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ESPN's Mike Sando posited a really interesting trade scenario for NFL Insiders today, sending a left tackle prospect not named Joe Thomas to the Seahawks in exchange for a future conditional pick.
Jacksonville Jaguars LT Luke Joeckel to the Seattle Seahawks for a conditional 2017 draft choice.
Seattle is in the market for a left tackle after letting Russell Okung depart in free agency. Joeckel, the second overall pick of the 2013 draft, could be the odd man out in Jacksonville after the Jaguars signed Kelvin Beachum. Ankle injuries limited Joeckel to five games last season.
The Seahawks would absorb a nearly $3.3 million charge against their cap to accommodate Joeckel's base salary for 2016. And they would have to exercise an expensive fifth-year contract option to keep him in 2017. Those considerations and the uncertainties surrounding Joeckel's health/performance explain why a conditional 2017 draft choice might make sense as compensation. Perhaps Seattle would commit a 2017 mid-round pick that can upgrade based on playing time.
It's definitely an interesting prospect. Joeckel has been a disappointment in Jacksonville and has struggled with injuries, but the former first-rounder still has some upside if he can get and stay healthy. It'd be a relatively low-risk move as well.
Thoughts?