The Seattle Seahawks have been a mannequin of consistency over the previous decade, however regular efficiency hasn’t essentially translated into championship success. Certain, they continue to be aggressive. Nonetheless, the hole between them and the NFL’s elite has widened. The 2025 offseason presents a vital alternative for Seattle to bridge that divide and reestablish itself as a reputable contender. To take action, they have to handle their most evident weak point—offensive line stability.
Reflecting on the Seahawks’ 2024 Season
Mike Macdonald’s first yr on the helm in Seattle wasn’t a failure, nevertheless it didn’t meet expectations both.
Regardless of securing 10 wins, the Seahawks’ season led to disappointment. They have been within the hunt for the NFC West crown however faltered down the stretch. This reignited debates over Geno Smith’s future at quarterback and what further strikes have been wanted to make sure a return to the postseason.
Evaluating the Seahawks is difficult—they boast a proficient roster and have posted three straight profitable seasons. Nonetheless, these years have yielded only one playoff look and no postseason victories. Seattle isn’t a workforce in want of an entire overhaul. That stated, it should discover a option to take the following step and break via to true competition.
Right here we’ll attempt to determine the proper commerce that the Seattle Seahawks should attempt to full within the 2025 NFL offseason.
Offseason Panorama
The Seahawks head into the 2025 offseason with important monetary commitments to Smith, Tyler Lockett, and DK Metcalf. Ideally, that funding could be fueling one of many league’s most efficient passing assaults. Nonetheless, that hasn’t been the case. Seattle ranked simply twentieth in Anticipated Factors Added (EPA) per go, whereas Smith completed the season twenty first in whole QBR. This factors to an offense that has possible reached its ceiling in its present type.
A serious motive for the Seahawks’ shortcomings was their offensive line, which struggled mightily all through the season. Regardless of coming near a playoff berth, their incapability to guard Smith or generate constant push within the run sport proved expensive.
Seattle’s offensive line ranked thirty first in Professional Soccer Focus (PFF) grading. They completed among the many backside 4 groups in each yards earlier than contact and strain charge allowed. The Seahawks have allotted simply the Twenty ninth-most cap {dollars} to their offensive line and have used just one top-50 draft choose on an offensive lineman previously eight years.
Sure, left sort out Charles Cross has established himself as a dependable presence. Nonetheless, the remainder of the unit stays a legal responsibility. Addressing this evident weak point should be a precedence. Buying and selling for veteran proper sort out Jack Conklin might be the answer Seattle desperately wants.
Why Jack Conklin is the Reply
Cleveland Browns proper sort out Jack Conklin might not have been an elite performer in 2024. Nonetheless, he was one of many Browns’ most reliable offensive linemen. Regardless of taking part in in a difficult state of affairs, he earned a decent 66.2 PFF grade. Extra importantly, he was Cleveland’s most constant sort out.
Cleveland’s monetary state of affairs makes Conklin a first-rate commerce candidate. The Browns are dealing with important wage cap constraints. Conklin’s $14 million wage in 2025 may make him expendable. With offensive line play at a premium across the league, demand for a confirmed veteran like Conklin can be excessive.
If the Browns can offload his contract in trade for a youthful, cheaper participant or draft capital, it could present them with much-needed flexibility. This opens the door for a workforce like Seattle, which is in dire want of an improve at proper sort out and may maneuver its cap to make the financials work.
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Conklin: A Dependable, Confirmed Commodity
At 30 years outdated, Conklin stays one of many league’s prime proper tackles. He brings a wealth of expertise and dependability. Initially a first-round choose, he has excelled with each the Tennessee Titans and the Browns. He has showcased robust go safety expertise whereas being equally efficient within the run sport. His well-rounded ability set aligns completely with Seattle’s offensive philosophy. They require stability on the perimeters to assist each the passing assault and floor sport.
Recall that the Seahawks have invested closely of their playmakers. They’ve a receiving trio of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Moreover, Kenneth Walker III has proven flashes of being a dynamic operating again however has been often hampered by poor blocking. Buying Conklin would supply a stabilizing presence on the proper facet. He may permit Seattle’s ability gamers to achieve their full potential. His potential to create operating lanes and maintain strain off the quarterback could be an instantaneous game-changer for the Seahawks’ offense.
What a Commerce Would Look Like
Seahawks Obtain:
RT Jack Conklin
Browns Obtain:
2025 fourth-round choose
2025 sixth-round choose
Seattle wouldn’t have to half with premium draft capital to land Conklin. A mid-round choose, probably a 3rd or fourth-rounder, coupled with a late-round choice, ought to be sufficient to entice Cleveland, given the Browns’ cap state of affairs. The Seahawks have the monetary flexibility to soak up Conklin’s contract, and the return on funding could be substantial.
Geno Smith has confirmed he will be efficient when given time to function, as evidenced by his breakout 2022 season. Nonetheless, when the pocket collapses, his effectivity drops considerably. By securing Conklin as their proper sort out, Seattle would dramatically enhance go safety, permitting Smith to make higher reads and capitalize on the workforce’s proficient receiving corps.
Last Ideas
The Seahawks have constructed a proficient roster, however their incapability to constantly defend the quarterback and set up a dominant run sport has prevented them from reaching their full potential. By buying and selling for Jack Conklin, Seattle would handle its most urgent want, remodeling its offense right into a extra environment friendly and explosive unit. If the Seahawks actually need to make the leap from playoff hopeful to reputable contender, that is the commerce they have to full within the 2025 NFL offseason.