J.R.

Sweezy

Sweezy was only with the Saints for a month last year and was released before Week 1. He started 31 games for the Cardinals in the two years prior to his short-lived stint in New Orleans. Sweezy entered the league as a seventh-round pick for Seattle in 2012 and was a part of the 2013 Super Bowl team -- starting 18 games for the team at right guard that season.

The 32-year-old was signed earlier this month. Sweezy has had some trouble staying healthy in recent seasons, though he has started at least 10 games every year since 2013, save for 2016. He will get looks on the free agent circuit.

The team waived DT Lorenzo Neal and CB Lawrence Woods in corresponding moves. Seattle’s former seventh-round draft choice out of North Carolina State in 2012, Sweezy played four seasons with the Seahawks before leaving for Tampa Bay and, most recently, spending the last two years churning on Arizona’s roster off the bench. He provides much needed depth among New Orleans’ trenches.

He’ll immediately be thrust back into Arizona’s starting lineup against Buffalo. Sweezy, a below-average body on the interior, has missed the Cardinals’ last three games but will see reps on Sunday since G Justin Murray remains sidelined. Chase Edmonds’ and Kenyan Drake’s ceilings still depend on their usage in the receiving game.

Sweezy has been a below-average starter but a starter nonetheless. It’s a slight downgrade for Kenyan Drake, who can’t afford any more slight downgrades as a low-end RB2. Sweezy will miss at least three weeks. Rookie DT Rashard Lawrence will join Sweezy on injured reserve, too.

Sweezy was one of the worst guards in the league in 2018, but he’ll get a chance to rebound as a 29-year-old with a new staff. When healthy, Sweezy can be a serviceable left guard, but a foot injury held him back last season. The Cardinals are desperate in improving their offensive line with a young quarterback under center.

Sweezy graded out negatively at PFF and missed some time with a late season injury. He isn’t a lock to be back, but Seattle’s offensive line took a step forward with him. 29-year-old Sweezy should be open to a team-friendly deal.

Sweezy missed Week 17. Inactive for the Seahawks are FB Tre Madden, CB Kalan Reed, RB Bo Scarbrough, OT Elijah Nkansah, WR Malik Turner, DE Branden Jackson and DE Rasheem Green.

Sweezy made it just 28-of-80 snaps against the Chiefs. True to form, he has been one of the league’s worst guards this season. Ethan Pocic is the Seahawks’ No. 3 guard.

Sweezy played defensive end at N.C. State, but the Seahawks will ask him to make the transition to guard. Standing at 6'5/298, he’s a decent athlete, but plays stiff. If the tough switch to the offensive line pans out, he’ll add depth on the interior of Seattle’s offensive line.