A 10-step plan to get the Seahawks back to the Super Bowl
By Geoff Shull
Step 4: Get Russell Wilson a dependable offensive lineman to help anchor the front lines.
Seattle has been very aggressive in drafts and very timid in free agency with investing in the offensive line. They have spent near the most draft selections on lineman in the NFL since 2013. They have spent near the least in terms of actual cap space.
It’s time to break this trend.
Seattle signs Corey Linsley: 3 years, $35 million ($11.67 APY).
The connection between a center and the quarterback is crucial. Linsley has been about as complete of a prospect as one could hope to enter free agency.
Linsley is an outstanding pass protector and a dominant run blocker. During the 2020 campaign, he was at his best. Across 734 offensive snaps played, Linsley allowed only 4 quarterback pressures, 1 sack, and zero penalties.
Beautiful rep from Corey Linsley, who is the most underrated OL in the SF-GB game. He wins with quickness & efficiency from the ground up.
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) January 16, 2020
Explosive out of his stance with very good hand placement to get inside McCoy's frame, then sustains & mirrors to flatten out his rush. pic.twitter.com/YAHf6ANnpj
It’s this type of game-changing play that is needed when you play against talents like Aaron Donald multiple times a year. Linsley also has the athleticism needed to play in a wide zone scheme if the Seahawks trend in that direction with the new offensive coordinator hire.
Cap hits:
- 2021: $7.5 million.
- 2022: $12.75 million.
- 2023: $14.75 million.
This move should help appease Russell Wilson.
Previous effective cap space: $39.6 million.
Cost from signing: $7.5 million.
New effective cap space: $32.1 million.