Seahawks reshape offensive line on Wednesday but not in good way

The Seahawks signed a couple of offensive linemen on Wednesday bringing their total to three in the free agency period. But is Seattle better in 2020?

The Seahawks signed right tackle Brandon Shell, formerly of the Jets, on Wednesday. Shell is going to be the new right tackle for Seattle in 2020. He will take the place of Germain Ifedi. Ifedi will leave via free agency and Seattle will replace him with Shell who they signed for two years and $11 million.

Per Pro Football Focus, Shell actually graded better than Ifedi in 2019 when it came to run blocking. Ifedi graded 58.8 and Shell was 59.1. In pass protection, Ifedi was 63.3 and Shell was 64.7 So, at least as far as grades go, Shell was better. And that Seattle signed him to an $5.5 million per season it is cheaper than what Ifedi will probably get.

Ifedi stayed healthy, though, Good or worse, one could count Ifedi to play every down of every game. Offensive line cohesion is very important and knowing Ifedi was going to suit up was of value. The Seahawks still need to learn if Shell will do the same.

Seattle also agreed to terms with former Steelers center/guard B.J. Finney. Finney was solid as a backup in Pittsburgh but never was seen as a long-term starter. If the Seahawks see Finney as something else that might become a problem. Finney is strong but not athletic.

Seattle also signed fifth-year pro Cedric Ogbuehi. He has played mostly guard in his career. The bad part is that he was first-round draft pick in 2015 but has only managed to start 25 games but none since 2017. That means other teams haven’t seen him as good enough to earn a paycheck long-term. So why did the Seahawks?

So is the Seahawks line better in 2020 than it has been? Based on these signings, no. Seattle seems to be exactly the same, and that doesn’t mean good things for Russell Wilson and the Seahawks offense.