The Seattle Seahawks’ offense is one of the most impressive in the NFL this season, but there is certainly room for improvement along the offensive line. Early on in the season, it looked as though the interior issues on the offensive front were beginning to fade away.
Unfortunately, that hasn’t held true as the NFL trade deadline approaches on November 4. Center Jalen Sundell and right guard Anthony Bradford have struggled to rise to the occasion with so much success around them.
Upgrading the offensive line at the trade deadline isn’t as common a move as trading for a receiver or a defensive back because there just aren’t enough good players to go around. But, the Seahawks’ old pall Pete Carroll might have one interior option for Seattle to consider over the next week.
Seattle Seahawks have the leverage to turn this deal into a long-term win
One of the (very) few offensive linemen hinted at possibly being a trade candidate at the deadline is Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson. According to Bleacher Report, he could be had for a fourth-round pick or a veteran cornerback.
Obviously, the Seahawks have a cornerback in Riq Woolen who might be available to trade, and considering his experience with Pete Carroll was the most productive years of his career, it might be an idea worth pursuing for general manager John Schneider. Of course, Woolen for Powers-Johnson straight up isn’t a fair trade, so Seattle could even get some picks back if they do good work at the bargaining table.
As for Powers-Johnson, the 2024 second-round pick has fallen out of favor in Las Vegas. He was benched against Kansas City in the Raiders' most recent abysmal blowout performance.
Still, he’s played out of position in Las Vegas. Coming into the NFL as a top-ranked center, he’s played almost exclusively at guard for the Raiders.
While Powers-Johnson would best be used at his natural position, his versatility is of intriguing value to Seattle. If they were to make the move, he obviously wouldn’t start right away, so Seattle would enjoy a boost in their interior depth.
If Powers-Johnson can then prove his worth and work up towards challenging either Sundell or Bradford for their starting positions, then he fits in exactly where Seattle needs him and where he is performing the best.
Trading for a second-year offensive lineman with a bit of waste in his development is a practice in patience, but Seattle is in a position to handle such a luxury. The offense is still working at a high level despite the interior flaws, so a slow investment in the growth of the line isn’t a bad consolation prize at the deadline, especially when trading for a viable starter isn’t a realistic option.