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The Seahawks haven't tagged J.R Sweezy, much like the Saints decided not to tag Khiry Robinson. Doesn't mean either team wouldn't like to have either player back on the cheap. "On the cheap," key words here. With the release of veteran guard Jahri Evans, the Saints are looking to FA or the draft to shore up the O-line. We already have a few FAs of our own yet to be resigned, Tim Lelito, Senio Kelemete, Mike McGlynn, and Ryan Seymour. With experience in the system they are probably being closely evaluated by the team. Cost and value will ultimately be the deciding factors as well as cost.
This brings me to J.R. Sweezy. Born 4-8-1989, the 26 year old stands 6' 5" and weighs 300 lbs. Sweezy played linebacker in high school, and as defensive end in college at NC State. Taken by the Seahawks in the 7th round of the 2012 draft, he was switched to the O-line.
Pre-draft measurables Ht Wt Arm length Hand size 40-yd dash 10-yd split 20-yd split 20-ss 3-cone Vert Broad BP 6 ft 5 in 298 lb 34 in 95⁄8 in 5.01 s 4.41 s 7.40 s 36 in 10 ft 1 in 21 reps All values from NFL Combine
In 2013 Sweezy started 13 games and the post season for the SB Champion Seahawks. In 2014 he started every game for the 2 time NFC Champions before they lost to the Patriots in SB XLIX. In 2015 he was ranked 36th RG weeks 1-5, 29th weeks 5-10, and 4th 11-13, for pass blocking.
Contract details via Spotrac
YEAR AGE BASE SALARY SIGNING BONUS WORKOUT BONUS CAP HIT DEAD CAP 2012 22 $390,000 $14,212 - $404,212 $56,848 2013 23 $480,000 $14,212 - $494,212 $42,636 2014 24 $570,000 $14,212 - $584,212 $28,424 2015 25 $1,542,000 $14,212 - $1,556,212 $14,212 2016 26 UFA
CONTRACT:4 yr(s) / $2,156,848 SIGNING BONUS$56,848 AVERAGE SALARY$539,212 GUARANTEED:$56,848
FREE AGENT:2016 / UFA
All this means that the experienced right guard should demand a low enough contract to be interesting for the Saints. So what do you think? Should the team give J.R. Sweezy a look. I think he would be a good, low cost option, as either a starter or for much need depth at the position. While the Saints have created $10 mil plus in cap dollars, they are sure to target defensive players as well in free agency. It's a case of value for the buck, and defense is likely where most FA dollars will be targeted.