The Seattle Seahawks continue to face major difficulties with their offensive line, a longtime weakness even during the peak of the Pete Carroll and John Schneider era. Previously among the highest spenders in the NFL to build this unit, their recent investments have dropped dramatically. In fact, Seattle ranks just ahead of Baltimore in low spending on the offensive line, a strategy that has backfired. The 2024 season ended with Seattle’s offensive line placed 31st overall in the NFL and dead last in the NFC, signaling a critical vulnerability that threatens both the team’s success and Sam Darnold’s development as quarterback.
Sam Darnold’s Critical Moment in Seattle
For quarterback Sam Darnold, the 2024 season was a chance to reclaim his career, yet significant challenges remain. Despite flashes of improved play, Darnold’s susceptibility under pressure is a glaring issue; his quarterback rating when pressured stands at 17.2, ranking him 34th among the 50 quarterbacks with at least 900 dropbacks since 2018. This weakness was painfully evident during the team’s playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Although Darnold showed promise, his predecessor Geno Smith repeatedly exhibited greater composure when facing pressure, a quality that Darnold must develop behind Seattle’s struggling offensive front.
Questionable Moves in Offensive Line Reinforcement
Seattle’s approach to fixing their offensive line has confounded observers. Ample salary cap space became available after trading away Geno Smith and DK Metcalf, yet the Seahawks have made only modest additions. Backup swing tackle Josh Jones was signed to a one-year deal with little fanfare, and left guard Grey Zabel was selected early in the draft in an attempt to patch the line. Other late-round picks aimed to convert tackles into guard positions, but these incremental steps have failed to address the critical weaknesses. This minimal investment raises doubts about the franchise’s commitment to giving Darnold the protection needed to succeed.
The Stakes for the Franchise’s Leadership and Future
The damage caused by Seattle’s inadequate offensive line extends beyond immediate game outcomes and player performance. A continued season of poor protection could jeopardize the job security of general manager John Schneider. If the line’s shortcomings lead to a disappointing 2025 campaign, management could change, potentially bringing a shift toward prioritizing a stronger offensive line. While speculative, this scenario highlights the fundamental importance of line strength in sustaining competitiveness within the NFL.
Looking Forward: A Season Laden with Pressure and Uncertainty
As the Seahawks gear up for the new season, all eyes will be on the offensive line’s ability to improve. The performance in this unit will critically impact Sam Darnold’s chances to thrive and influence the organization’s direction moving forward. Whether Seattle can finally resolve its persistent line issues and provide reliable protection remains uncertain. The forthcoming season could well determine the trajectory not only of Darnold’s career but also the franchise’s broader outlook.