The Seattle Seahawks are one of the top teams in the NFL, with a 5-2 record and atop the NFC West. While the Seahawks look like one of the best teams in the NFL, there are still plenty of ways for the roster to improve.
Just two days after the Seahawks play the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football in Week 9, the deadline comes to pass.
Seattle, according to NFL insider Dianna Russini of The Athletic, is looking to improve one area of the roster. The Seahawks are looking to improve Sam Darnold’s protection, as one of the top teams vying for offensive line help at the deadline.
The Seahawks are looking for offensive line trades at the NFL deadline
“The Seahawks and Chargers are exploring potential offensive line additions,” Russini reports.
The Seattle offensive line hasn’t been terrible this season, but there is still room for improvement. While Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas have both played great, as has Grey Zabel, two spots could be improved upon.
Jalen Sundell has been around league-average in both run blocking and pass blocking according to Pro Football Focus. Seattle doesn’t have to overspend to upgrade its spot, but there’s still room for improvement at center.
But the most dire need is at right guard. Anthony Bradford has played all but four snaps this season for Seattle, and he leads the Seahawks in pressures allowed with 17, and is tied for the team lead in sacks allowed with two.
PFF grades Bradford as one of the worst offensive linemen in the NFL in pass protection. Among offensive guards with at least 100 snaps pass blocking, Bradford has the third-worst grade in the NFL at a rough 18.0.
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Bradford’s grade is better than only struggling Miami Dolphins rookie Jonah Savaiinaea and undrafted rookie free agent Terricelli Simpkins III of the New Orleans Saints.
Finding available offensive linemen isn’t easy at the deadline, as competent offensive linemen are hard to come by in the first place.
But Joel Bitonio and Kevin Zeitler are two names to keep in mind as the deadline approaches. If Seattle decides to upgrade center, Jackson Powers-Johnson, the Raiders‘ second-year center, would be an incredible option.
Improving Darnold’s protection is the priority for Seattle at the trade deadline. While a wide receiver addition, along with defensive depth, could be on the table, a new right guard would be the biggest upgrade Seattle could make at the deadline.
