As NFL training camps open, quality free agents like Brandon Scherff remain available, presenting opportunities for teams such as the Indianapolis Colts and Seattle Seahawks. Both franchises could benefit from strengthening their offensive lines to support their quarterback situations, particularly with Anthony Richardson and Sam Darnold facing pivotal moments in their careers.
Sam Darnold had a standout 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings, setting career highs in yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage. However, his move to the Seahawks places him behind one of the league’s weakest offensive lines, raising concerns about his protection. Meanwhile, Anthony Richardson’s progression with the Colts has been hampered by injuries and inconsistent play, making the upcoming season critical for his future. The Colts also acquired Daniel Jones this offseason, intensifying the quarterback competition and underscoring the need for improved offensive line support.
Brandon Scherff’s Experience and Durability Could Anchor Struggling Offensive Lines
Brandon Scherff, a five-time Pro Bowler, has seen a decline in run-blocking but remains a reliable and effective pass protector. According to analyst Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report, Scherff is a logical candidate for both Seattle and Indianapolis, teams looking to bolster their offensive interiors before the season begins.
“While Scherff may turn 34 in December, he’s an established and durable interior lineman who should find a home between now and Week 1. The five-time Pro Bowler hasn’t earned an all-star nod since 2021, but he’s started all 17 games in each of the past three seasons.”
—Kristopher Knox, Analyst
Scherff’s NFL career started as the fifth overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Washington Commanders, where he earned all five of his Pro Bowl selections and was named first-team All-Pro in 2020. After seven seasons in Washington, he signed a lucrative three-year, $49.5 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, becoming a key figure in protecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Fit for Seahawks’ Offensive Line Reconstruction
The Seattle Seahawks have prioritized revamping their offense this offseason, including adding rookie Grey Zabel. Yet their offensive line remains fragile, ranking near the bottom of the league according to Pro Football Focus. With nearly $30 million in cap space, the Seahawks have the financial flexibility to sign Scherff and enhance their protection schemes.
“Scherff would be a sensible addition for any team seeking help along its offensive interior. The Seattle Seahawks were just such a team in 2024.”
—Kristopher Knox, Analyst
“Though they added first-round rookie Grey Zabel to the mix this offseason, they have $29.9 million in cap space and could afford to add Scherff before Week 1.”
—Kristopher Knox, Analyst
Providing Darnold with better upfront support could dramatically improve his chances of replicating or surpassing last year’s production in a tougher environment.
Indy Colts’ Quarterback Battle Highlights Need for Stronger Offensive Line
The Indianapolis Colts face a quarterback competition between Anthony Richardson and new acquisition Daniel Jones. With 15 games under his belt, Richardson’s aggressive style leaves him vulnerable to heavy hits, emphasizing the need for a sturdy offensive line. Losing key interior linemen Ryan Kelly and Will Fries this offseason has further exposed the Colts’ front.
“The Indianapolis Colts should also be interested in Scherff. Indy is about to stage a QB camp competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones, and it could use more help along the interior of the offensive line. The Colts lost both center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries during free agency.”
—Kristopher Knox, Analyst
Despite these departures, the Colts still maintain a reliable line with Quenton Nelson as the lone remaining starter from one of the league’s best interior units last season, ranked 16th overall. Bringing Scherff in could compensate for lost experience and improve protection for whatever quarterback wins the starting role.
Proven Consistency Makes Scherff an Attractive Option for Immediate Impact
Though not flashy, Scherff has earned a reputation for reliability and consistency. His 144 career starts, including playoff appearances, reflect durability that few offensive linemen match. Teams like the Colts and Seahawks, both in clear need of veteran presence, would benefit from Scherff’s experience and toughness in the trenches heading into 2024.
Addition of Scherff could be decisive in helping the Seahawks shore up their weak offensive line and enabling Darnold to succeed, while providing the Colts a seasoned blocker to protect the emerging talent of Richardson or the steadier hand of Jones. As both teams look to build around their quarterbacks, securing a proven lineman like Scherff may be a critical move in the weeks before the season opener.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Anthony Richardson healthy?
A. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is said to have healed from his injury and is set to compete with Daniel Jones for the starting position. Richardson, who is 23 years old, had surgery during the 2023 season to fix an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, ending his season at that time.
Q. How long did Anthony Richardson’s tattoo take?
A. Anthony Richardson, a notable player for the Indianapolis Colts, was under anesthesia for seven hours to get a large tattoo on his back. The design shows his passion for both faith and gambling. It features an angel, a roulette wheel, a Spartan, and a lion.
Q. Does Anthony Richardson need surgery?
A. The doctor said that Richardson doesn’t need more surgery. With his return, he can continue competing for the quarterback position with Daniel Jones, who previously played for the New York Giants and aims to boost his career in Indianapolis.
Q. Why was Anthony Richardson tired?
A. The quarterback mentioned he left the game because he felt out of breath after some running plays. “I was exhausted, I’m not going to lie,” said Richardson after the game, according to Joel Erickson from USA Today. “Those plays involved a lot of running, and I didn’t think I could handle the next one. I needed a short break.”