The Seattle Seahawks found themselves in familiar territory this offseason, still in need of bolstering their interior offensive line. Drafting Grey Zabel in the first round seemed like a clear choice last year, despite his collegiate experience at left tackle.
Yet, after a full season, the Seahawks' line issues remain largely unresolved. Zabel's rookie year was a mixed bag, and Anthony Bradford's performance on the opposite side hasn't exactly inspired confidence.
This situation made the prospect of strengthening the guard position through free agency quite appealing.
Enter the San Francisco 49ers, who swooped in to sign Brett Toth, dealing a significant blow to Seattle's plans. Toth, an ideal fit for Mike Macdonald’s system, would have been a strategic addition for the Seahawks.
Let’s break down why Toth's signing by the 49ers is a missed opportunity for Seattle. According to Pro Football Focus, Anthony Bradford struggled last season, allowing 28 total pressures, which included five QB hits and three sacks.
His rankings as a run-blocker (54.7, 57th of 81) and pass-blocker (40.8, 76th) left much to be desired. While stats don’t tell the whole story, the eye test confirmed these numbers.
Brett Toth, on the other hand, has been a versatile and reliable presence in the league for five years, capable of playing at both guard spots and even center. He’s allowed just four sacks in his career, making him a valuable asset for any team. Even if the Seahawks hadn't planned to start him, his ability to fill multiple roles would have been invaluable.
The 49ers managed to secure Toth on a one-year, $2.5 million deal-a bargain for such a versatile lineman. His presence would have allowed Seattle to address other pressing needs in the NFL Draft, especially given their limited four picks this year.
While Toth might not grab headlines, his impact in the trenches could be pivotal. With the Seahawks losing their starting running back and offensive coordinator, and the Los Angeles Rams looking improved, Seattle can’t afford complacency.
These seemingly minor transactions can often be the ones that shape a season. With the Seahawks' offensive line ranking in the middle of the pack last year, they need to make strategic moves before training camp. Options like Mekhi Becton, James Daniel, or Kevin Zeitler, or a savvy draft pick, could still be on the table to solidify their line and keep their playoff hopes alive.