SEATTLE: Russell Wilson made it clear this offseason that one thing needed to be executed concerning the offensive line for him to stay on board with the path of the Seahawks.
It was basically an ultimatum from Seattles franchise quarterback.
And thats the place Gabe Jackson comes into the image. Deemed expendable by the Las Vegas Raiders after seven seasons, he shortly caught on with the Seahawks, who jumped on the alternative so as to add a confirmed veteran within the mould of their prototypical inside offensive lineman.
As an offensive lineman, or a participant generally, I really feel like youre at all times underneath a microscope, Jackson stated throughout a video convention Tuesday. But one of the best factor you are able to do is simply be your self and work onerous, take teaching and simply do your finest. If you do all the pieces proper, youre coaching proper, you apply proper and all that may repay on Sundays.
Despite Wilsons feedback in February that he needs extra safety and is bored with getting hit an excessive amount of, buying Jackson is the one important step Seattle has taken up to now to deal with the offensive line.
The Seahawks did carry again beginning heart Ethan Pocic and re-signed backups Jordan Simmons and Cedric Ogbuehi. But when it comes to a giant splash transfer, its been solely Jackson.
I do know its an excellent group of offensive (linemen) and Ive watched them play, and Im simply excited to play with them as a result of I do know we may be nice, Jackson stated.
Jackson turned obtainable as Las Vegas started a significant overhaul of the offensive line. While he wont resolve all the road issues in Seattle, his arrival is a step towards making Wilson glad.
Seattle believes in Jackson sufficient that it restructured his contract with an extension that may preserve the 29-year-old tied to the Seahawks by way of the 2023 season.
I truly obtained a bit bit longer deal than I had in Vegas, however its not an excessive amount of completely different. Just a bit extension, Jackson stated.
Seattle wanted to discover a substitute at left guard following the retirement of Mike Iupati. While Jackson has primarily been a proper guard in his profession, he has performed left guard previously. The Seahawks imagine Jackson and Damien Lewis have the flexibility to play both guard place.
Jackson stated he doesnt have a choice and the teaching workers has not talked with him but concerning the path they need to go.
Jackson has began 99 of 100 profession video games however final season was important as Jackson performed in all 16 video games for the primary time since 2016. Between proving he can play a full season and having a brand new tackle to name house, Jackson stated it feels virtually like hes been drafted once more.
It was an excellent feeling for me, not being egocentric, however simply to complete out the complete size of the season with no accidents delicate, minor stuff right here and there like some bruises however simply to make it by way of (with) my teammates for the entire yr and play properly, it felt nice, Jackson stated. And the brand new begin, it appears like draft day. Feel like Im a rookie over again.
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