Will Hernandez
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The Baltimore Ravens are an "ideal" fit for "one of the NFL's best" guards, who's still available in free agency.
The Seattle Seahawks overhauled their offense after the conclusion of the 2024 season, parting ways with veteran quarterback Geno Smith and wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
The Seahawks could have one big addition on the way, with one insider suggesting the team could target a 91-game starter to boost the offensive line. Seahawks Radio Network analyst and former NFL wide receiver Michael Bumpus suggested the team could take a look at guard Will Hernandez, who hit free agency and remains one of the most experienced targets left on the open market.
Seahawks Could Add Veteran Depth to Offensive Line
Bumpus noted that Hernandez has endured some injuries over recent years, but has been a steady interior lineman and could help the Seahawks, who could need extra protection in the passing game.
“(Hernandez) has been banged up a little bit, but at this point of the (offseason), you’re still looking for guys to help with that offensive line,” Bumpus said. “But I mentioned this guy earlier in this whole process and I’ll mention his name again. Will Hernandez is still available. He’s still out there.”
Bumpus added that Hernandez has proven to be a strong pass and run blocker and still has plenty of athleticism despite his recent troubles with injuries.
“He had a (pass block) win rate over 94% the last three seasons,” Bumpus said. “He’s good in the run blocking and he has good footwork. … You watch the film on him – he can still move. And in this type of offense, I think he fits perfectly. He has good hands, he’s physical and he has good feet.”
Seahawks Looking to Keep New Quarterback Safe
The Seahawks took a big swing at quarterback this offseason, signing Sam Darnold after his career-best season with the Minnesota Vikings. Despite leading the team to a 14-3 record, the team unraveled at the conclusion of the season with blowout losses to the Detroit Lions in the season finale and Los Angeles Rams in the divisional-round playoff game.
Darnold took nine sacks in the season-ending loss, leading ESPN Seahawks insider Brady Henderson to question whether the Seahawks did enough this offseason to keep him protected.
“The most fretted-over position group among Seahawks fans received the upgrade it needed when GM John Schneider took guard Grey Zabel with the No. 18 pick. Seattle added another guard (Bryce Cabeldue) in the sixth round and a tackle (Mason Richman) in the seventh,” Henderson wrote. “Zabel looks like a potential difference-maker, but he’s the only one the Seahawks have added to what was a questionable interior.”
Henderson noted that the Seahawks are returning mostly the same group as last season, but there are hopes that the team’s new offensive coordinator will keep Darnold protected with his schemes.
“Barring the addition of a veteran cap casualty, they’re prepared to let their in-house options battle it out at center and the other guard spot with the hope that new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme can help the entire line in ways that previous OC Ryan Grubb’s did not,” Henderson added.