The Seattle Seahawks need to improve their offensive line, but it appears they won’t be making those upgrades through free agency. However, that doesn’t mean general manager John Schneider has stopped looking for potential additions at guard or center.
During his weekly appearance on Seattle Sports 710 radio, Schneider shared that the team recently hosted Jacksonville Jaguars guard Cole Van Lanen, a restricted free agent with an original-round tender.
Van Lanen was originally drafted in the sixth round by the Green Bay Packers but failed to make the active roster. He played just one snap after being elevated from the practice squad for a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
After signing a reserve/futures contract in 2022, he was traded to the Jaguars, where he has since appeared in 34 games and started three times in 2024.
Despite his limited experience, the 26-year-old has lined up at both tackle and guard, though the majority of his 300 career snaps have come at tackle, with only 18 at guard.
Because Van Lanen is a restricted free agent rather than an unrestricted one, the signing process is different. If Seattle extends an offer, Jacksonville can either match it or let him leave. In exchange, the Seahawks would need to send a sixth-round pick as compensation—but they currently don’t have one.
Per league rules: “Unless received two days or later prior to the NFL Draft, draft compensation for each tender is due in the same League Year as the offer sheet is signed.”
With RFA negotiations closing on April 18, Van Lanen may not be a well-known name or an experienced starter, but his situation is worth monitoring in the coming weeks.
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