Tag: Mike Iupati

Will the Seahawks pick an interior offensive lineman in NFL draft?

It’s hard to predict what the Seahawks will do in the NFL draft, but adding a center/guard seems unlikely following their free agency moves.

Even though we have been doing it for months, it’s always hard to predict what the Seattle Seahawks will do in the NFL draft.

Their two most recent first round selections, Rashaad Penny in 2018 and L.J. Collier in 2019, were hardly expected – as Penny didn’t fill a positional need and Collier was not considered a first round talent by most evaluators.

So while it’s anyone’s guess what Seattle will actually do this weekend, it does seem like the team’s moves during free agency will steer them away from taking interior offensive linemen during the draft.

The team not only signed two new center/guard types in free agency – B.J. Finney and Chance Warmack – they also re-signed Joey Hunt, Mike Iupati, Jordan Roos and Jordan Simmons, giving them 11 players capable of playing the three interior spots.

Iupati is expected to re-join Justin Britt and D.J. Fluker as starters in 2020, which doesn’t leave much room for newcomers.

Of course, Britt could be a cap casualty, as cutting him would save the team $11.4 million dollars – money they could use to pursue an upgrade on the defensive line.

Even if they make that move, Finney will likely take over as the starting center, and Iupati and Fluker will have plenty of competition to back them up, including Ethan Pocic, Phil Haynes, Jamarco Jones (if they move him inside) Demetrius Knox, Simmons, Roos and Warmack.

There are plenty of good interior linemen available for the picking, and we have profiled quite a few of them including Nick Harris, Lloyd Cushenberry, Cesar Ruiz, Tyler Biadasz and Damien Lewis.

However – unless Seattle is planning to make multiple cuts up front, it seems unlikely they’ll use an early round pick on an interior offensive lineman during the 2020 NFL draft, and even a late round pick seems like a waste unless they see some real upside.

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What Mike Iupati’s signing means for Seattle’s offensive line

Could the Seahawks signing veteran Mike Iupati to a one-year deal spell the end of Justin Britt’s tenure in Seattle?

The Seattle Seahawks made yet another addition to their offensive line on Tuesday afternoon, reportedly re-signing veteran guard Mike Iupati to a one-year deal.

Iupati started 15 games for Seattle last year, all at left guard, and his mauling run-blocking ability paved the way for the Seahawks to employ their run-heavy offensive attack.

Now he’s back, and his return crowds an already overstuffed group of interior offensive linemen in the Emerald City – likely paving way for more moves.

Iupati is almost certainly going to start at left guard, and unless the team decides to part ways with D.J. Fluker, he will be the starter at right guard.

That leaves a bevy of players competing for backup guard spots, including Jamarco Jones, B.J. Finney, Ethan Pocic, Jordan Simmons, Phil Haynes, Jordan Roos, Demetrius Knox, Chance Warmack, Kyle Fuller and Joey Hunt.

Whew.

Jones and Finney are the two who seem to lose out the most with this signing. However, both are capable of playing multiple positions – which is how this Iupati signing could be a sign of things to come elsewhere.

Finney was signed to a two-year, $8 million deal, and it’s unlikely Seattle would give him that kind of cash to leave him on the bench.

Since a lot of Finney’s NFL experience is at center, this move could be an indication that veteran Justin Britt and his $11.4 million salary will be coming off the books soon, clearing space for a potential big name signing, likely either Jadeveon Clowney or another pass rusher.

Finney would likely take over as the starting center if Britt is cut, but the team also has Joey Hunt and Ethan Pocic in the mix as well – plenty of depth to absorb the loss of Britt if that is the direction the team goes.

As for Jones, he could be used in a similar role as last year, a versatile backup capable of playing four spots on the offensive line and filling in as needed.

He could also compete to start at right tackle with free agent Brandon Shell, who is expected to replace Germain Ifedi but could get usurped by Jones if he performs well.

The Iupati signing looks strange at first, considering Seattle’s depth, but coach Pete Carroll loves keeping continuity on the offensive line, and Iupati’s style fits Seattle’s strategy up front.

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Seahawks agree to terms with left guard Mike Iupati

The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with veteran left guard Mike Iupati.

The Seattle Seahawks are keeping another one of their own after agreeing to terms with left guard Mike Iupati. The terms of the deal have yet to be announced but the contract is for just one year, according to a number of reports.

Iupati first signed with the Seahawks an undrafted free agent last spring. For Seattle in 2019, he started 15 of 16 regular-season games played before sitting out the playoffs due to a neck injury.

The Seahawks have been busy beefing up the offensive line this offseason, having signed center B.J. Finney, guard Chance Warmack and tackle Cedric Ogbuehi to the roster. As a result, center Justin Britt could easily result in a cap casualty, saving Seattle much-needed space.

