What are the Seahawks’ options at left tackle after Russell Okung’s departure?
Mar 21, 2016, 4:43 PM | Updated: Mar 22, 2016, 5:15 pm
The Seahawks could consider moving Garry Gilliam to left tackle to replace Russell Okung. (AP)
With longtime anchor Russell Okung no longer protecting Russell Wilson’s blindside, the Seahawks have a hole at left tackle. But that doesn’t mean they are without options.
Seattle has made a pair of low-budget signings on the O-line this offseason in J’Marcus Webb and Bradley Sowell, who will make a combined $3.5 million in 2016. Webb started at right guard last season in Oakland but has experience at both tackle spots, while Sowell last started on the left in 2013.
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Garry Gilliam, who started all 16 games for Seattle at right tackle last season, could also possibly swing to the other end of the line.
After signing his head-scratching deal with Denver, ESPN’s John Clayton told “Brock and Salk” Monday the Broncos will likely look to trade their previous left tackle, Ryan Clady. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler who is coming off a torn ACL and has a $9.5 million base salary.
“They’re going to shop him in a trade, but at some point in the next week they’ve got to let him go, and we’ll see if (Seahawks GM) John Schneider has any plans to be able to bring him in,” Clayton said.
Clayton also mentioned that 32-year-old D’Brickashaw Ferguson and/or former Seahawk Breno Giacomini, both members of the Jets, might soon become available because that team is so tight against the salary cap.
Brock Huard said on the Blue 42 segment of “Brock and Salk” that Ferguson’s health is worrisome.
“His body is just beat up,” Huard said. “It’s one of those situations where you can see him on Sunday and you can see the productivity, but you don’t realize unless he’s yours how many aches and pains, and how much bone-on-bone there probably already is on those achy knees, and trying to just get himself together and right for Sundays.”
Huard said he would be more intrigued by Giacomini – as a right tackle.
“Put him at right tackle, feel a little bit better about that and then give (Gilliam) an opportunity (at left tackle), give a draft pick an opportunity,” he said. “Give somebody some time. Buy yourself a little bit of time to find and develop that left tackle.”
