'Getting Better Every Game': Christian Haynes Finding Groove in Seahawks' Right Guard Platoon
Since being drafted in 2024, Christian Haynes has had few chances to actually play football for the Seahawks. But an injury has created an opportunity he has capitalized on in the early stages of the 2026 season.
RENTON, Wash. - Much can be accomplished on an NFL practice field, and young players will universally vouch for the importance of getting additional reps and drill work three days a week leading up to a game.
But at the end of the day, while practices and drill work have value, as Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Fleury curtly pointed out after Thursday's session gearing up for an NFC West battle against the San Francisco 49ers, the only way to get better at football is "playing football." In his first two seasons, guard Christian Haynes didn't get many chances to do that, playing a grand total of 126 offensive snaps in regular season games as a seldom-used backup.
However, after entering his third season with the Seahawks as the team's primary "swing" guard behind starters Grey Zabel and Anthony Bradford, an injury to the latter finally opened the door of opportunity for the ex-All-American to see extended time on the field. Partaking in a platoon with rookie Beau Stephens, he has started his first three NFL games since Bradford landed on injured reserve in Week 2, nearly matching his previous career total with 118 snaps.
"It's been great. A great opportunity," Haynes said in the locker room prior to Thursday's practice. "I've been feeling really good."
