Seahawks Urged to Replace Struggling Player Before Trade Deadline

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.

Browns Give 2-Word Update on Quinshon Judkins’ Week 2 Status

The Cleveland Browns are taking a cautious approach with rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, keeping his debut on hold after his late signing and amid lingering uncertainty about his availability.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski offered little clarity on Monday when asked about Judkins’ status for an important Week 2 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

“We’ll see,” Stefanski said.

He continued, “Got to get through this week of practice, but don’t know.”

After an extended holdout and off-field issues, Judkins signed with the Browns on Sept. 6. Cleveland has a two-week roster exemption for Judkins as he gets up to speed. If he remains out this week, he’ll make his debut on Sept. 21 against the Green Bay Packers.

Judkins is expected to meet with NFL investigators this week over a domestic battery charge, which was dropped. A suspension is possible but Judkins was not placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List based on the fact that he has no criminal charges or cases pending.

Browns’ Run Game Uninspiring Against Bengals

The Browns were unable to get anything going on the ground in a 17-16 Week 1 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Cleveland had just 49 yards rushing in the game, averaging a paltry 2.0 yards per rush. The team’s longest rush of the afternoon was just five yards.

Judkins could play a significant role in providing a boost. The Browns selected Judkins in the second round with pick No. 36 overall. Cleveland did so, knowing they were moving on from Nick Chubb, a fan-favorite and four-time Pro Bowler.

General manager Andrew Berry said after selecting Judkins that he sees “bell cow” potential in the rookie.

“We feel like he’s just a very well-rounded back,” Berry said. “We’ve obviously been spoiled over the past couple of years, particularly with Nick and Kareem (Hunt). And we feel like he is very much in that mold in terms of skill set. Not necessarily saying that he’s going to, with certainty, develop into one of those players. We certainly hope that’s the case. But we think that he can be a bell cow runner that can really carry the load for us.”

Judkins was a big producer during his college career, first at Ole Miss and then at Ohio State. He rushed for 3,785 yards and 45 touchdowns over three college seasons.Rookie RB Dylan Sampson Shines for Browns

The run game couldn’t get going against the Bengals but rookie running back Dylan Sampson was busy. He led the team with eight receptions for 64 yards. He also registered a team-high 12 carries for 29 yards. Sampson will likely continue to have a significant role once Judkins returns.

“I thought Dylan did a nice job. He was out there because we trust him,” Stefanski said. “He has the ability in the run and the pass game to affect the game.”

The lone rushing touchdown of the day belonged to newcomer Raheim Sanders, whom the Browns claimed after the preseason. He had three carries for three yards and the score.

“I feel like with his size he was the right person for our short yards goal line package,” Stefanski said.

The ground game will be key against the Ravens, with the Browns looking to keep Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry off the field with extended drives. Cleveland held the ball for more than 10 minutes longer than the Bengals on Sunday.

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