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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