The Seattle Seahawks entered last offseason with a big need for help in the interior of the offensive line. Taking Grey Zabel in the first round was a no-brainer move, even if he had spent his final collegiate season at left tackle.
A full season passed, and the Seahawks' needs are pretty much the same. Zabel was a mixed bag as a rookie, but even if that weren't the case, Anthony Bradford doesn't offer a lot on the other side of the offensive line. Considering that, it wouldn't be far-fetched to think about addressing the guard position in free agency.
That's why watching the San Francisco 49ers steal Brett Toth in free agency was such a big blow. Not only did they get stronger in the trenches, but they also signed a player who would've been a seamless fit for Mike Macdonald's team.
49ers' Brett Toth would've been an amazing pickup for the Seattle Seahawks
According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Anthony Bradford gave up 28 total pressures last season, including five QB hits and three sacks. He was also one of the worst-ranked run-blockers (54.7, 57th of 81) and pass-blockers (40.8, 76th) in the league. Of course, that algorithm can fail, but the eye test pretty much reassured what the numbers said.
Totth has mostly played off the bench, but he's been a reliable guy in every position but left tackle since he entered the league five years ago. He can play at left or right guard, and even some center, and he's allowed a total of four sacks in his career.
Even if the Seahawks didn't intend to make him a starter, he would've been a great pickup as someone who can patch things up and contribute in multiple spots.
The Niners signed him to a one-year deal worth just $2.5 million, which is a bargain for swing offensive linemen who rarely miss games and can hold their ground almost as well as the starters. Also, signing him would've allowed the Seahawks to focus on other areas of need in the NFL Draft, given that they only have four picks this year.
Toth might not be the flashiest player or steal all the headlines, but dominating in the trenches is crucial in this game. The Seahawks lost their starting running back and their offensive coordinator this offseason, and with the Los Angeles Rams looking much better than last year, they can't afford to rest on their laurels.
These are the type of moves that may seem minor at first glance but could end up defining a team's season.
And with the interior of the line looking shaky at best and an offensive line that ranked in the middle of the pack last season, according to various outlets, this team can't afford not to make a move before training camp, maybe by signing Mekhi Becton, James Daniel, Kevin Zeitler, or finding someone in the NFL Draft.