One of the most underrated storylines this offseason has been the return of the offensive line, which some think could be among the NFL's best in 2026.
We know that for an offense to be successful, the quarterback has to play well, and Sam Darnold did that for the Seattle Seahawks last season.
But a big reason for Sam's success was the play of the offensive line in front of him.
Sacked 27 times, the lowest of his career when playing 10+ games in a year, the line in front of Darnold did its job as the Seahawks' offense played second fiddle to the superb defense under the guidance of Mike Macdonald.
Now, as we look ahead to Seattle's prospects of retaining its Super Bowl trophy, the offensive line is again in good shape. Why?
That's simple. All starting five are returning.
Charles Cross, Grey Zabel, Jalen Sundell, Anthony Bradford, and Abraham Lucas will be Darnold's protectors again. The continuity of the offensive line can't be understated, folks; it will be a key cog in the Seattle machine in 2026.
And for Seattle Sports' Brock Huard, he thinks the offensive line this upcoming season could be among the NFL's best.
“They’re going to be good,” Huard said. “I think they’re going to be a top-10 offensive line in the league. They bring back everybody. You have another year in the system. John Benton did not leave. So much of what you’re doing at the line of scrimmage does not change. … There’s a lot of continuity there, and they have got a chance to be together for a long time.”
Again, continuity is a big thing for the offensive line.
Yes, there are questions over Bradford, as some think that rookie Beau Stephens could eventually usurp him as the starter at right guard. But for now, it is Bradford's show, and at least if things go south with the veteran, Seattle has a lever to pull.
But with everyone returning in front of Darnold, the Seahawks' offense has a great baseline to build from this offseason.
Because as good as Seattle's receivers and tight ends are, it won't matter if Darnold isn't given enough time to distribute the ball to them, and that is why having the same starting five return is perhaps the most underrated storyline of the offseason.
Asfar as them being top 10? We'll let the cake bake on that one.
