Seahawks O-Line Woes: Seattle Won’t Match Gilliam’s Offer Sheet
By Brady Lunt
Recent news reports the Seahawks won’t match the 49ers’ offer sheet for OL Garry Gilliam. What does this mean for the state of offensive line in Seattle?
Based on recent reports by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Seattle Seahawks will not be matching the 49ers’ offer sheet for offensive lineman Garry Gilliam.
That was fast: The #Seahawks will not match OT Garry Gilliam’s offer sheet and he’s headed to SF now to sign with the #49ers, source said 🖋
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 18, 2017
While this may not be considered “BIG NEWS”, it is another illustration of the change in Seattle.
The deal is reportedly one-year worth up to $2.2 million. Hardly a deal that would make a dent in the checkbook, especially seeing Gilliam played in 14 games for the Seahawks in 2016, starting in 13. Considering the lackluster play by the unit, this brings into question why Seattle is allowing the most struggling unit on their roster to continue limping along.
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The draft is literally days away and these issues can be fixed with younger talent. But, it’s been highly publicized that the offensive line class is not as deep or talented as we’ve seen years past. The Seahawks will likely select a tackle and guard early. But Seattle rarely drafts based on need, weakening any guarantee they draft anyone who can contribute early.
In free agency, the Seahawks signed tackle Luke Joeckel. Formerly a 1st-round pick by Jacksonville, Joeckel has failed to live up to expectations. A change of scenery may do wonders for his career, but the lack of talent next to him may only hurt.
So what are the Seahawks doing about their offensive line woes? They’re obviously not overly worried, if they are letting experienced options sign elsewhere. It could be a matter of money, opting to spend on other positions. Maybe Gilliam was easily replaceable, despite the starting experience. Or maybe his departure was mutual and Seattle merely ushered it along by refusing the offer. Either way, the Seahawks lost another top contributor along their offensive line. An interesting footnote as we prepare for the NFL draft next week.