The Seahawks are working the phones in an effort to upgrade their offensive line in advance of Tuesday’s trade deadline, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). In order to secure reinforcements for its front five, Seattle is willing to deal from its wide receiver depth, per La Canfora, who names Chris Matthews as one pass-catcher who could be on the block.
Seattle’s offensive line has unquestionably been a weak point so far this season, as they’ve allowed Russell Wilson to be sacked 32 times, the most in the league. And although the unit does rank inside the top 10 run-blocking lines according to Football Outsiders, they’re dead last in terms of FO’s pass-blocking metrics. Additionally, left tackle Russell Okung‘s ankle injury — which will keep him out of today’s contest against the Cowboys — creates an ever more pressing need up front for the Seahawks.
The 26-year-old Matthews, a standout in February’s Super Bowl, hasn’t produced much so far this season. He’s played 106 offensive snaps — fourth-most among Seattle receivers — while catching just four passes on six targets, good for 54 yards and no scores. Matthews does have some special teams value, having played on roughly 39% of Seattle’s ST snaps, but it’s hard to imagine that the Seahawks could get much in return for a receiver with little to no career track record.
Just this morning,we heard several reports of offensive lineman potentially being available via trade, with Joe Thomas, Alex Mack, Joe Staley, and Alex Boone among them.
Also throw in receiver Doug Baldwin w/ Chris Matthews and a draft pick for Staley & Boone as Seahawks desperately need help at Offensive Line as getting couple of them will be helpful moving forward towards the playoff games.
Seahawks can replace Baldwin by going after Cordalle Patterson from the Vikings. He, Kearse, Tyler Lockett, etc. can turn into Legion of Boom on offense if the deal works out well.
Hmmmmm I feel like they had a great offensive line last year. What’s the difference this year???? Oh that’s right they trade away the best o lineman they had (Max Unger) for a TE they hardly use. Poor choice. I
John- have you lost your mind? Jimmy Graham has a ridiculous amount of targets this year, including 9 yesterday with 7 catches… He is by far the best WR/TE we have! And as for all you boneheads saying trade Baldwin, what is wrong with you? Baldwin is a 3rd down machine and is the heart of WR room!!! You all do realize the Hawks were going to cut Unger right? He couldn’t stay healthy and is getting up there in age! Tired of all these armchair GM’s Pete and John have gotten us this far, why not trust them going forward??? Go Hawks
Pardon on getting carried away on Baldwin as he’s a great player on the team. Instead of trading Baldwin, trade backup tight end Helfet or receiver Chris Matthews to the Niners to get Staley or Boone and Boldin.