Seahawks-Chargers Trade Proposal Offers ‘Much-Needed Stability’ for Offensive Line
The Seattle Seahawks are still in desperate need of adding a proven starter or two to their offensive line if they want to avoid another season of struggles.
While Seattle has remained competitive over the years, they haven’t truly been a Super Bowl contender for nearly a decade. The firing of former head coach Pete Carroll showed that ownership isn’t content with just being average, signaling potential changes ahead.
For now, general manager John Schneider’s position seems secure, but his future could be on the line if he fails to assemble an offensive line capable of supporting quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold, who earned the PFWA’s Most Improved Player award last season with the Minnesota Vikings, was rewarded with a three-year, $100.5 million deal from Seattle. However, that hefty contract won’t live up to expectations if Darnold doesn’t have sufficient time to operate the deep passing game that made him a breakout star in 2024.
Seattle has already struggled to bring in a game-changing offensive lineman during free agency and only used one of their five top-100 draft picks on an O-lineman. As a result, their best shot at improving the line before Week 1 may come through a trade. According to Last Word on Sports, one potential target for the Seahawks could be Los Angeles Chargers guard Zion Johnson.
“Seattle has one of the league’s weakest offensive lines, and adding someone like Zion Johnson could provide the stability they need to give Darnold time to connect with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp,” the article suggests.
At 6-foot-3, 316 pounds, Johnson hasn’t yet lived up to the expectations typically placed on a first-round pick, and with head coach Jim Harbaugh’s impatience, he may be available for trade. A fresh start could be just what Johnson needs to reignite his career.
If Johnson does end up in Seattle, he would likely become the team’s starting left guard, allowing first-round pick Grey Zabel to slide into either center or right guard, filling some of the other key holes on the interior of the line.
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