The Seattle Seahawks face key decisions regarding their offensive tackles as Abe Lucas recovers from knee issues and Charles Cross seeks to solidify his place. The team will likely prioritize free agency for interior offensive line needs while exploring veteran options for depth and experience at tackle.
The Seahawks seemed to have solidified their offensive line with franchise tackles Abe Lucas and Charles Cross . However, Lucas has been plagued by chronic knee pain, while Cross, despite showing improvement in his play strength, hasn't quite reached his expected potential. Both tackles are entering the final year of their contracts, making an extension a possibility. Cross, at 24 years old, has a fifth-year option available for $18.
5 million in 2026, giving the Seahawks time to evaluate a long-term deal. Declining this option would result in a higher cost, with the transition tag projected at $24 million+ and the franchise tag at $26 million+ in 2026.George Fant, with his age, injury history, and the emergence of Mike Jerrell, is likely to be released, freeing up $3.8 million in cap space. Stone Forsythe also performed well during Lucas's stint on injured reserve and could return on a minimum non-guaranteed contract. Drafting high at the tackle position seems unnecessary given the existing starting spots. However, the Seahawks might be interested in Will Campbell if he falls, potentially starting him at guard. Their focus seems to be on finding a veteran presence for the young offensive line while mitigating the risk of Lucas's knee issues. With a low projected salary cap spend on this position, they might sign a solid $5 million+ free agent who can also play guard. Potential candidates include Isaiah Wynn, Oli Udoh, and Dan Skipper. For a 'two birds with one stone' approach, Mekhi Becton or Dylan Radunz could be considered, as they can play both tackle and guard and would be an upgrade over current options. However, their price tag might be prohibitive. Other free agents, like Alaric Jackson, Dan Moore, and Patrick Mekari, wouldn't be cost-effective compared to extending Cross and Lucas. Jedrick Willis is also not a strong option. Robinson, Notebloom, and Staley are too old and expensive, making extending Cross and Lucas a more sensible choice. The Seahawks are likely to prioritize investing in free agency for interior offensive line positions, relying on their current tackles. Unless a player falls significantly below their expected value or they opt for a 'two birds with one stone' signing, limited resources will be allocated here. The draft, however, presents some quality talent in the middle rounds that the Seahawks might target, such as Josh Simmons, Josh Connerly, Jack Nelson, and Aireontae Ersery. In the later rounds, players like Hollin Pierce, Logan Brown, or Blake Miller offer high potential. The team is expected to exercise Cross's fifth-year option and see if he develops into a cornerstone under coach Macdonald. Due to Lucas's knee concerns, the Seahawks might allow him to play out his contract and evaluate a new offer based on his performance after the season. It's important to note that in the center/guard breakdown, the 'two birds with one stone' approach was taken with Becton, so the Seahawks' free agency spending in that area is not included. If they pursued a bargain swing tackle like Fant last year, Oli Udoh would be a good candidate
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS OFFENSIVE TACKLE CHARLES CROSS ABE LUCAS FREE AGENCY NFL DRAFT OFFENSIVE LINE
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