The Seattle Seahawks fell short of making the playoffs in 2024 despite finishing with a 10-7 record, securing second place in the NFC West. The team has struggled offensively in recent years, leading to the dismissal of offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb after just one season. With a revamped coaching staff for 2025, head coach Mike Macdonald is making key changes, and general manager John Schneider discussed some of these moves, including his views on the rising costs of offensive line talent.
A year ago, Schneider sparked some controversy with remarks about offensive guards, calling the position “over-drafted” and “over-paid.” He revisited these comments in a radio interview, which was summarized by ESPN’s Brady Henderson. Schneider explained that his stance stems from the limited availability of skilled offensive linemen, rather than the Seahawks’ undervaluing of the position. While he acknowledges the team often overspends and reaches for offensive linemen in the draft, he maintained that these players are highly valued for their importance to the team.
“I would say it’s not a matter of importance it’s extremely important, highly valued,” Schneider clarified, via Seattle Sports. “But because there’s such a shortage of talent at the position, we will continue to overpay and over-draft.”
Schneider also spoke about three of Macdonald’s new coaching appointments: run game coordinator Rick Dennison, run game specialist Justin Outten, and offensive line coach John Benton. He praised the trio for their teaching abilities, particularly noting Outten’s emphasis on offensive line development.
The Seahawks’ offense ranked 18th in the league for total points in 2024, averaging 22 points per game. They struggled notably in the run game, accumulating just 1,627 rushing yards, placing them 28th in the league. This lack of strength on the ground reflects challenges within the offensive line.
On a positive note, quarterback Geno Smith had a standout year in 2024. The 34-year-old set career highs with 4,320 passing yards, starting all 17 games and posting a career-best 70.4% completion rate.
