Cohesion matters on an offensive line, and that’s the biggest reason the Seattle Seahawks may be leaning into Anthony Bradford again at right guard. He hasn’t exactly earned a long leash based on his play over the last three seasons, but the guys lining up next to him at least know what they’re getting.
That’s the problem, though: what they’re getting has been uneven at best and rough at worst. Bradford has the size and strength you want in the middle, but the movement skills haven’t matched. When he has to slide, chase, or recover against a skilled defensive lineman or edge rusher, too often the play goes sideways.
Even so, the early training camp signs point to Bradford staying put. ESPN’s Brady Henderson reported that the media isn’t allowed to track exactly how many reps each player is getting, but it was clear through the first week that Bradford is handling most of the first-team work. That held true even on Friday, when the fourth-year player mostly worked off to the side with a trainer.
For now, the job looks like Bradford’s to lose, not Beau Stephens’ to win. Henderson’s reporting suggests rookie Stephens is not close to taking the spot, and there’s no real battle yet for the starting role.
That matters because 2026 shapes up as a critical year for Bradford in Seattle. He’s in the final season of his rookie contract, and he still hasn’t put together the kind of performance that makes another contract feel inevitable. At this point, even a move to merely average would count as progress.
The trouble is that Bradford hasn’t shown a clear strength to hang his hat on. In the run game, he’s supposed to be a force, but penalties keep undercutting him. He was flagged 10 times in 2024.
In pass protection, the picture was even uglier. Bradford allowed at least three pressures in seven games last season. He gave up six pressures in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams, then also surrendered a sack against LA and another in the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.
That’s not the kind of profile a quarterback wants in front of him, especially with Sam Darnold under center. Like most quarterbacks, Darnold does not want interior pressure in his face, and Bradford has a habit of making that a problem.
The Seahawks clearly need better play at right guard. Right now, though, the camp evidence says an upgrade isn’t on the way yet. Stephens and Christian Haynes still have time to push for reps, but the spot currently belongs to Bradford.
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Seahawks Suddenly Have A Worrying Robbie Ouzts Situation In Camp
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The concern is obvious because Ouzts was dealing with a neck injury late last season, and Seattle already had to manage his availability down the stretch. The coaching staff has not gone into specifics yet, but there should be some clarity soon, which at least gives the Seahawks a chance to learn whether this is a short-term camp blip or something more lingering. [Read more 🡒]
Seahawks May Need Bud Clark Sooner Than Anyone Expected
Rookie safety Bud Clark has already drawn praise from Mike Macdonald, and it is easy to see why the Seahawks think he can get on the field sooner rather than later. Seattle has made a point of valuing interchangeable defensive backs, and Clarks positional flexibility fits neatly into what the coaching staff wants to do on the back end while he continues to establish himself.
The urgency around Clark could grow if the secondary remains thin, with Nick Emmanworis ankle situation adding another layer of uncertainty. For a young defensive back, that means the job is not just about lining up and reacting, but about helping Seattle disguise coverages and handle the moving parts that come with Macdonalds system. [Read more 🡒]