Omiyale is on his way
This isn’t the most sexy off season roster move the Seattle Seahawks have pulled off since the start of free agency, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t important.
Last Wednesday the Seahawks released Robert Gallery, some may wonder if it was to make room to bring in former Seahawks guard Steve Hutchinson (not that he needs introduction if you are reading this).
I doubt the Seahawks released a player with hopes to sign another, it makes no sense.
If that is what the Seahawks wanted to do they could have waited to sign Hutchinson before they released Gallery.
The release of Gallery likely has more to do with the fact that he is an aging veteran who killed 4 drives last season because of stupid mistakes that you don’t expect from your veterans.
He also missed 4 games due to injury last season.
Monday the Seahawks released reserve offensive lineman Jarriel King after news got out that he was being charged with third-degree sexual conduct where he and another man allegedly raped a 25-year old woman in his apartment.
Welcome to the squad, Frank Omiyale!
After the release of these two players the Seahawks have been left lacking depth along the line where three of the starting five are still recovering from injuries suffered last season. Robert Gallery was the starting left guard so the line is down to one starter from last season before the first OTA.
These all factor in to the importance off adding Frank Omiyale at this point in time.
Omiyale is a backup player who adds depth to the line. He has experience in the zone blocking scheme and spent his second year in the league (2006) under (then position coach) Tom Cable while they were both with the Atlanta Falcons.
In 2009, Frank Omiyale signed a 4-year $14 million dollar contract with the Chicago Bears to become the starting right tackle.
After starting 28 of 32 games during his first 2 seasons with the team he was replaced in the starting line-up and ultimately released on March 1st.
On March 5th, Frank was brought to Seattle for a visit with the team and Yesterday the Seahawks signed him to a 1-year deal that is reportedly at the veteran minimum.
He is a decent run blocker who can maul his opponents but he struggles in his pass blocking ability to such an extent that in Chicago he earned the nickname “Gate 68″.
He does bring a level of versatlity as he has played both tackle and guard at the NFL level.
This is a good move for the Seahawks but if he sees much regular season starting time at either position, Matt Flynn better bring his running cleats and make sure his chin strap is tight.
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