Seahawks Eyeing Offensive Line Help

The Seahawks are working the phones in an effort to upgrade their offensive line in advance of Tuesday’s trade deadline, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). In order to secure reinforcements for its front five, Seattle is willing to deal from its wide receiver depth, per La Canfora, who names Chris Matthews as one pass-catcher who could be on the block.

Seattle’s offensive line has unquestionably been a weak point so far this season, as they’ve allowed Russell Wilson to be sacked 32 times, the most in the league. And although the unit does rank inside the top 10 run-blocking lines according to Football Outsiders, they’re dead last in terms of FO’s pass-blocking metrics. Additionally, left tackle Russell Okung‘s ankle injury — which will keep him out of today’s contest against the Cowboys — creates an ever more pressing need up front for the Seahawks.

The 26-year-old Matthews, a standout in February’s Super Bowl, hasn’t produced much so far this season. He’s played 106 offensive snaps — fourth-most among Seattle receivers — while catching just four passes on six targets, good for 54 yards and no scores. Matthews does have some special teams value, having played on roughly 39% of Seattle’s ST snaps, but it’s hard to imagine that the Seahawks could get much in return for a receiver with little to no career track record.

Just this morning,we heard several reports of offensive lineman potentially being available via trade, with Joe Thomas, Alex Mack, Joe Staley, and Alex Boone among them.

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