Tag: Mike Iupati

What D.J. Humphries’ contract means for Germain Ifedi, Seahawks

The Arizona Cardinals re-signed tackle D.J. Humphries to a three-year, $45 million deal, resetting the market for free agent Germain Ifedi.

The Seattle Seahawks are heading into the free agency period of the offseason with three offensive linemen – right tackle Germain Ifedi, left tackle George Fant and left guard Mike Iupati – all set to test the open market.

Ifedi originally had a fifth-year option attached to him, thanks to his status as a 2016 first round pick, but the Seahawks declined the one-year, roughly $10 million dollar deal Ifedi would have earned in 2020, instead allowing him to head to free agency.

It’s fairly safe to assume, even though Pete Carroll talked about how much they want Ifedi back in Seattle, that the Seahawks do not want to pay more than $10 million annually for Ifedi’s services.

That makes it very unlikely he’ll be back with the Seahawks next year, particularly after the Arizona Cardinals reset the market for young tackles by re-signing left tackle D.J. Humphries to a three-year, $45 million dollar contract, with $29 million guaranteed according to the NFL Network.

Humphries was a first round pick in 2015, one year before Ifedi, and he battled injuries and ineffectiveness for years before starting all 16 games in 2019 and putting together a solid campaign – as evidenced by his 64.5 grade from Pro Football Focus.

While no one will argue that Ifedi is better than Humphries, his performance last year was not dramatically worse, and it seems entirely plausible that he and his representatives will use this contract as a jumping off point in contract negotiations.

$15 million annually is almost certainly above what Seattle is willing to give Ifedi, but it wouldn’t be too surprising to see another team in need of help on the o-line give him that or close to it – which would likely end his up-and-down tenure in the Emerald City.

[lawrence-related id=56305]

Will the Seahawks bring back restricted free agent Joey Hunt?

The Seattle Seahawks are facing a lot of potential changes to the offensive line in 2020. Will Joey Hunt be among those let go?

The Seattle Seahawks are heading into the offseason facing a potentially massive overhaul of their offensive line.

Two starters – left guard Mike Iupati and right tackle Germain Ifedi – are going to be unrestricted free agents in March, along with key reserve George Fant.

Joining those three is restricted free agent Joey Hunt, a career backup center who ended up making eight starts last year in place of Justin Britt, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in October.

Britt is under contract for 2020, but the Seahawks could choose to cut him, which would save them over $8 million dollars in cap space in a year where they are hoping to re-sign Jadeveon Clowney and add other superstar level talent.

If the Seahawks choose to cut Britt and don’t re-sign Ifedi, Iupati or Fant, it makes sense to bring Hunt back to let him compete for that starting center role alongside Ethan Pocic and potentially a draft pick or free agent signing.

Hunt struggled mightily in pass protection last year, often getting run straight into the ground by bull rushers, but his high football IQ and low leverage allows him to excel in run protection, and he has made himself a favorite of coach Pete Carroll’s.

It’s hard to imagine this team competing with Hunt as the everyday starting center, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him back in Seattle competing for a backup role in 2020 – regardless of what happens around the rest of the line.

[vertical-gallery id=55039]

Seattle Seahawks 2020 free agent profile: Tackle George Fant

Seahawks tackle George Fant told reporters he wants to sign somewhere where he can compete to start at left tackle, a bad sign for Seattle.

*The Seattle Seahawks are heading into the 2020 offseason with 19 players set to become unrestricted free agents, which should make for another busy spring and summer for Pete Carroll and John Schneider as they look to shore up the roster and contend for the number one seed in the NFC again next year.*

Our free agent series continues with a look at tackle/tight end George Fant.

George Fant’s free agency will be one of the most interesting ones for Seahawks fans to watch. Used primarily in a sixth lineman/blocking tight end role, Fant made it clear to reporters after the season that he wants to find an opportunity where he can compete to start at left tackle – something that almost certainly won’t happen in Seattle with Duane Brown still under contract.

However, the Seahawks could look to bring back Fant to compete at right tackle, especially with Germain Ifedi set to hit the open market and Jamarco Jones a potential option to start at left guard in place of Mike Iupati.

Fant would also be an excellent player to bring back in his blocking tight end role, although it doesn’t seem likely he’ll go for that unless Seattle overpays.

As such, it seems like Fant will look hard for a new opportunity this March, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see a team with a need at tackle pay big money for his services – likely ending his tenure in Seattle.

[vertical-gallery id=54929]

Seahawks carousel of starters at left guard likely to continue

The Seattle Seahawks have had a new starter at left guard in each of the last six seasons, a streak that will likely continue in 2020.

Russell Wilson has been the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks since the 2012 season. Who has lined up in front of him, particularly at the left guard spot, has been new nearly every single year.

With Mike Iupati set to hit free agency, and seemingly an unlikely candidate to be re-signed, the Seahawks are almost certainly going to have a different starter at left guard for the seventh(!) consecutive year.

Since James Carpenter made 39 starts for the Seahawks from 2011-2014, most of them at left guard, the team has cycled through Justin Britt (2015) Mark Glowinski (2016) Luke Joeckel (2017) J.R. Sweezy (2018) and now Iupati (2019).

