The Seattle Seahawks had a resurgent run game last year, thanks in large part to the massive improvement in the play up front on the offensive line.
Unfortunately for Seattle, two of the main cogs in their rushing attack, guards J.R. Sweezy and D.J. Fluker, are both set to become free agents.
In order to truly grow the offense, which is built around running backs Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny, Seattle should try to keep the offensive line intact.
However, bringing both Sweezy and Fluker back may be a challenge. Sweezy was truly a surprise performer last season, coming into camp late in the summer and competing for a backup role – with many expecting him to get cut.
Instead, he started 15 games for the Seahawks, primarily playing left guard and earning himself the distinction of being selected as a Pro Bowl alternate.
Sweezy is entering his age-30 season and had two injury-riddled years in Tampa prior to re-signing with Seattle last summer. That, coupled with his less than stellar 47.1 grade from Pro Football Focus, could make him an expendable piece for Seattle heading into 2019.
Additionally, guard Jordan Simmons filled in for Fluker last year and looked excellent, prior to suffering a season-ending knee injury. If Seattle feels Simmons is capable of stepping into a starting role, they could let Sweezy walk and have Ethan Pocic serve as the roving backup guard.
Still, there’s something to be said about keeping Seattle’s very strong offensive line unit from last year intact, and if the market for Sweezy doesn’t open up the Seahawks could get him back on a bargain next year.