Iupati will join a plethora of guards to compete to regain his starting position once facilities open back up and teams can resume offseason activities. For now, the voluntary virtual program is set to kick off on April 27.

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A look at Seahawks’ offensive line after Week 1 of free agency

The Seattle Seahawks overhauled their offensive line this offseason. Here’s a look at each position battle as the roster comes together.

The Seattle Seahawks used the first week of free agency to shore up a handful of positions of need, including adding a wide receiver and bringing back an old friend on the defensive line in Bruce Irvin.

However, most of the overhaul has been done on the offensive line, where the team has signed four new players and let two players, George Fant and Germain Ifedi, leave via free agency.

Although there are likely still moves to be made, including potential cuts, more signings and of course the NFL draft, we are going to take a look at how things project out on Seattle’s offensive line as of now, and what they could look like come September.

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Seahawks agree to terms with guard Chance Warmack

The Seattle Seahawks continue to collect free agent offensive linemen, agreeing to terms with Chance Warmack, a former first round pick.

The Seattle Seahawks have added another offensive lineman into the mix, agreeing to terms with former first round pick Chance Warmack, according to his agent Ron Slavin and confirmed by Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Warmack did not play in 2019 due to injury, but he has 51 career starts to his name, almost all of them coming at right guard.

He was a first round pick in the 2013 NFL draft after an accomplished career at Alabama, going 10th overall to the Titans. He spent four years in Tennessee before playing two years in Philadelphia with the Eagles, appearing in 20 games but only starting three.

Now, he’ll join B.J. Finney, Brandon Shell and Cedric Ogbuehi as newcomers on Seattle’s offensive line in 2020. With Mike Iupati and Germain Ifedi both free agents, and George Fant already gone, this team will have a very different looking offensive unit next season.

Warmack, 28, is likely just a depth signing and a potential camp body, although his pedigree makes him a worthwhile gamble on a team filled with inexperienced guards.

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10 free agents the Lions should consider adding

The Detroit Lions have been very active so far in free agency but they still have a few more holes on their roster where they should consider adding talent.

The Detroit Lions have been very active so far in free agency but they still have a few more holes on their roster where they should consider adding talent.

Not all the Lions’ free-agent contracts have been reported, but based on our best guess, they have around $12 million in available salary-cap space that they can still spend in free agency. So with that in mind, here a list of remaining free agents they should consider.

1. Kamalei Correa, JACK LB

Correa is everything the Lions are looking for in a JACK linebacker. Comfortable pass-rushing, stopping the run, and dropping into coverage, Correa fits the mold of the hybrid linebacker the Lions have slowly been moving towards over the past two offseasons. As a career rotational player, Correa shouldn’t command a hefty payday, but his experience working with new Lions’ linebacker coach Tyrone McKenzie, could be enough to entice him to sign on with the Lions.

2. Daryl Williams, T/G

I had Greg Van Roten pegged here, but he signed with the Jets last night, so I shifted gears to his teammate in 2019, Daryl Williams. Williams is capable of playing both tackle and guard at a starter level and is arguably the top remaining guard in free agency. He is coming off a subpar year in 2019 and season-ending knee injury in 2018, but in 2017, he was one of the best right tackles in the league. His ability to play multiple positions and win in the running game will appeal to the Lions. He’s capable of starting at right guard on this current roster and should come with a reasonable price tag after his previous two seasons.

3. Shelby Harris, DT

The Lions have already signed Nick Williams and Danny Shelton, but it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities for them to add another defensive tackle. The biggest obstacle for adding Harris will likely be price but if the Lions aren’t interested in adding a defensive tackle in the draft, he may be the most impactful option.

Marcel Dareus is someone the Lions were looking into at the Combine, and Mike Daniels is another option the Lions would consider bringing back, but both are coming off multiple seasons where injuries impacted their availability.

4. David Morgan, TE

My 2016 draft crush, Morgan is a blocking tight end with basketball skills and vice-grip hands that make him an ideal TE3, who could push Jesse James for TE2 snaps. A knee injury cost him last season with the Vikings and the current world situation makes getting him medically cleared a large obstacle, but he’s worth making the effort for.

5. Ronald Darby, CB

Injuries have been a massive problem for Darby and significantly damaged his perceived value. But, he has a history of working with new Lions defensive coordinator Cory Undlin and his above-average cover skills make him a capable starter. He would give the Lions insurance if they don’t land Jeff Okudah in the draft and if Amani Oruwariye isn’t ready for a starting role. If he signs, expect a contract heavy with incentives surrounding performance and availability.

