Joe Thuney is going to Chicago
According to Ian Rapoport, the Chiefs are trading the 32-year-old to the Bears. The compensation is only a 2026 fourth rounder.
For the last few weeks I’ve been pitching creative ideas to try and acquire Thuney, a proven performer who can add much needed experience at left guard (his natural fit after spelling at left tackle in 2024, including during a difficult Super Bowl performance).
It seems as if not much creativity was needed. The compensation is minuscule. After tagging Trey Smith, the Chiefs clearly want to save money. After all, they drafted Kingsley Suamataia in round two a year ago and he isn’t the answer at tackle but could replace Thuney at guard.
Thuney had a 79.1 grade in zone last season. It’s worth noting his grade in 2023 was only a 66.8. Therefore, he might not have been an ideal fit. He would’ve cost the Seahawks $15.5m in cap space to acquire, although they could’ve extended his contract to lower that number.
Not acquiring Thuney is understandable if they make other moves next week. Failing to land free agents and watching him go to Chicago at a bargain price, however, will be frustrating. It’s absolutely critical the Seahawks get the job done of improving their O-line this off-season. There will be growing external pressure on GM John Schneider if he fails to deliver. Other teams are showing it is possible to reshape a line in a way that appears effective.
On a positive note, the Bears acquiring Thuney and Jonah Jackson could take them out of the O-line market next week. A potential benefit for the Seahawks if they’re eyeing younger, better players.
Will Fries is really, really good
Wow. I can’t say I knew much about Fries until this week. I watched his tape and was blown away. He is an ideal fit for the zone blocking scheme.
Every box is ticked. He’s a tremendous combo blocker, he reaches up to the second level with ease and he understands how to use his awareness to open running lanes. Furthermore, he’s an absolute monster finisher — levelling opponents when he gets any opportunity.
The only downside is his tall frame (6-6) sometimes creates an issue with leverage. That’s it. He had a 91.2 zone blocking grade last year, he ran a 4.51 shuttle at his pro-day and he’s explosive (3.10 TEF). He turns 27 next month.
For several weeks we’ve talked about Drew Dalman as an ideal addition this off-season. I think Fries is an even better option. He legitimately has the potential to become a top guard in the league. He’s not tied to the right guard spot either, having played multiple positions in college. I think he can probably kick over to the left in a pinch.
If they land Fries, this will be a huge move for the Seahawks and exactly the kind of investment required to deliver the transformational off-season they need. For me, he should be the top target.
Drew Dalman is still a good option
None of the above is a negative review of Dalman. He would still be a fantastic fit for the Seahawks. He is a legit top-five center in the league with an 86.6 average zone blocking grade over the last two seasons. He ran a 4.51 short shuttle at his pro-day and he’s extremely explosive (3.31 TEF). He turns 27 in October.
Both Dalman and Fries are at a perfect age, have outstanding physical profiles and they’re proven performers in the NFL. The only problem is, a terribly weak center draft class could drive Dalman’s market into an unpalatable range — with rumours during the combine that he could earn $20m a year.
On the other hand, Tom Pelissero is projecting a contract worth $13-14m a year in this article. I suspect, given the rapid increase in the O-line market, that we might see Fries and Dalman both paid more than that.
If there was ever a time to shock the NFL and land both players, this is it. In reality, it’s likely a one-or-the-other situation — and Fries coming off a broken leg might mean his salary range is more modest.
If they both ended up in the $13-14m range Pelissero is suggesting for Dalman, I would gamble on going higher to make sure they come to Seattle. My guess is Dalman ends up in Chicago too.
What if they can’t get Dalman?
I would pivot to Ryan Kelly. It’s not ideal because he’s an ageing player who has missed time. However, the Seahawks need experience up front. Furthermore, if you were able to pair him with Fries, the two players have played together in Indianapolis and have built-in chemistry.
