The Seattle Seahawks have addressed one spot on their offensive line by drafting Grey Zabel. Unfortunately, the right guard position is still up for grabs. Any of these three free agents could step in immediately.
It's not exactly a guarded secret that the Seahawks' offensive line has struggled over the past few years. The Seahawks took a major step forward by drafting O-lineman Grey Zabel with their first pick. I'm still in shock over that, especially since the plan was to install him at guard all along.
It speaks volumes that Seattle is willing to try virtually anything to improve their line under their new O-line coach, John Benton.
The Seahawks would instantly upgrade their offensive line with any of these 3 guards
After all, general manager John Schneider has been infamously dismissive of the value of guards. I have zero doubt that it's already cost Seattle a chance to sign some of the top free agents. Will Fries, Teven Jenkins, and Kevin Zeitler all signed with other teams.
But now that he's shown that he does indeed understand just how valuable guards are, perhaps the Seahawks can bring in one of the top guys still on the market.
It's true that I think Seattle already has an excellent plan in place to upgrade the offensive line. But no matter how good the scheme is, bringing in better talent can only help the team that much more. Yes, I fully expect Christian Haynes and/or Anthony Bradford to take big steps forward this year.
Still, of the guards still with Seattle, Haynes led all guards in Pro Football Focus (subscription required) grades at an abysmal 48.5.
Don't worry, 12s, it gets worse. Laken Tomlinson, not worth re-signing this year, graded at 62.1. And Damien Lewis, who Schneider shipped away after 2023, was the 12th-ranked guard at 75.5. As a point of reference, the top-ranked guard, Chris Lindstrom, was rated at 93.5. Clearly, the Seahawks need to improve at that spot. Bringing in proven talent is a big step in the right direction.
Will Hernandez PFF grade 69.3
Hernandez is entering his eighth year in the league. Despite his experience, he won't turn 30 until this September. Seattle's defensive line is quite familiar with him, as he's been one of Arizona's better offensive linemen for the past three seasons.
He hasn't graded below 65 in any of those years, so he's certainly consistent. He was injured in Week 5 last year, but Schneider hasn't exactly shied away from players recovering from injuries this offseason. He allowed zero sacks, committed two penalties.
Dalton Risner PFF grade 68.1
Like Hernandez, Risner hasn't seen the dreaded 30-year mark (although he will this July). This will be his seventh year in the league, with the last two in Minnesota. That familiarity with new Seahawks QB Sam Darnold should earn him a few bonus points. He hasn't been as consistent as Hernadez over his career, but he didn't grade below 62.7 in any game after week 12.
Like Hernandez, he grades better in pass protection than run-blocking. Again, O-line coach John Benton's new scheme should help there. He allowed zero sacks, committed zero penalties.
Jack Driscoll PFF grade 72.3
Driscoll is the highest-risk player here. He's been a rotational player for the Eagles in his five-year career, with a high of 512 snaps in 2021. He hasn't been that consistent, either. He earned a frankly awful grade of 48.5 from PFF in 2023.
On the other hand, he was graded at 61.0 and 70.5 in the two previous years. As a reminder, 48.5 was the best any current Seahawks guard managed last year. Driscoll is just 28 years old and allowed one sack, committed zero penalties.
Hernandez would likely be the most expensive signing. But spotrac.com estimates his market value at just $4.3 million for a one-year deal. Risner is estimated to sign for $3.3 million, while Driscoll would almost certainly be available for the league minimum.
The Seahawks currently rank 10th in cap space with $31.7 million. They can afford the minimal investment required for some insurance at the position that needs the most attention.