The Seahawks need to improve their interior offensive line. Could Drew Dalman or Teven Jenkins be good options for Seattle?
The Seattle Seahawks didn’t make the playoffs last season. Although Mike Macdonald’s first year gave fans reason to believe in a better future, the team needs to improve. There are many areas that need to be strengthened, especially on offense, more specifically on the offensive line.
First things first
Every fan wants to see their team strengthen during free agency. It’s important to remember that there are 31 other teams with the same desire to improve their rosters. The first important point for the FA is the cap. At the time of writing this article, the Seahawks still need to adjust before free agency begins. The moves will inevitably happen, but what is certain is that the Seahawks will not enter this free agency as one of the teams with the highest cap.
After the cap issue, it’s necessary to look at the players’ motivations. There are factors beyond the cap. For example, some players will prefer to sign with a real contender, even if it’s for a little less money. In the case of veteran players, for example, these guys don’t want to prove themselves anymore (and they don’t need to), so they often prefer to play in a city close to where they are, or go back to their hometown, rather than having to move at this stage of their career.
That said, let’s get to something obvious, but it needs to be said. Good players are expensive. Of course, year after year you see players who sign for low prices and stand out as bargains. However, it’s utopian to imagine that you’ll be able to build a complete roster that way.
John Schneider has always struggled in free agency. He has a habit of overpaying for average players and rarely gets into competition for the most outstanding players. The Seahawks’ biggest signing, in terms of price, was, for a long time, Sidney Rice, right at the beginning of the PC/JS era. That changed with the arrival of Uchenna Nwosu and finally Dre’ Jones.
Although Jones was a failure, the decision-making process was correct. He was one of the most sought-after DLs and the team had to dig deep to sign him. For example, he competed with Zach Allen, who had fantastic seasons with the Broncos. Imagine what would happen if we reversed the signings.
Finally, the health of the players. I am not a doctor and I do not have access to the same amount of information that the teams have about the condition of the players. In theory, the physical evaluation they do allows some teams to be more willing to spend more on players who are coming back from injury than others.
Priority Targets
Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images
Drew Dalman, C (Atlanta Falcons)
“If you’re going to have success in a zone scheme, it starts with an elite center.”
That was Klint Kubiak’s quote in his first press conference as the Seahawks’ OC. Could this be a sign that the team is going to invest heavily in a position where it has struggled year after year?
The top five centers graded in 2024 by PFF were Creed Humphrey, Frank Ragnow, Tyler Linderbaum, Drew Dalman, and Zach Frazier (R). Dalman is the only one who will be a free agent. Combine that with the weak class at the position and Dalman should be a clear target.
The big problem is that this will increase competition. That’s why you’ve probably seen a lot of articles and videos with “Why should team X sign Dalman?” or “Why would Dalman be a great fit for team Y?”
One of the strong candidates to sign Dalman is our rivals, the 49ers. Dalman is the son of Chris Dalman, who was a center for the San Francisco 49ers, and played for Stanford, much closer to the 49ers than Seattle.
He stands 6’3 and weighs 305 lbs, ran an excellent 4.51 short shuttle at his Pro Day, while putting up impressive numbers in the vertical (33 inches) and broad jump (9-1 inches). He has translated those traits into a strong NFL career. He received a 78.8 PFF grade for the 2024 season (#4 among centers) and his run-blocking grade was 79.8 (#5 among centers). The year before, he had a 90.0 run-blocking grade (82.3 overall).
Dalman gave up two sacks and 10 pressures in 2024. His run-blocking grades were 82.3 in zone (196 snaps) and 65.0 in gap (52 snaps). Drew Dalman missed a chunk of time in the middle of the season with a sprained ankle, but he was an effective blocker when he was on the field. He was an important part of the running game for Atlanta’s line, which had the third-best EPA per carry when Dalman returned to the lineup in Week 13. He also had a zone-blocking grade of 82.3, good enough for sixth among centers. None of the other top-10 zone blockers are available (unless the Vikings cut Garrett Bradbury, who came in ninth).
The Seahawks should be prepared to outperform the market, as they did for Dre’Mont Jones in 2023? A contract that fits between Humphrey’s $18 million per year and Ragnow’s $13.5 million per year makes sense.
