Another week of the NFL season passes, and another unfortunate clip circulates in which Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford looks lost. This week, Bradford made the rounds on Twitter for running into fellow offensive lineman Jalen Sundell and knocking over teammate Zach Charbonnet on a play that could have gone for a large gain.
While one play doesn’t encapsulate an entire performance–after all, it would be easy to pick apart most players in the league by isolating a single clip–Bradford’s viral gaffes are merely standout moments in a season marred by poor play.
Bradford’s Ongoing Struggles
Bradford is one of the lowest-rated guards according to PFF, ranking 73rd out of 82 eligible players, and he’s particularly underperformed in the passing game, ranking 80th in pass-block grade. With the Seahawks (5-2) showing promise as true NFC contenders, many fans and analysts are clamoring for the team to upgrade at right guard, likely via trade.
“All of the 12s could heartily concur, because it’s obvious from watching last week that Anthony Bradord’s play at right guard isn’t close to an elite level,” Richie Whitt writes for SI. He adds, “It’s not solely Bradford’s fault, but he shares some of the blame for Seattle ranking just 27th in the league at 3.7 yards per rush.”
Tim Weaver, another SI writer, discussed how Bradford has fallen short of expectations, especially after a positive preseason performance. “Bradford’s struggles are particularly disappointing this year, because he appeared to have turned a corner during the preseason, when he was positively dominant facing second-string defenders,” Weaver writes.
“Unfortunately, that great work in August turned out to be a mirage, as Bradford immediately regressed once the regular season began and he started lining up across from starters again.”
Possible Trade Candidates
There are plenty of interior offensive linemen for Seattle to consider acquiring prior to the Nov. 4 deadline. One name that’s been floated around is Saints right guard Cesar Ruiz. The 26-year-old was selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and has started 75 games in six seasons for New Orleans. This would be a relatively big swing for Seattle, as Ruiz’s cap hit jumps to $14.2 million over the next two seasons, but the rebuilding Saints may be willing to part with the serviceable veteran.
Another rebuilding team, the Cleveland Browns, has two veteran guards who are rumored to be available. Joel Bitonio is one of the most decorated players who may be dealt at the deadline in general. The 34-year-old has made seven Pro Bowls and been named an All-Pro five times in his career. He’s in the final year of his deal and could be the perfect short-term mercenary for Seattle’s playoff push.
The other Browns option is Wyatt Teller, whose contract also ends after this season. Teller, 30, has made three Pro Bowls and been selected as an All-Pro twice in his career. NFL analyst Dan Wilkins of theScore recently proposed a deal in which the Seahawks acquired Teller for a 2026 fifth-round pick.
Finally, Evan Neal of the New York Giants has been linked to trade rumors. The No. 7 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft has been a flat-out bust so far in his career. However, Seattle may be willing to gamble on Neal’s past blue-chip upside, even if he’s only added for depth. No matter what, it’s clear the Seahawks should make some attempt to improve the right guard position this season.
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