The Seattle Seahawks are a fairly weird organization. For years, under general manager John Schneider (and, okay... under former head coach Pete Carroll, too), the team didn't choose based on need in the first round, but instead made things more interesting. Taking the perceivably best player available was a good idea, but it was often poorly executed.
We might forget all about that philosophy now, though. Throwing out the 2024 Seahawks draft, which was a bit of a mess, Schneider might have switched to taking a player at the most significant position of need for the Seahawks.
In the first round of this year's draft, Schneider chose offensive lineman Grey Zabel. Zabel comes from a small college, North Dakota State, but one that has recently produced many NFL offensive linemen. Zabel might turn out to be the best of the group.
Seahawks make the easiest choice of the 2025 offseason
But Schneider did something else that the Seahawks have not done since he became the GM. Before this offseason, Seattle had passed on picking up a first-round pick's fifth-year option. The team should not wait until they are forced to pay the option or not; they should sign the player to an extension first. At least, the correct call was ultimately made.
More specifically, Schneider and the Seahawks decided to pick up left tackle Charles Cross's fifth-year option. This means the 2022 draft choice will be with Seattle through at least 2026. He has been excellent, improving every season, and is already among the best left tackles in the NFL at pass protection.
The hope is that the team will take the time before 2026 to sign Cross to a long-term extension. His contract in 2026 is expected to pay him around $17 million, but any extension would likely pay him well above $20 million per season. He is worth it.
NFL teams need certain things. One is a good quarterback, another is a couple of good edge rushers, a great receiver is nice, but an exceedingly efficient left tackle is a must. Cross fits that definition. There is no reason he should not be a Seahawk for most of the next decade. Picking up his fifth-year option was a no-brainer.
The season will hold true of next offseason's fifth-year options for Seattle, too. That is when cornerback Devon Witherspoon and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be close to new contracts. Both should have their fifth-year options picked up.