not been released.)

Jared Veldheer – 6’8″ – 340 pounds- Age: 30 – Current team: Arizona Cardinals

Veldheer was a big signing for the Cardinals, and played very well at the beginning of his contract. He seemed like a special player, but he has fallen off the past few years.

What’s to like

Veldheer is another player that brings that big body and tons of experience. The Arizona Cardinal has played left tackle and right tackle, and has good feet and adequate strength. He shows excellent hand positioning and a good understanding of blocking concepts and angles.

What’s not to like

While Veldheer fits the bill skills-wise, he just hasn’t shown the same ability the past few years. He also brings injury concerns and had his worst season as a pro in 2017 playing on the right side, where we would want him in Seattle.

(Veldheer has not been released.)

Guards

Richie Incognito – 6’3″ – 320 pounds – Age: 34 – Current team: Buffalo Bills

Mike Iupati – 6’5″ – 331 pounds – Age: 30 – Current team: Arizona Cardinals

Josh Sitton – 6’3″ – 320 pounds – Age: 31 – Current team: Chicago Bears

Ja’Wuan James is an ideal fit for the Seahawks, but is likely out of our price range. The others all come with more questions than answers, and like every other position, the draft may be the better route.

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