Signing David Andrews Could Have Lasting Impact For Seahawks
As soon as the 2024 season ended for the Seattle Seahawks, fans expected the franchise to address a much-maligned offensive line this offseason as a top priority.
Of course, trading away the starting quarterback and popular wide receiver less than a week apart certainly shifted the focus temporarily.
Sam Darnold needs a solid offensive line in front of him just as badly as Geno Smith did. We all saw what Darnold is capable of in Minnesota with a strong supporting cast, which includes a reliable offensive line.
Many expected the Seahawks to make a splash in free agency. However, to this point, it’s been a dud regarding the offensive line upgrades.
Gone off the board are Ryan Kelly (Vikings), Kevin Zeitler (Titans), Trey Smith (franchise tag, Chiefs), Will Fries (Vikings), and Drew Dalman (Bears).
A few veteran names remain available, such as Dalton Risner and Brandon Scherff.
One that should particularly interest the Seahawks is former Patriots cornerstone piece David Andrews.
Andrews snapped the football for Tom Brady during their last two Super Bowl titles in New England, in 2016 and 2018. He started 121 games in Foxborough over 10 seasons. He became a franchise staple, being named a team captain in eight different seasons.
Unfortunately, a shoulder injury cut his 2024 season short after just four games. The Patriots released their veteran center last week.
Now, he is a free agent. While he hasn’t ruled out retirement, Andrews appears open for a new opportunity elsewhere.
In an appearance on the Quick Snap Podcast, he said he doesn’t “have any plans to make any drastic moves right now, just depending on different situations."
The Seahawks have whiffed in free agency along the offensive line. The only addition they have made thus far is reserve swing tackle Josh Jones, who struggled to earn Pro Football Focus grades north of 50 over the last two seasons.
The fanbase is restless. General manager John Schneider said they may have to “overpay” for upgrades along the interior offensive line. Thus far, it’s been quite the opposite, even if he did make a valiant effort trying to sign Fries.
Signing David Andrews would instantly legitimate their free agency pursuits to upgrade the interior line. While he does not have a Pro Bowl to his name, his 71.2 overall PFF grade in 2023 would’ve been the top mark by a Seahawks center since Justin Britt’s first season at center in 2016.
He gives the offensive line an injection of veteran leadership and pedigree. He is a proven leader with two Super Bowl rings on his hand. If nothing else, he could guide the young core of linemen Seattle already has, even if he is in the sunset portion of his career.
Olu Oluwatimi still may be the franchise’s future at center. To this point, he has not taken the reins forcefully.
A scenario exists where Andrews comes to Seattle for one season and is a valuable mentor to Oluwatimi and a leader in the locker room.
Andrews certainly won’t command a bank-breaking deal, given his age and injury-riddled 2024 campaign. If the Seahawks can get him for a one-year deal, that may pay dividends long after his short time in Seattle is over, with the impact he would have on this young and impressionable offensive line.