Projection: 3 years/45M.
Plan B
Mekhi Becton, OG (Philadelphia Eagles)
The 6-7, 363-pound Becton was drafted with the 11th overall selection, one pick after Jedrick Wills (also in this list). He never lived up to his draft status during his time in New York, which was marred by numerous injuries and issues with consistency.
His football reborn when he signed with the Eagles and under Jeff Stoutland after being moved to OG. Starting 15 games, he allowed 34 pressures and five sacks in pass protection, and he excelled at moving bodies off the line of scrimmage as a run blocker, playing a crucial role in Saquon Barkley’s breakout season. Showcasing his nimble footwork, he also graded out with a fantastic 78.7 zone blocking grade from PFF, making him a perfect fit for Kubiak’s scheme.
He’s still 25 years old and has a lot of potential. However, I have a hard time seeing the Eagles and Becton not reach an agreement to keep him in Philly before free agency even begins.
Projection: 3 years/32M.
Ryan Kelly, C (Indianapolis Colts)
Kelly may be considering retirement after a decorated career with the Colts, as injuries have hampered Kelly the past two seasons, and he underwent knee surgery in the middle of 2024, which is certainly worth monitoring for potential teams looking to bring him on board. He ranked 10th among interior linemen in pass-block win rate. In the run game, he had a strong 75.4 zone-blocking grade in 2023 (though he was poor in 2024 at 57.8) and would provide leadership and toughness on the OL if healthy.
Teams will need to assess his health, especially when determining how much guaranteed money to pay, but Kelly should be the best option if a team is unable to sign Dalman. Seattle could be poised to draft the QB next year.
Projection: 1 year/11M.
Will Fries, OG
Fries made huge strides during his rookie contract and could be the next guard to cash in on a wave of big-money deals in 2024. Unfortunately, Fries fractured his tibia in Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars and underwent immediate surgery, but he had earned an 86.8 PFF overall grade to that point on 268 snaps.
The value of his contract will be impacted by that injury and surgery. However, as mentioned above, Fries had been on the rise in his career. He didn’t play much in his rookie year, became a starter midway through the season the following year, started all of 2023 and was doing very well until he got hurt in 2024.
Projection: 4 years/48M.
James Daniels, iOL (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Only eight iOL free agents had a zone run blocking grade above 70 last season. They were:
Drew Dalman — 86.6 (454 snaps)
James Daniels — 79.6 (275 snaps)
Ben Bartch — 79.5 (57 snaps)
Trey Smith — 79.3 (482 snaps)
Kevin Zeitler — 79.2 (462 snaps)
Teven Jenkins — 78.1 (284 snaps)
Will Fries — 76.4 (349 snaps)
Coleman Shelton — 73.0 (309 snaps)
James Daniels made the switch to guard in the NFL after playing center at Iowa. Moving Daniels back to center could be an option, but he also would be an upgrade at guard. He’s a player I’ve been tracking since his time with the Bears. Daniels was having a great year, but unfortunately he tore his Achilles tendon in Week 4. His performance will be in doubt as he returns from the injury, and that will obviously impact his salary. I think it’s a worthwhile bet. There should still be a solid market given Daniels’ age (27) and experience (seven years).
Projection: 1 year/7.5M.
Complementary options
Coleman Shelton, C (Chicago Bears)
The 6-4, 299-pound Shelton began his career as a UDFA in San Francisco in 2018. He spent time with the Cardinals, only on the practice squad, before signing with the Rams in 2019 and staying until signing with the Bears in 2024.
In his first season as a starting center in Los Angeles, in 2023, taking over for Brian Allen, he was graded as PFF’s fifth-best zone-blocking center (83.9), though his performance took a big step back in Chicago last season, with him ranking 19th out of 26 qualified centers. For two straight years, Shelton has barely left the field. He has some positional flexibility between the tackles as well — all admirable traits in a free-agent offensive lineman. He also has knowledge of the wide-zone scheme from his time with the Rams, which would make him a good fit for the Seahawks.
Projection: 2 years/10M.
