Seattle Seahawks: Breaking down offensive line at 2019 offseason

D.J. Fluker and J.R. Sweezy, Guards

To begin with, both D.J. Fluker and J.R. Sweezy are free agents this offseason. So, the Seahawks need to fill two starting spots along the line for 2019. I can’t imagine this is a common situation. In fact, it’s hard to think of last time a team had two starting guards entering free agency simultaneously. It’ll be a fun storyline to follow this offseason for Seahawks fans.

This situation could be a blessing or a curse, depending on how the team handles it. That might seem a little obvious, but the Seahawks could make strides by adding more well-rounded players. Fluker and Sweezy were more along the line of maulers who specialized in the run game. They’re a big reason why Chris Carson was so successful. So, if the Seahawks fail to find adequate replacements and don’t re-sign either guard, then their pass and rushing games could both suffer.

Fluker didn’t receive a glowing grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He got a 49.2, which was 68th best among all guards. Sweezy received a lowly 45.7 grade from PFF, but those scores don’t really take into account all they did for Seattle.

Sweezy was the enforcer along the line and he worked with Fluker to clear rushing lanes for Carson, Mike Davis, and Rashaad Penny. While not the most gifted linemen in the league, Fluker and Sweezy fit the Seahawks scheme well. However, they have to take responsibility for a bunch of those 51 sacks Wilson took.

If the Seahawks are willing to sign two new guards, because promoting Ethan Pocic to a starting spot looks like the worst case scenario, they have several free agent options. Rodger Saffold was money for the Los Angeles Rams in 2018. PFF gave him a 72.8, the ninth-best grade among all guards. The Rams will fight to keep Saffold, but the Seahawks should at least show interest.

Ramon Foster was PFF’s 16th highest rated guard and he’s also a free agent. Andy Levitre missed most of last season and he’s heading into his age 33 season, but he’s also got a lot of solid years under his belt. The Seahawks will have plenty of options and opportunities to sign two new guards.

Seattle led the NFL in rushing in 2018, which was impressive, but the team has long overlooked its responsibility to protect its quarterback. Wilson was sacked a career-high 51 times in 2018. He’s never missed a start, but nobody can endure that punishment forever. It will eventually catch up with him. Over the next couple of offseason, the Seahawks should restructure their offensive line and protect their star quarterback.

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