The Seattle Seahawks made a big move in signing quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract with $55 million guaranteed. This deal, while on paper similar to Baker Mayfield’s contract with the Buccaneers, actually reflects a bargain for the Seahawks in the current quarterback market. Darnold, known for his strong arm and athletic ability, has shown flashes of excellence in the past, particularly in the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings.
However, the Seahawks know that simply acquiring a talented quarterback like Darnold is not enough. They need to provide him with the necessary support to succeed. This starts with upgrading the offensive line, which has been a concern for the team in recent seasons. The addition of Josh Jones on a one-year deal worth up to $4.75 million is a step in the right direction, but more reinforcements are needed.
The first day of free agency saw some top centers like Drew Dalman sign lucrative deals, highlighting the importance of a strong offensive line in today’s NFL. The Seahawks, who have been cautious about making big commitments in free agency, will need to be strategic in their approach to filling out the offensive line.
One potential target for the Seahawks is center Josh Myers, who is currently available in free agency. Landing Myers would be a significant upgrade for Seattle’s offensive line and would align with their goal of providing Darnold with the necessary support to succeed.
In addition to the offensive line, the Seahawks will also need to address other areas of need on the roster. Linebacker Ernest Jones IV and defensive tackle Jarran Reed were among the team’s other signings in free agency, but more work remains to be done to bolster the roster for the upcoming season.
As the Seahawks continue to navigate the free agency market, their focus will be on building a competitive team around Sam Darnold. With the right pieces in place, Seattle believes they can compete at a high level in the upcoming season and beyond. The Seattle Seahawks are in a prime position to make significant moves in the second day of free agency, with the cap room to add multiple impact players to their front line. After securing a deal with Banks, it is clear that Seattle is willing to invest in bolstering their offensive line.
One potential target for the Seahawks is Fries, who is expected to command a major payday following a standout season. However, a broken leg that ended his 2024 campaign could limit his market value. Seattle may need to offer more years or guaranteed money to outbid other guard-needy teams like Minnesota, who reportedly signed Fries to a lucrative five-year, $88 million deal.
In the event that Fries is off the table, Scherff or Zeitler could serve as solid backup options. While both players are seasoned veterans, they would provide immediate improvements to the Seahawks’ offensive line.
Despite the need for offensive line upgrades, Seattle must also address their wide receiver corps. Names like Demarcus Robinson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and potentially Cooper Kupp, who is expected to be released by the Rams, are on the radar. With former Rams assistant coach Jake Peetz on staff, the Seahawks could have an advantage in pursuing Kupp.
Another intriguing possibility is the potential release of veteran fullback Kyle Juszczyk by the 49ers. Adding a dynamic player like Juszczyk could provide a significant boost to Seattle’s offense.
Ultimately, the focus for the Seahawks in free agency should be on improving their run game and protecting their new quarterback, Darnold. With a revamped offensive line, Darnold can thrive and avoid the constant pressure he faced in the wild-card loss to the Rams.
By reallocating funds from the quarterback position to bolstering the offensive line, Seattle can justify the decision to switch from Smith to Darnold. Day 2 of free agency presents a crucial opportunity for the Seahawks to solidify their roster and set themselves up for success in the upcoming season.