Josh Myers, C (Green Bay Packers)
Myers took over the starting role in Green Bay after Corey Linsley left. He has missed only one game in the past three seasons. He was an important part of the Packers’ ground attack that was a standout. Myers has good skills in both the gap and zone schemes. However, he had one of the five worst zone grades among centers last year. With his talent and athletic potential, Kubiak and Benton can adapt him to the position/scheme.
Projection: 2 years/16M.
Patrick Mekari, OL (Baltimore Ravens)
Throughout his career, Patrick Mekari has played all over the Ravens’ offensive line. He played center and right guard in 2020, right tackle in 2021, left tackle in 2022 and 2023, and left guard in 2024. That versatility should help his marketability, fitting in wherever he needs to be placed. He ranked 18th among interior linemen in pass-blocking win rate while at left guard in 2024. Mekari posted a career 97 percent pass-blocking efficiency rate and played his best in pass protection at left guard in 2024, allowing one sack and no quarterback hits on 577 pass-blocking snaps.
Mekari has 500+ snaps at both tackle positions before 2024, and 500+ snaps at center in his rookie season. This could boost his value significantly in free agency. On the downside, he has always been a better graded gap blocker than zone blocker, which wouldn’t make him an ideal fit for Kubiak’s offense.
Projection: 3 years/21M.
Ben Bredeson, OG (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Ben Bredeson is a solid lineman with the versatility to play multiple positions. He has experience at both RG and C in 2023. His best and most recent role is LG, where he played well alongside Tristian Wirfs as a zone blocker in 2024.
Projection: 1 year/3.5M.
Teven Jenkins, OG (Chicago Bears)
Jenkins was a 2021 second-round pick and, despite being a RT at Oklahoma State, he has found his best play at LG. The big issue is his durability. He has missed 12 games in the last 3 years and played in 14 games in 2024, which was his highest number of games in his career. Medical reports will certainly dictate his contract. Teams that are more confident in his health could open up their wallets to have him on their team.
From a system fit standpoint, Jenkins is an ideal fit. He is 6’6 and 321 lbs and has fantastic athleticism, especially in the run game. He finished 2024 with a 70.5 zone blocking grade. He had some issues in pass protection, especially anchoring, but would still be a big upgrade.
Projection: 3 years/24M.
Veterans
Kevin Zeitler, OG (Detroit Lions)
After spending three years in Baltimore (after almost signing with Seattle), Zeitler joined Detroit, which was a near-perfect fit. His 86.8 PFF overall grade in the regular season was his best since 2014, and his 87.2 PFF run-blocking grade was a career-high. The 34-year-old could be a cheap but effective guard option on the market.
The big question is that at his age, he may not be interested in moving to the Pacific Northwest after never playing there. In fact, I think it’s highly unlikely he won’t re-sign with the Lions.
Projection: 1 yrs/7M.
Brandon Scherff, OG (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Brandon Scherff has been healthy in each of the last three seasons after missing time each year from 2018-2021. His high-level play isn’t up to the same standards as when he was on the field in Washington, but more consistent playing time has allowed him to have a higher ceiling even in his 30s. Last season, Scherff had his lowest run-blocking win rate (1.9%) since 2021.
After a series of injuries kept Scherff out of action for a fair amount of games each season from 2018-21, he bounced back in a big way by starting every game throughout his three-year contract with the Jaguars from 2022-24. He hasn’t shown the same talent and performance he did in Washington, but he would still be a big upgrade, especially in pass protection.
Projection: 1 year/6M.
Dark Horse Project
Jedrick Wills, OT (Cleveland Browns)
Mekhi Becton was the big recovery project in 2024. Teams may see Willis as the same possibility, recovering a great talent with top-10 pick pedigree. Jedrick Wills played just five games during the 2024 season before being benched for Dawand Jones. His 2023 season was cut short after just eight games, and it wasn’t until 2022 that he managed to play every game.
Injury concerns and inconsistent play are worrisome, but he could be a cheap bet for a team that needs OL help, like Seattle. Even moving him to another position like the Eagles did with Becton.
Projection: 1 year/2.5M.
Part 2 of this four-part series will look at reinforcing the Seahawks defense line. Stay tuned!