Wilson will never talk badly about anyone or any situation he is faced with, but considering how often he has stressed the importance of continuity along the offensive line, this has to be a source of chagrin for the franchise quarterback.

The streak likely won’t end in 2020, unless the team re-signs Iupati, but there is hope that it won’t extend beyond that.

Assuming Iupati is not retained, the Seahawks could look to replace him with one of the many young, internal options they have been collecting over the past few years.

Jamarco Jones, originally drafted as a right tackle, filled in for Iupati and Fluker a handful of times this year, and looked really good as a potential NFL guard. Considering how much he struggled when he was asked to play tackle, his future may be on the interior, and he seems like a prime candidate to challenge for a starting job next season.

He’ll have to compete with 2019 rookie Phil Haynes, who thanks to a sports hernia only managed to play in two games last year. He looked pretty good in the second half against Green Bay however, and is primed to take over a bigger role in 2020.

Haynes and Jones are the primary competitors, but Ethan Pocic could be in the mix if he is not handed the starting center job by virtue of Britt’s release. Jordan Simmons and Demetrius Knox missed the entire season with injuries, but Simmons in particular looked good as a fill-in in 2018 and could be in the mix as well – and of course Seattle could use an early pick in the 2020 NFL draft to bring in some starting competition.

Seattle will almost certainly have a new starter at left guard again in 2020, but Wilson and the fans can hope whoever it is ends up sticking around for a while, creating continuity up front for a team that sorely needs it.

[lawrence-related id=55545]

A look at the 19 Seattle Seahawks who are unrestricted free agents

The Seattle Seahawks head into the offseason with 19 unrestricted free agents, including two big ones in Jadeveon Clowney and Jarran Reed.

The Seattle Seahawks will now turn their attention toward free agency and the NFL Draft following a heartbreaking exit in the NFC Divisional round, 28-23, to the Green Bay Packers.

The free agency period begins on March 18, and 19 Seahawks are set to become unrestricted free agents in what will once again be a busy offseason for John Schneider, Pete Carroll and company.

The Seahawks have $58.3 million in cap space, the seventh most in the league, and while a lot of that could go toward trying to bring back two big pieces of the defensive line – Jadeveon Clowney and Jarran Reed – it does give the Seahawks plenty of room to maneuver as they look to take another step forward and contend for a Super Bowl in 2020.

Here is a look at the 19 unrestricted free agents Seattle has heading into free agency. Eight of them were starters or key contributors, including six on defense and two on the offensive line.

[vertical-gallery id=54929]

Sunday’s performance could open up big role for Phil Haynes in 2020

Seattle Seahawks guard Phil Haynes impressed on Sunday against the Packers, in what amounted to an audition for a bigger role in 2020.

For most of the second half in Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers, the Seattle Seahawks employed rookie Phil Haynes at left guard in place of Jamarco Jones.

It was the first game action for Haynes, save for a single snap on special teams in the wild card game against Philadelphia.

Haynes battled a sports hernia during training camp and was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list for the first six weeks of the season. He was activated on November 5, but spent the rest of the year as a reserve, just trying to get caught up after missing so much time.

Haynes evidently did enough to earn playing time on Sunday, and he took advantage of the opportunity, impressing coach Pete Carroll in what amounted to an audition for a job in 2020.

“Phil did a good job,” Carroll said on Monday afternoon. “What we’ve seen in Phillip is that he’s really strong and he plays real square. He did it in that game, he did very well. Was really pleased to see him, he’s had such little play time since he’s been here, so it was great to see him do well.”

Starting left guard Mike Iupati is a free agent, and right guard D.J. Fluker could opt out of his contract and test free agency as well, so there’s definitely an opportunity for Haynes to step into a starting role in 2020.

Time will tell if he gets that chance, but having a strong performance under his belt, in a playoff game no less, certainly helps his odds.

[lawrence-related id=54871]

Seahawks at Packers: Inactive players for Sunday’s divisional round

The following players have been designated inactive for the divisional-round contest between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers.

The Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers will square off Sunday afternoon in the final game of the weekend’s divisional playoff round.

Here’s a look at the inactive players for the Seahawks and the Packers.

Seattle inactives:

Green Bay inactives:

WR Ryan Grant

RB Dexter Williams

CB Ka’dar Hollman

CB Josh Jackson

FB Danny Vitale

T John Leglue

Kickoff is scheduled for 3:40 p.m. P.T. at Lambeau Field.

[lawrence-related id=54715]

Amid injuries, Germain Ifedi has anchored Seahawks offensive line

Seattle Seahawks right tackle Germain Ifedi has been a steady presence on the offensive line, and his performance improved in 2019.

The Seattle Seahawks offensive line, perhaps more than any other position, has been beleaguered by injuries this season.

In fact, only one player, right tackle Germain Ifedi, managed to appear in all 16 regular season games.

Ifedi is by no means an elite, or even above-average right tackle, but coach Pete Carroll saw improvement and consistency from his performance during the 2019 season.