Logan Ryan and Aqib Talib are also starting level corners with ties to the coaching staff but both come with a glaring concern. Ryan’s reportedly asking for a minimum contract that averages $10 million, while Talib is 34-years-old and coming off a season-long rib injury.

6. Breshad Perriman, WR

Robby Anderson is the top wide receiver available in free agency but the cost of adding him would likely force the Lions to make a hard decision on Marvin Jones. Anderson is three years younger than Jones, but he probably comes with a higher price tag as well.

Perriman, whose father had a long career with the Lions, is a tick younger than Anderson, and after tough first few years in the league, has found his confidence. He is a legitimate vertical threat with sub-4.3 speed and would fit in this scheme like a glove.

Phillip Dorsett is another vertical threat with sub-4.3 speed and could also be in the mix.

7. Dion Lewis, RB

At this point in his career, Lewis is likely a third-down back only, but with the departure of J.D McKissic, the Lions are in the market for one. Lewis is declining a bit as a runner, but he can still be a weapon in the passing game, especially as a pass protector.

Devonta Freeman should also be in the mix, but will likely require a higher price to secure.

8. Josh Kline, RG

Kline was in Minnesota in 2019 but spent his first three years in the NFL with the Patriots. He has always been a solid pass protector, which will appeal to the Lions, but he is probably better suited as a spot starter and rotational player at this point in his career — which may fit what the Lions are looking for.

9. Everson Griffen, DDE

Griffen is one of the top available pass rushers remaining in free agency and even at age 32, is terrific at creating pressure. The Lions would love to get him on their team as opposed to facing him twice a year, but the big question is can the Lions afford him?

10. Clay Matthews, pass-rushing specialist

By the time the 2020 season opens, Matthews will be 34-years old and far removed from his days of glory, but he showed last season (8 sacks) he is still capable of contributing as a pass-rushing specialist. He could fill a void as a rotational JACK linebacker for the Lions.

Seahawks agree to terms with versatile O-Lineman B.J. Finney

The Seahawks agreed to terms with their first outside free agent of the new year, giving a two-year, $8 million dollar deal to B.J. Finney.

After spending the first two days of the NFL’s legal tampering period focusing on bringing back their own free agents, the Seattle Seahawks finally decided to look for new players – coming to terms on a two-year, $8 million dollar deal with former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman B.J. Finney, according to NFL Insider Tom Pelissero.

Finney has the requisite versatility the Seahawks crave in their offensive linemen, having played 427 snaps at left guard, 381 snaps at center and 139 snaps at right guard in his four-year career, all spent with Pittsburgh.

Although he’s spent most of his career as a backup, only making 13 career starts, Finney could come in and immediately compete to be the team’s starting left guard with Mike Iupati expected to sign elsewhere in free agency.

The team could also view Finney as an option at center, with many believing the team will release Justin Britt, which would free up $11.8 million dollars in cap space for Seattle and help them land Jadeveon Clowney or another big name free agent.

Finney also has some experience lining up in the sixth lineman/tight end role, a role the Seahawks utilized heavily the past two years with George Fant, who has now agreed to terms with the Jets.

Finney’s role in Seattle next year is unclear, but his versatility and experience should make him a valuable part of the team in 2020.

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2020 NFL Free Agency: Best Seahawks targets for the Saints

The New Orleans Saints have had interest in Ezekiel Ansah before, but they would do better to pursue Jarran Reed of the Seahawks free agents

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How can the New Orleans Saints improve in 2020? The answer to that question starts with shoring up the weaknesses of last year’s roster, and accounting for the areas thinnest on the depth chart. Fortunately, the Seattle Seahawks offer some pending free agents who might interest the Saints. Here’s the full list:

  • CB Akeem King
  • CB Neiko Thorpe
  • CB Kalan Reed
  • CB Jeremy Boykins (ERFA)
  • DE Jadeveon Clowney
  • DE Ezekiel Ansah
  • DE Quinton Jefferson
  • DE Branden Jackson
  • DT Al Woods
  • DT Jarran Reed
  • DT Bryan Mone (ERFA)
  • FS Ryan Neal (ERFA)
  • LB Mychal Kendricks
  • LB Dekoda Watson
  • LB Emmanuel Ellerbe (ERFA)
  • OC Joey Hunt
  • OG Mike Iupati
  • OG Jordan Roos (ERFA)
  • OT Germain Ifedi
  • OT George Fant
  • OT Jordan Simmons (ERFA)
  • QB Geno Smith
  • RB Marshawn Lynch
  • RB Robert Turbin
  • RB C.J. Prosise
  • TE Luke Willson
  • TE Jacob Hollister (RFA)
  • TE Tyrone Swoopes (ERFA)
  • WR Josh Gordon
  • WR Jaron Brown
  • WR David Moore (RFA)
  • WR Malik Turner (ERFA)

The Saints have had interest in Ansah before, but he was a shell of his former self in 2019. He produced just 2.5 sacks and 8 quarterback hits in 11 games, with injuries having taken a toll on his body. A better target may be Reed — the interior lineman created 13 total pressures in just 10 games, having lost part of the year to an early-season suspension. If he’s cleaned up his act, he could be a nice replacement for Saints free agent David Onyemata.

