Seattle Seahawks Need to Step up Their Game for Ryan Clady
By Paul Taylor
Ryan Clady’s visit to the Pacific Northwest reportedly ended without a contract agreement, but the Seattle Seahawks should step up their efforts to sign the four-time Pro Bowler.
Give the Seattle Seahawks credit where it’s due. Since free agency started, they’ve made genuine attempts to strengthen their offensive line.
Unfortunately, they haven’t yet had the desired results, with T.J. Lang deciding at the eleventh hour to go to Detroit, because they offered more money. Yes, the Seahawks have acquired Oday Aboushi and Luke Joeckel, but is either player really the kind of big-name addition expected to significantly upgrade the O-line?
In that respect, the news that Ryan Clady was visiting the Pacific Northwest, was met with considerably more excitement. This was understandable, with a resume that includes two First-team All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowls.
Unfortunately for the Seahawks, nothing has been agreed yet. As reported by Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times, Clady left Seattle without a contract.
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However, if general manager John Schneider and the rest of the front office are serious about boosting Russell Wilson‘s protection, they can’t afford to give up. They need to step up their efforts and persuade Clady that Seattle is the best place for him to play.
It’s not every day a former 12th overall draft pick becomes available. In that respect, Clady is the top left tackle remaining, with the likes of Andrew Whitworth and, ironically, Russell Okung having signed elsewhere.
As such, this gives even more reason for Schneider to raise his game and convince the Long Beach, California native to relocate to Seattle. Of course, this doesn’t mean signing the 30-year old wouldn’t come with some risk, after been limited to 24 starts in the previous four seasons, due to various injuries.
However, the Seahawks might be able to use this to their advantage. Again, while not expecting Clady to sign a cheap deal, he may be willing to compromise his asking price, in order for the opportunity to prove himself.
Of course, it would only take one other team to offer a more favorable deal, for Clady to sign elsewhere. In that respect, the Seahawks may need to ask him if he wants to be like Lang, or play for a regular Super Bowl contender, while still earning decent money?
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We all know the Seahawks need to strengthen their offensive line, but how much effort would you put into persuading Clady to sign? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.