Kelly’s only a year removed from recording a very respectable 75.4 zone blocking grade in 2023. He’d be the perfect player to help steer the offensive line, handling the protection calls in Kubiak’s system. It would also give the Seahawks an opportunity to further develop Jalen Sundell, who they appear to rate. Olu Oluwatimi hasn’t graded well in zone either at Michigan or in Seattle. It feels like they need to add a center and if Dalman is too pricey, this is the next best option unless some like Garret Bradbury is cut by the Vikings.
The one O-liner I’m wary of
In his article, Pelissero predicts Aaron Banks could match Robert Hunt’s $20m a year. The 28-year-old has never had a PFF grade higher than 65.4. His zone blocking grade at Notre Dame was good but it hasn’t been in the NFL.
You’re left thinking — if you can’t succeed playing for Kyle Shanahan while lining up next to Trent Williams, why are you going to be better here? I liked him coming into the league but watching his NFL film, there’s very little to get excited about. The only saving grace is he’s familiar with the scheme.
It’s imperative the Seahawks find solutions and enter the draft believing they don’t have to try and find starting offensive linemen. Christian Haynes’ near-90 grade as a zone blocker at UConn suggests there might still be hope for him in this scheme. Believe it or not, Anthony Bradford also graded well in zone at LSU.
Seeing the Bears make the moves they are to rebuild their O-line will leave Seahawks fans envious. This is what Seattle has been crying out for. Make no mistake, next week is a pivotal one for Schneider. They can no longer be left on the outside looking in for offensive linemen, hoping to find solutions in the bargain bin.
A player in the draft to note
Logan Brown the Kansas offensive lineman has an almost identical profile to Fries. They’re both 6-6, both have +10-inch hands, both ran a 4.51 short shuttle, both played tackle in college and Brown’s TEF is 3.08 compared to Fries’ 3.10. His zone blocking grade (85.2) is better than Grey Zabel’s.
I’m noting this because if they don’t land Fries, Brown could be a priority target in the draft. I’m grading him in round three. Or alternatively, they could draft Brown and use him as a swing tackle as a rookie, with the idea he might compete at guard. He’s definitely a name to watch.
However, there is one thing to note. Brown was kicked off the team in Wisconsin for hitting a team mate. He doesn’t come across as a bad person and it might’ve been an isolated incident. The Seahawks are big on character though, so they’ll no doubt be doing their homework on that if they like Brown’s tape.
The other position I’d look at in free agency
It’s safety. There are some good options available and the market has stalled at the position, potentially creating value opportunities to replace Rayshawn Jenkins with a significant upgrade.
I would look at these players:
Tre’von Moehrig (S, Raiders)
Justin Reid (S, Chiefs)
Talanoa Hufanga (S, 49ers)
Julian Blackmon (S, Colts)
Jeremy Chinn (S, Commanders)
The objective here is not to prioritise this group. The offensive line has to be the key. If the safeties aren’t getting the market they hoped for, though, then it’s an opportunity to strike. Pelissero is suggesting $12m a year for Moehrig, which seems reasonable.
There are three other players I’ll mention.
Brandon Stephens played his best football under Mike Macdonald in Baltimore. He regressed after Macdonald’s departure. Could he be a buy-low prove-it target to add depth and competition at cornerback?
It hasn’t worked out for former second round pick Elijah Moore in New York with the Jets or in Cleveland. There might be a reason for that. He’s still only 24 and I remember being really high on him ahead of the 2021 draft. He could be an interesting reclamation project.
Marquez Valdez-Scantling had an electrifying spell in New Orleans last season, recording 347 yards and four touchdowns in five games. He still has the potential to run deep and make big plays. Is he worth bringing in to see if he can do it again for Kubiak in a different city?
On top of any additions this off-season, I would also work to re-sign Ernest Jones Jr and Jarran Reed as two key priorities. Expect news of Tyler Lockett’s departure and a Geno Smith extension in the near future, as the Seahawks work to create the cap space to have the kind of off-season required to kick them on to the next level.
