We may be headed for a bitter debate this coming offseason regarding what the Seattle Seahawks should do with their offensive line. Right up until this past Sunday we were on the side of treating it as the team’s first, second and third priorities in 2025.
However, the unit’s breakout game against Arizona – both run blocking and pass blocking – opens the door for a potential change in direction. If the offensive line continues playing well for the rest of the regular season then one could make a case to address other needs first, especially given the relative value of guards compared to other positions.
One thing that shouldn’t be up for debate is what to do with left tackle Charles Cross, who’s taken a step forward in 2024 and has been the team’s most reliable and impressive lineman from week to week. What the best way is to go about it could be another story, though.
According to ESPN radio host and Seahawks insider Brock Huard, he thinks the front office should take care of Cross first when it comes to contract extensions.
Brock Huard on Seahawks paying Charles Cross
“Charles Cross is playing great football… These guys don’t grow on trees. They’re unique. They’re unicorns. He does everything right. So you’ve got to lock in your left tackle. … He is a building block at one of the most important positions on a football team. You take care of him first and foremost.”
There is a good case to make Cross a foundational piece for this offense to build around, and we have no objection to eventually offering him a long-term deal. However, because Cross is a first-round draft pick the Seahawks have a little more time to make that call.
According to a projection by Over the Cap, if they were to pick up Cross’ fifth-year option then he would be on the books for around $18.4 in million in 2026. That’s a decent-enough price for a quality solid starting offensive tackle these days – however, it would also be fully guaranteed. If they decline the option, the Seahawks could avoid that $18.4 million cap hit by giving Cross an extension instead.
Whatever else they do, extending linebacker Ernest Jones should be the number one item on their to-do list this offseason. After that they can deal with Cross, DK Metcalf, Riq Woolen or any other players who will be up for a deal soon. Jones comes first, though.
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