Why didn’t the Seahawks cut Anthony Bradford?

[seabowl]

Why Anthony Bradford Won’t Be Cut From the Seahawks

As training camp gets closer, all 32 teams are planning difficult decisions to make. The process to cut an entire mini-camp roster down to a 53-player roster pl

www.si.com

I know a lot of us on here were pulling our hair out watching Anthony Bradford bumble around during many a play last year. I thought for sure they would try to upgrade the position, but this article explains most likely why the Seahawks have kept him. One thing going for the Hawks is that he is in a contract year and many players miraculously play exceptionally better and are in great shape during that contract year.

 

[AROS]

He did improve his play heading into the playoffs and beyond. That is what they are looking at, and with this being a contract year it's likely to expect him to continue to improve in order to get a decent contract in 2027. As long as he continues to show improvement and not such a liability as he was the first half of 2025, I'm cool with it. Let the rook develop and replace him when the time comes.

 

[RolandDeschain]

I trust Macdonald and Schneider. The NFL is littered with players whom teams gave up on too soon but later became much better.

 

[Jville]

The off season during the transition from Pete Carroll to Mike Macdonald was among the more challenging in recent years. Anthony Bradford hit a career low in his conditioning as well as assignment execution. What compounded the problems was that the rookie drafted to compete with Bradford was also called out for poor conditioning. That time, to my eye, was the low point at right guard.

That began to change with Macdonald's second off season and the arrival of John Benton. I enjoyed the 2025 process resulting in improved play of the offensive line. The play and example that Abraham Lucas demonstrates has also helped Anthony Bradford. I suspect the two of them will become a more obvious run blocking force as they play together in 2026 along with continued improvemtn in pass blocking.

Their best is yet to come.

 

[cymatica]

He seemed fine last season, especially compared to before. I'd rather keep him for continuity

 

[GeekHawk]

At least there are reasons cited in the article other then blind loyalty. Which happened way too often in the previous regime.

 

[Sperrydogg]

He seemed fine last season, especially compared to before. I'd rather keep him for continuity

I agree. If he gets outplayed and replaced it’s a good thing, but right now we have a complete Super Bowl champion offensive line.

 

[SoulfishHawk]

While I'm not a fan of Bradford, I'm gonna' go ahead and trust Coach Mike and his coaches. They know a hell of a lot more about football than any of us

And that's SUPER BOWL CHAMPION Anthony Bradford.

 

[toffee]

Cut the most athletic 330-pounder?

25 years old, Anthony Bradford is considered a Tier 1 (elite) athlete for his position. Coming out of LSU in 2023, he earned a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.81 out of 10.00, ranking him among the most athletic guards evaluated in decades. [1, 2, 3]
His elite athletic profile breaks down as follows:

• Overall Score: 9.81 RAS (Top tier)
• 40-Yard Dash: 5.08 seconds (Top 16% at his size)
• Vertical Leap: 30 inches (Good explosive tier)
• Size: 6'4", 332 lbs (Elite mass and frame) [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

He pairs this elite physical upside with significant natural power.

In comparison:

26 years old Christian Haynes is considered a Tier 1 to Tier 2 interior offensive lineman in terms of pure testing athleticism. Coming out of UConn, he recorded a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.10, ranking as one of the most athletic guards in his draft class. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
His athletic tier is broken down by the following traits:

• Explosion (Elite Tier): His standout athletic traits are his explosive power and burst. At the NFL Combine, he posted a 33-inch vertical jump (placing him in the 94th percentile for guards) and a 5.03-second 40-yard dash (93rd percentile). [1, 2, 3]
• Speed & Agility (Above Average): Haynes excels when asked to pull or get out in space. He transitions well from his stance to the second level, which makes him highly capable in both wide zone and gap running schemes. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
• Play Strength (Good / Solid Tier): At 6'3" and 317 pounds, his low center of gravity provides a strong anchor, though he lacks the prototypical massive height of some other NFL guards. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Haynes’ profile reflects a highly athletic, well-rounded lineman whose testing numbers translate smoothly onto the field.

and here comes Damien Lewis:

29 years old Damien Lewis is a Tier 3 (Good/Above Average) athlete for an NFL interior offensive lineman. He isn't an elite, twitchy mover, but rather a powerful, compact mauler. [1, 2, 3, 4]
At 6'2" and roughly 327 lbs, Lewis's athleticism profile includes: [1, 2, 3, 4]

• Relative Athletic Score (RAS): 7.96 out of 10
• Strength: Excellent. Put up 27 bench reps at the Combine and boasts a strong anchor and heavy hands.
• Agility: Below average. Because of his shorter stature and squat build, he isn't a fluid zone-blocker who excels in space.
• Speed: Average. Ran a 5.24 in the 40-yard dash. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Instead of relying on elite speed, Lewis uses natural leverage, raw power, and physicality to succeed in the trenches.

 

[toffee]

If we have to cut, which we don't. Who would you rather cut, Christian Haynes or Anthony Bradford?

 

[Bobblehead]

No one we have is better.. probably a pretty easy decision.

 

[LeveeBreak]

His play from H1 to H2 improved dramatically. Not just his personal stats, but overall O-line play in both run & pass game.

IMO, if he leaves after this year, some folks are gonna be confounded at the contract he'll end up signing. Could be N of $15m+ a year.

 

[Floridahawk79]

I'd like to see one of those off season workout videos of Bradford getting after it, like what Lucas has posted in the past. That would make me a little more confident. But hey who knows.

 

[toffee]

I'd like to see one of those off season workout videos of Bradford getting after it, like what Lucas has posted in the past. That would make me a little more confident. But hey who knows.

Publicity pics are good for fans.

 

[Jville]

Recall that Christian Haynes reported to rookie camp in year 1 in poor condition.

Year two was ruined by a pectoral injury that landed him on injured reserve until well into the season.

Haynes was last reported to be the #2 candidate at right guard. Perhaps he'll challenge.

 

[Jac]

There aren't enough good OL to go around. There are 31 other fanbases who could point to one of their OL that they want replaced.

 

[sutz]

We're returning 5 starters on our OL from a SB winning team. Bradford's job is safe for me, until someone beats him out.

 

[Mike MacDarnold]

I wish we could clone Zabel 3x and not have to worry about the interior line ever.

 

[SonicHawk]

He's awful but he also won a SB. I kind of defer to JS/MM on this one.

 

[FreshBoxLive]

Its like people expect us to have 5 pro bowlers on the offensive line or something. AB is a monster at run blocking with the occasional to somewhat frequent whiff. He's kind of a liability in pass pro, but if he's the weakest link on our line than I think thats good.