The Seahawks were searching for a replacement for left guard J.R. Sweezy, who reached a two-year deal with Iupati's former team, the Arizona Cardinals, earlier this week. Iupati will likely fill the void left by Sweezy, who started 15 games for Seattle after returning to the team in 2018.
The Seahawks' offensive line made major strides on the ground last season, helping Seattle's three-headed rushing attack of running backs Chris Carson, Mike Davis and Rashaad Penny amass over 2,000 total rushing yards at a 4.7-yards-per-carry clip. Unfortunately for Seattle's first-year offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, the Seahawks' offensive line regressed in pass protection last season, as quarterback Russell Wilson was sacked on over 10 percent of his dropbacks.
Seattle should expect more of the same if Iupati is inserted into the team's starting lineup in 2019. The veteran lineman, who failed to live up to the lucrative contract he signed with Arizona, has proven to be a better asset in the running game than the passing game. In 2018, Iupati graded out as Pro Football Focus' fifth-best run blocker but ranked as the sixth-worst pass blocker in the NFL.
Also on Thursday morning, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Seahawks made a significant personnel move on the defensive side of the ball, as the team re-signed veteran linebacker K.J. Wright to a two-year contract worth up to $15.5 million:
Wright, who enters his ninth season in the league, will continue to line up at WILL linebacker next to All-Pro MIKE linebacker Bobby Wagner in the middle of Seattle's defensive unit. Wright is expected to be fully recovered from the knee injury that limited the linebacker to just five starts for the Seahawks in 2018.
Seattle also re-signed fellow free-agent linebacker Mychal Kendricks on Wednesday, but it's unclear whether the seven-year veteran will be available this season due to his ongoing legal troubles. Kendricks faces significant jail time after the linebacker pleaded guilty to insider trading in 2018. Kendricks will learn his fate at his sentencing hearing next month.
Written By:
You may have seen Chris Wilson's work on NFL game theory, statistical analysis, and film breakdowns at FanSided, Niner Noise, Locked on Sports, Insidethe49, ClutchPoints, and others. Follow Chris on Twitter @cgawilson.
All articles by Chris Wilson
Chris Wilson
You may have seen Chris Wilson's work on NFL game theory, statistical analysis, and film breakdowns at FanSided, Niner Noise, Locked on Sports, Insidethe49, ClutchPoints, and others. Follow Chris on Twitter @cgawilson.
All articles by Chris Wilson
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers claim linebacker off waivers, place Ben Bartch on IR
The San Francisco 49ers have claimed linebacker Garret Wallow off waivers from the Denver Broncos. To make room on the roster, the team placed offensive lineman Ben Bartch on the injured reserve list. Bartch suffered a foot injury in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns. Last... -
Jets sign recently released 49ers quarterback
It didn't take long for former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Adrian Martinez to find a new NFL home. The New York Jets have signed Martinez, whom the 49ers released from their practice squad on Tuesday. The Jets also signed Adrian Martinez to add to the QB room, Aaron Glenn... -
NFL reveals 49ers' nominee for Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award
The NFL has revealed its 32 nominees for the prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, which honors players for their excellence on and off the field. Representing the San Francisco 49ers for the second consecutive year is linebacker Curtis Robinson. The 49ers... -
49ers insider estimates Fred Warner's chances of returning for the playoffs
The San Francisco 49ers have dealt with significant roster setbacks this season due to injuries, and none has been more impactful than losing linebacker Fred Warner—one of the NFL's premier defensive players. Warner suffered a dislocated and fractured right ankle in Week 6...