One thing that Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider has not done this offseason is commit to addressing the team's biggest need. Since the time it has taken for the Earth to cool (or, at least, it feels that way), Seattle has had a need along the interior of the offensive line. Schneider has made more failed attempts than successful ones to address the problem.
This offseason, the Seahawks have hosted several veteran free agent guards, from Teven Jenkins to Will Fries and beyond. According to Schneider, none of them have been good fits or wanted too much money. At some point, the reasons given come across as poor excuses.
The team did sign long-time backup Josh Jones, but the hope is that Schneider does not see Jones as a starter for Seattle. Jones has been involved in 29 games in the last two seasons, but only started three times. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he consistently grades poorly as a run-blocker and is inconsistent in pass protection.
Seahawks linked to free agent guard Brandon Scherff
There are still options for Schneider to make the 2025 offensive line better than it has been in years. He could, for the first time in years, choose a player high in the first round that he sees as eventually helping along the interior of the O-line. This appears unlikely, though.
A good number of veteran free agents are still available to sign, too. One of these is Brandon Scherff, and Pro Football Network thinks the Seahawks should sign him. There is a problem with this.
Scherff has only played right guard during his long career, and Seattle's greater need is at left guard. Laken Tomlinson started at the spot in 2024, but he left in free agency. At right guard, the team had a trio of young players play the position, though none were very good. If Seattle is going to sign a free agent guard now, it needs to be one who plays the left side.
Scherff is also only a bridge to the next starter at left guard. He has been healthy in the last three seasons, he missed at least five games in three of four seasons between 2018 and 2021. He is also 33 years old, so there is a real question of how healthy he will continue to stay.
Jenkins and Fries, both of whom have graded well recently are 27 years old. Seattle might have had to pay a bit more for them, but six years younger is a huge difference compared to Scherff.
Signing Scherff, who is good in pass protection but not great in run-blocking, would equate to putting a band-aid on a oozing cut. He would not fix the issue. The Seahawks need to either sign a young guard or make taking one in the first or second round of the 2025 NFL draft a priority.