“I think he’s been solid throughout the year,” Carroll said on Friday. “He has been very consistent. He’s been a solid performer. He’s been one of the real anchors. He’s been able to stay out there the whole time which has been good. He continues to grow as a pro and he’s doing a nice job.”

Ifedi finished the regular season with a 56.2 grade from Pro Football Focus, which falls under the ‘replaceable’ category, but he did make improvements in his pass protection, a big area of growth for the fourth year pro.

Additionally, while his 13 penalties were fifth in the NFL, it was also an improvement for Ifedi – and not too bad considering he played the second most snaps among NFL offensive linemen this season.

Seattle declined Ifedi’s fifth-year option this offseason, meaning he will hit the open market in March. Carroll has previously expressed interest in bringing him back, and his performance this year likely didn’t do anything to dissuade him.

The Seahawks appear to be transitioning Jamarco Jones to guard, likely replacing Mike Iupati next year, and they love keeping George Fant in that extra lineman role, so they have very little depth at tackle – making a reunion with Ifedi all the more plausible.

For now, he’ll have his hands full with a vaunted Green Bay pass rush on Sunday when the Seahawks look to win their ninth road game of the season against the Packers.

Kickoff is at 3:40 p.m. PT.

[lawrence-related id=54668]

Seahawks vs. Packers injury report: Key Seattle replacements for divisional playoffs

Here are a few key replacement players the Seattle Seahawks could utilize against the Green Bay Packers in their NFC divisional-round game.

The Seattle Seahawks held one final practice at home Friday afternoon before heading off to Green Bay ahead of their divisional-round matchup against the Packers.

Seattle did not rule out any players on the final injury report of the week, however, guard Mike Iupati was listed as doubtful to play with a neck injury.

In addition, five players were ruled questionable for this weekend – including tackles Duane Brown (knee) and George Fant (groin) – leaving an already thin offensive line potentially even leaner come Sunday.

With Iupati, Brown and Fant game-day decisions, the versatile Jamarco Jones will likely be charged with filling in somewhere on the Seahawks front five. Jones can line up at either tackle or guard and on both sides of the line.

“He’s done a really nice job to acclimate because he’s been a left side guy, too,” coach Pete Carroll said after practice. “A while back a few weeks, he played right side and did a fine job there. It hasn’t been a struggle for him at all. Either side, either spot really. I think he’ll do good wherever we need him.”

Seattle could also look to Chad Wheeler for a few reps, if needed. Wheeler was just called up from the practice squad this week and has not appeared in an NFL game this season.

As for the defensive side of the ball, defensive ends Ziggy Ansah (neck) and Quinton Jefferson (ankle) are also both questionable for Sunday. Jadeveon Clowney (ankle), who was a full participant on Friday despite limited work during the week, is expected to suit up against the Packers.

With all three defensive ends still banged up, rookie L.J. Collier, who was inactive against the Eagles, may hear his number called this weekend.

Here’s a look at the full injury reports for Seattle and Green Bay.

[lawrence-related id=54643]

Seahawks may need Chad Wheeler to step up on Sunday against Packers

The Seattle Seahawks listed Duane Brown and George Fant as questionable for Sunday. If both are out, Chad Wheeler may make his season debut.

The Seattle Seahawks listed starting left tackle Duane Brown (knee) and backup left tackle George Fant (groin) as questionable for Sunday’s divisional round matchup with the Green Bay Packers.

Additionally, left guard Mike Iupati (neck) is doubtful, which means Jamarco Jones will likely start in his place once again.

If all three players are unable to go, Seattle will have no choice but to turn to Chad Wheeler to start at left tackle. Wheeler spent the majority of the regular season on Seattle’s practice squad, getting recalled earlier this week, and he has not played in an NFL game this season.

However, Wheeler has made 19 NFL starts in his career, and spent two years in offensive line coach Mike Solari’s system while with the Giants, so he’s familiar with the protection schemes.

“He’s played for Mike [Solari] and Mike knows him real well,” coach Pete Carroll said on Friday. “He’s real confident if we need him he’ll be able to jump up. He’s worked on the left side for us, almost the whole time.”

There’s no doubt Wheeler having to play on Sunday would be bad news for the Seahawks, who have already dealt with so many injuries up front, but Wheeler is far more experienced than most practice squad promotions, and while most of his NFL experience has come at right tackle, Carroll doesn’t seem worried about having him step up on the left side.

It’s never easy to make your season debut in such a crucial environment, especially on a new team, but Carroll’s messaging to Wheeler is to just do what he is capable of doing, and not to try to overdo it.

“We don’t want to overtry, try to do stuff that’s not within his wheelhouse,” Carroll continued. “He’s a good smart football player. He’s been in the system and he knows what we’re asking of him. He’s been really solid throughout, the main thing is do just do what he’s capable of doing and not overreach.”

The Seahawks will certainly hope that at least one of Brown, Fant or Iupati can suit up on Sunday, pushing Wheeler into a reserve role, but if worst comes to worst his familiarity with the system and prior NFL experience at least makes him an acceptable option on Seattle’s starting line.

[lawrence-related id=54603]