Brandon

Shell

The seven-year veteran was signed to a one-year contract during free agency and was in a competition with Spencer Brown for the starting right tackle position prior to his placement on the reserve-retired list. Shell played for the Dolphins, Seahawks, and Jets during his career.

Shell started 11 games for the Dolphins last season and is expected to compete with Spencer Brown for the starting right tackle position. A seven-year veteran of the league, Shell allowed just two sacks last season but allowed a career-high 40 pressures. Prior to joining the Dolphins last season, Shell also spent time with the Seahawks and Jets.

The Dolphins are open to Shell returning but haven’t made an offer. Shell held his own starting for Austin Jackson last year, allowing two sacks in 13 games and should resurface as a seven-year veteran with 72 career starts. Buffalo has been linked as a landing spot for Shell while the Broncos had interest in Shell last offseason.

Shell missed practice this week after going down in the season finale. The questionable tag gives him a chance to play but he won’t be 100 percent if active. With LT Terron Armstead also questionable, Miami could start a pair of backup tackles in the Wild Card round.

Shell spent the previous two seasons with Russell Wilson in Seattle. He appeared in and started 21 games for the Seahawks. The Broncos have not re-signed Bobby Massie, their starting right tackle in 2021, leaving them with a sizable hole at the position. Shell would likely step into a starting role if he signs with Denver.

Shell has played just one game (Week 14) since Week 11 due to an ankle injury and COVID-19 protocols. His return is a boost to the Seahawks’ struggling offensive line, particularly with the Rams’ top-shelf defense on schedule. In a must-win game, Russell Wilson has to play better than he has in the last two months.

Cedric Ogbuehi will get the nod at right tackle in place of Shell. Pass rusher Carlos Dunlap is also available for Seattle.

Jamarco Jones and Chad Wheeler are options at right tackle without both Ogbuehi and Shell available Sunday. Carlos Dunlap is also surprisingly active.

Shell, 28, started 14 games as the Jets’ right tackle last season, grading out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 61 tackle out of 80 qualifiers. He’s essentially replacing Germain Ifedi, who remains unsigned. Ifedi was the No. 71 tackle at PFF in 2019, for comparison’s sake. Neither is a game-changer on the right side, but the Seahawks needed a body after seeing No. 3 OT George Fant sign with the Jets.

It’s a good sign for Shell, who’s coming off ACL surgery. Shell also had MCL and PCL damage, so the Jets figure to move him slowly. Shell’s not a lock to be full-go for the start of training camp.