Right guard looms as a key problem Seattle has to fix, and it could look to someone outside of the building to help.
One of the most intriguing roster battles set to take place as the Seattle Seahawks continue their offseason is along the offensive line.
With John Schneider drafting guard Beau Stephens, there are some who think he could eventually usurp veteran Anthony Bradford, who struggled mightily last season.
Seen as the weak link in Sam Darnold's protection, there is a thought that if the veteran doesn't improve, Stephens could take over, and take over early in the season.
Of course, there is a possibility that Bradford holds off Stephens, but can the Seahawks really go forward with their Super Bowl defense with a rookie and a veteran who struggled in pass protection?
Some don't think so.
But how could Seattle solve this issue?
CBS Sports' Ryan Wilson has an idea, and it's having free agent Joel Bitonio coming to the NFC West.
“I have him going to Seattle," Wilson said. "He's played primarily left guard throughout his career, but they have a huge need at right guard. Anthony Bradford was the weakest link in that offensive line. They didn't address that in the offseason. They did draft Beau Stephens.
"I don't think he's going to challenge for the job. I think Joel Bitonio comes in. He moves well on space, he can do the things they like to do with their new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury.”
Bitonio is a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who, in theory, could slot straight in at guard and be a solid contributor.
The question is, would Seattle be willing to give up any draft capital for a 34, soon-to-be 35-year-old guard? And one who could be seen as a potential progress stopper for Stephens?
That is the big question, and I'd imagine the Seahawks would want to see how Bradford looks in training camp and see what sort of player Stephens can become before making a decision.
There's no need to sign him now. See what you have in Stephens and Bradford and go from there.
Bitonio would be a short-term fix for Macdonald, so how the position will be viewed from 2027 onwards is interesting. Maybe Stephens learns from both veterans and then takes over as the starter in Year 2?
Either way, right guard looms as a crucial position that has to get sorted.
Would the nerves be settled if Bitonio is signed? Maybe a little and for a team looking to repeat as Super Bowl champs, maybe that's all they need.
