Seattle Seahawks Pursue Veteran Guards to Strengthen Offensive Line
Still in need of bolstering their offensive line, the Seattle Seahawks are reportedly showing interest in a pair of seasoned guards, Laken Tomlinson and Cody Whitehair. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has indicated that the team has engaged in discussions about bringing Whitehair for a visit, while also keeping tabs on Tomlinson. This move comes as the Seahawks look to fill the void left by departing guards and improve their protection for the quarterback and run game.
Laken Tomlinson’s Free Agency and Potential Impact
Laken Tomlinson, a former first-round pick and Pro Bowler, finds himself in free agency after playing every snap for the New York Jets over the past two seasons. Despite a slow market for his services, Tomlinson’s experience and reliability could offer a significant boost to the Seahawks’ offensive line. His past performance, including a top-eight PFF grade among guards in 2020, illustrates his capability to contribute effectively to an NFL team’s front line.
Cody Whitehair’s Experience and Fit with the Seahawks
Similarly, Cody Whitehair brings a wealth of experience from his time with the Chicago Bears, where he earned Pro Bowl honors in 2018. His versatility and consistency could make him an attractive option for the Seahawks, who are in dire need of stabilizing their offensive line to support their offensive scheme and protect their quarterback.
Seattle’s Offensive Line Challenges and Strategy
With limited cap space and the departure of key players, the Seahawks’ offensive line faces significant challenges ahead of the 2024 NFL season. The potential addition of Tomlinson or Whitehair could be pivotal in addressing these challenges. Seattle’s strategy appears to involve a mix of drafting new talent, such as potentially selecting Troy Fautanu in the upcoming draft, and bringing in veteran presence to provide immediate improvement and mentorship to younger players.
Other Potential Landing Spots for Tomlinson
Beyond the Seahawks, several other NFL teams could benefit from Tomlinson’s services, including the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions. Each team has specific needs along their offensive line that Tomlinson could help address, making the competition for his signature potentially intense.
The Future of Seattle’s Offensive Line
As the Seahawks continue to navigate through their offseason, the decisions made regarding their offensive line will be crucial. The potential signings of veterans like Laken Tomlinson and Cody Whitehair could provide a much-needed boost to the unit, offering both skill and experience. However, with the 2024 NFL Draft on the horizon, the Seahawks may also look to add young talent to ensure a long-term solution for their offensive line woes.
Will the Seahawks secure the veteran guard they need to fortify their offensive line, or will they take a different approach to address this critical area? Only time will tell how Seattle’s strategy unfolds as they prepare for the upcoming season.