The Seattle Seahawks have emerged as a surprising force in the 2025 NFL season, sitting at 5-2 through their first seven games and tied for first place in the NFC West alongside the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. With a top-10 offense and defense, the Seahawks have showcased remarkable balance, making them a legitimate contender. However, no team is perfect, and for Seattle, the offensive line—particularly the interior—remains a glaring weakness. Rookie Grey Zabel has held his own, but center Jalen Sundell and right guard Anthony Bradford have struggled to protect quarterback Sam Darnold. As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Seahawks may have a golden opportunity to address this issue by targeting a player who could transform their line: former Las Vegas Raiders second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, Powers-Johnson has landed on the NFL trade block, with the Raiders reportedly souring on the 22-year-old. Knox noted, “After refusing to play the 22-year-old at center early in the season and forcing him to battle for a starting job, head coach Pete Carroll benched the 2024 second-round pick during Sunday’s blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.” Despite this rocky start to his 2025 campaign, Powers-Johnson’s draft pedigree, college production, and rookie tape make him an intriguing option. His trade value may have taken a hit, but his potential remains undeniable.
So, would Jackson Powers-Johnson be an upgrade for the Seahawks? The answer is a resounding yes. Despite his struggles in Las Vegas, Powers-Johnson’s performance metrics suggest he’s a cut above Seattle’s current interior linemen. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Powers-Johnson was the 38th highest-rated player at his position in his rookie season and ranked 22nd in run blocking. Even in his challenging 2025 season, he’s outperforming both Sundell and Bradford, who have been liabilities in pass protection and run blocking. Powers-Johnson’s ability to anchor the line and his upside as a former high draft pick make him a tantalizing target for a Seahawks team looking to solidify their offensive front.
Seattle entered the offseason knowing their offensive line needed help. They made a significant investment by selecting Grey Zabel in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, but beyond that, their efforts to bolster the unit were minimal. Now, with the trade deadline looming, the Seahawks have a chance to rectify that oversight by making a call to their former head coach, Pete Carroll, who now leads the Raiders. Acquiring Powers-Johnson could be a low-risk, high-reward move for a team with playoff aspirations.
While Powers-Johnson has been labeled a “draft bust” by some in Las Vegas, his struggles appear to stem more from coaching decisions and a lack of opportunity than a lack of talent. At just 22 years old, he has the potential to develop into a cornerstone for Seattle’s offensive line. His college tape at Oregon showcased a dominant, versatile lineman capable of excelling at both center and guard, and his rookie performance suggests he can still reach that level with the right coaching and system.
For the Seahawks, this potential trade is a no-brainer. Powers-Johnson’s upside far surpasses that of Sundell or Bradford, and his acquisition could provide the stability and protection Sam Darnold needs to elevate Seattle’s offense to the next level. If general manager John Schneider can swing a deal for the disgruntled Raiders lineman, it could be a genius move that cements the Seahawks as serious contenders in the NFC. With their balanced attack and a bolstered offensive line, Seattle could be on the verge of something special in 2025.