Macdonald explains why Seahawks signed OT Bobby Hart

The Seattle Seahawks added depth to the trenches by signing 31-year-old offensive tackle Bobby Hart on Tuesday, which marked their first veteran addition to the O-line this offseason.

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Some had speculated that Hart’s signing was related to the status of backup Seahawks offensive tackle Josh Jones, who reportedly didn’t practice in OTAs that were open or in the team’s first two mandatory minicamp practices this week.

Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that notion while speaking to the media after Wednesday’s minicamp practice.

“Bobby’s a good tackle,” Macdonald said. “We need a third tackle. And Josh hasn’t practiced yet, so Josh needs to practice to compete with Bobby. Right now Bobby’s practicing.”

Jones served as Seattle’s swing tackle last season and started the final three regular-season games at left tackle while Charles Cross was sidelined with an injury.

Jones was listed as questionable with knee and ankle injuries for Seattle’s Week 18 game against the San Francisco 49ers, but played 68 of 69 snaps in the Seahawks’ 13-3 win that secured the NFC’s top seed.

Jones continued to appear on the injury report throughout Seattle’s postseason run. He was ruled out for the divisional round of the playoffs, but returned to play on special teams in the NFC title game and the Super Bowl.

Asked on Tuesday whether those injuries are related to Jones not practicing, Macdonald responded, “He’s just not ready to practice yet. He needs to become ready to practice. And that’s his responsibility.”

Jones signed a reported one-year, $4 million contract with Seattle this offseason that includes $3 million in guaranteed money.

Hart has made 75 starts and appeared in 108 games for five different teams over 10 NFL seasons. He spent the 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, making eight starts and appearing in 10 games.

The Seahawks have a rare level of continuity along their offensive line. They returned all 11 offensive linemen who logged snaps last season and then added guard Beau Stephens in the fifth round of the NFL Draft.

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