While he is a restricted free agent, meaning the Seahawks can match any contract offers he receives, Hollister is an intriguing prospect at tight end. He created a lot of yards after the catch and handled a variety of blocking assignments for the Seahawks, and he could be a nice third-string addition for the Saints behind Jared Cook and Josh Hill (each of whom will become free agents in the not-too-distant future). The Seahawks just signed first-team Saints slayer Greg Olsen, so they may be open to letting Hollister walk away if the money isn’t to their liking.

And the Seahawks also have a number of cornerbacks hitting the market; that could be an area where we see some movement, considering how few corners the Saints have under contract (just three: Marshon Lattimore, Janoris Jenkins, and Patrick Robinson). Of the group, King saw the most playing-time on defense (267 snaps), while he and Thorpe both played frequently on special teams for Seattle. The Saints will be looking for backups, so they should both be on New Orleans’ radar.

Also: wouldn’t Geno Smith make some sense as a low-cost backup who can play from the pocket, much like Teddy Bridgewater has done? He doesn’t offer Bridgewater’s playmaking ability or accuracy, but the Saints have taken worse passers into training camp in the past.

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4 left guards the Jets should avoid in free agency

Jets Wire takes a look at four left guards Joe Douglas and company should steer clear of in free agency.

This offseason, the New York Jets are going to rebuild their offensive line.

Following a 2019 season that featured awful play in the trenches throughout the year, first-year general manager Joe Douglas is out to fill holes across New York’s line.

This year’s left guard market features some big-time names, which is good news for Douglas. There are also some players not worth touching with a 10-foot pole.

Who are they? Let’s take a look.

Mike Iupati

Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Iupati looked like he was done with how poorly he performed with the Cardinals in 2018. However, he bounced back with the Seahawks last season, earning himself Pro Bowl alternate consideration following his most productive season in a long time.

Iupati might seem like a nice short-term plug and play guard the Jets could use, but he is 33 and decline could be imminent. He has also dealt with back and knee injuries the last couple of years — arguably two of the most concerning injuries for any offensive lineman.

It wouldn’t hurt to give Iupati a look, but the Jets should make an effort to get a younger left guard with a cleaner bill of health as their next starter at the position.

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Jamarco Jones’ 2019 performance surprised Pete Carroll

Seattle Seahawks offensive lineman Jamarco Jones surprised Pete Carroll with his versatility last year, and is in the mix to start in 2020.

The Seattle Seahawks are heading into the free agency and draft portion of the offseason with a whole lot of question marks on their roster.

Perhaps no position group is less settled than the offensive line, who could be out four of their five starters depending on how the offseason shakes out.

Duane Brown will almost certainly be back, but Germain Ifedi and Mike Iupati are both unrestricted free agents, along with George Fant, and both Justin Britt and D.J. Fluker are potential cap casualties.

As such, there could be a lot of new faces in front of Russell Wilson in the 2020 season. While the team will certainly look to free agency and the draft to add more bodies, they also have a surplus of young offensive linemen on the roster who could step into full-time roles in 2020, if called upon.

Perhaps the most notable of that group is Jamarco Jones, a left tackle by trade who started games at three different spots for Seattle in 2019, including both guard spots. His performance there surprised his coach, Pete Carroll, who admitted he should have believed in him more.

“Jamarco did a nice job for us,” Carroll said at the NFL combine on Tuesday. “He really did. He surprised us a little bit that he would be so comfortable, particularly on the right side because he had been a left side guy and a left tackle most of his playing time. Mike Solari always said he was a really savvy football player and the game made sense to him, and he could just assimilate our stuff from his old stuff, right from the beginning. I guess we should have realized he could make that transition and do it better, but he really did surprise us.”

Carroll went on to say that Jones had some work done on his shoulder, presumably a post-season surgery, but he didn’t seem too concerned about the injury lingering into training camp.

He also alluded to Jones being in the competition for a starting job next year – which doesn’t really mean much at this stage in the offseason – but his positional versatility does allow Seattle to pursue a wider range of players, knowing Jones can fill in everywhere but center.

“We’re counting on him to be very versatile and very much a part of the competition for all the playing time,” Carroll continued. “He’s worthy of that and he deserves that shot.”

“It’s an exciting start for him.”

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