The Seattle Seahawks offensive line had a middle-of-the-pack 2023 campaign, allowing 70 hurries (most), 47 QB hits (16th-most), 155 pressures (9th-most), a 24.4% pressure percentage (6th-highest), 38 sacks (23rd-most), and a 53% pass rush win rate (25th-highest).

The offensive guard position was a position in particular that struggled last season as two of their starters have departed in free agency. Damien Lewis signed with the Carolina Panthers, and Phil Haynes remains a free agent. As it stands, Tremayne Anchrum Jr. has one start in 31 career games, Anthony Bradford has ten starts in 14 career games, and McClendon Curtis has zero starts in one career game.

With $2 million in cap space, Seattle cannot afford to spend top dollar on a free-agent guard and would prefer to sign one with starting experience.

An ESPN reporter thinks this Pro Bowl guard would be a fit.

According to an ESPN Reporter, the Seattle Seahawks and this guard would be a fit.

Dallas Cowboys Mazi Smith
Sep 17, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Mazi Smith (58) rushes the passer while blocked by New York Jets guard Laken Tomlinson (78) in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Brady Henderson is a Seahawks reporter for ESPN’s NFL Nation who suggests that Laken Tomlinson is a fit.

“My sense is that the Seahawks will sign a veteran guard here within the next week or so. Still a few options out there with starting experience. Laken Tomlinson, released by the Jets earlier this month, is one option I could see being a fit.”

Laken Tomlinson spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets.
Tomlinson signed a 3-year, $40 million contract during the 2022 offseason.

Tomlinson played in 34 games in his two seasons with the Jets and had four penalties, eight sacks allowed, and a 55.9 PFF Grade in 2,209 offensive snaps.

The Jets released him this offseason.

Why this signing would make sense?

Los Angeles Rams, Tremayne Anchrum Jr.
Jan 7, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr. (72) blocks San Francisco 49ers defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day (right) during the fourth quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
This move would make sense because Tomlinson is an instant upgrade over Anchrum Jr., who is currently the starting left guard.

Another reason why this would make sense is because Tomlinson has over 138 starts in 146 career games and has been healthy, only missing one game in his 9-year career.

Is there another free agent guard that makes sense?
Henderson also lists Cody Whitehair as another option for the Seahawks.

“Another name at guard to keep in mind is Cody Whitehair. He’s 31 with 118 career starts, so he has similar experience to Tomlinson. And like Tomlinson, he was released — last month by Chicago — so he wouldn’t cost Seattle comp-pick wise.”

If they don’t sign a guard in free agency, don’t be surprised if the Seahawks draft a few.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks during a press conference at the annual NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore. Credit: Casey Sapio/USA TODAY Sports