Four Seahawks Vets Just Got a Wake-Up Call From the Draft

The Seahawks added eight fresh bodies during the NFL draft, and suddenly the locker room got a whole lot more competitive. We're talking about roster spots, starting positions, and jobs that were assumed to be locked down. Four veterans just learned their fall is going to be a lot harder than they thought.

Anthony Bradford's Right Guard Throne Is Shaky

Bradford started all 17 regular-season games and three playoff games last year, and coach Mike Macdonald praised him hard at the combine in February. "AB played really good football for us," Macdonald said. "He really did. The stuff he did in pass protection solidified our pocket. He moved people off the line. Played tremendously hard and physical."

But here's the thing: the Seahawks just used a fifth-round pick on guard Beau Stephens, and Macdonald confirmed they'll throw him into the mix on the right side where Bradford plays. Pro Football Focus rated Bradford 70th among 81 qualifying guards last season. His pass-blocking grade ranked 76th, and his run-blocking? 57th. Bradford has zero guaranteed money left in his contract for 2026, and releasing him would free up $3.674 million in cap space. The team traded a 2027 fourth-rounder to get Stephens, which tells you everything about their long-term vision at this spot.

Christian Haynes Is Facing a Make-or-Break Year

Haynes was supposed to be the guy. A third-round pick in 2024, he was expected to own a starting guard spot by now. Instead, he hasn't started a single game after getting chances on three separate occasions. Last season he played just 32 snaps. Now add Stephens to the guard room, plus Mason Richman and Bryce Cabeldue who can both play the position, and Haynes is looking at real competition for his roster spot. The Seahawks would save $1.02 million against the cap if they cut him. Haynes will get every chance to prove himself, but with Stephens almost certain to make the roster, this is his moment to show what he can do.

The Cornerback Depth Chart Just Opened Up

With the departure of Riq Woolen to free agency, there's a wide-open battle for the third cornerback spot behind Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe. Jobe locked down his future with a three-year deal in March worth up to $24 million with $9.5 million guaranteed. Now it's time to see who fills that third spot on the depth chart.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.