During organized team activities (OTAs) for the Seattle Seahawks this week, starting right guard Anthony Bradford hurt his knee and left practice. The issue didn't seem grave, though. Bradford removed the wrap on his knee and was walking around later.
The problem is that when Bradford had to leave, the player who took his spot wasn't 2026 draft pick Beau Stephens, a player many fans hope can become a starter sooner rather than later, but third-year pro Christian Haynes. Haynes appears to be Bradford 2.0 at best.
Haynes hasn't been able to practice well enough to show coaches that he should have a chance to overtake Bradford for starting right guard duties. Last year in training camp, the team tried the 2024 third-round pick at other spots, including center. The issue there was that Haynes couldn't seemingly snap the ball consistently and effectively.
Seattle Seahawks fans see what an Anthony Bardford-less world would look like
Bradford didn't seem to be in trouble for missing lots more practice, though holding him out as a precaution is certainly an option. He is also entering the final year of his rookie deal and doesn't want to leave the door open for another player to take his spot for long. He is playing for his next contract.
But his absence, and the result being that Haynes filled in, might show a glaring issue that wasn't fixed by general manager John Schneider this offseason. Seattle could have chosen to sign a veteran free agent, such as Kevin Zeitler, to play for a season in place of Bradford, likely improving the offensive line play overall.
This is still a possibility. Zeitler remains available for any team to sign, as does the less efficient Mekhi Becton. Either might still be a step up over Anthony Bradford.
The Seattle Seahawks were able to win a Super Bowl last season with Bradford starting, of course. This was due to an elite defense and an improved O-line because the team took left guard Gray Zabel in the first round of 2025, and right tackle Abraham Lucas was able to stay fully healthy. Bradford still wasn't very good, however.
Lucas has had an injury-plagued career, and maybe he will stay healthy again in 2026. Assuming that isn't safe, though, which means if he misses several games and Bradford is playing right guard, that side of the line is iffy at best. The team could sign Zeitler, who still grades well in all aspects of the position, and he would keep the right side solid, whether injuries hit or not.
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