The landscape of the NFC West shifted dramatically on Monday when the LA Rams announced they had completed a blockbuster Myles Garrett trade to the Rams. Garrett, the reigning 2025 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, joins a Rams defense that was already looking to reclaim its dominance in the division. For the Seattle Seahawks, this move puts their rebuilt and improving offensive line under an immediate and intense spotlight, as they must now prepare to face one of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history twice a season.
The Myles Garrett Trade to the Rams and the NFC West Arms Race
The acquisition of Myles Garrett by the Los Angeles Rams is a clear signal that the organization is in a "win-now" mode for the 2026 season. Garrett is coming off a sensational 2025 campaign where he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, consistently wrecking game plans and forcing double teams on nearly every snap. By moving him into a division that features high-powered offenses like Seattle’s, the Rams have effectively raised the stakes for every offensive coordinator in the NFC West.
For Seattle, the timing of the trade is particularly poignant. The Seahawks have spent the last several offseasons investing heavily in their front five, attempting to move away from the years of inconsistent protection that plagued the end of the Pete Carroll era. Now, under the leadership of Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks’ offensive line faces the ultimate litmus test: keeping the 2025 DPOY away from their franchise quarterback.
Charles Cross and the Leap to Elite Status
The primary responsibility for neutralizing Garrett will likely fall on the shoulders of Charles Cross. The former first-round pick has steadily developed into a cornerstone left tackle for Seattle. Cross has shown remarkable growth in his technique, particularly in his footwork and hand placement against speed rushers. However, Garrett represents a unique blend of power and agility that few tackles in the league can mirror.
The Seahawks have praised Cross for his improved anchor in pass protection, a trait that will be vital when Garrett attempts to convert speed to power. To succeed against the Rams' new weapon, Cross will need to maintain discipline and avoid the early-snap penalties that can put an offense behind the sticks. The battle between Cross and Garrett on the edge is set to be one of the most anticipated individual matchups of the upcoming season.
The Health and Impact of Abraham Lucas
While Cross protects the blindside, the health and performance of Abraham Lucas on the right side are equally critical. Lucas has proven to be a dominant force when healthy, providing the Seahawks with a bookend tackle duo that was among the league's best during their rookie seasons. With the Myles Garrett trade to the Rams, the Seahawks cannot afford any weaknesses on the edges.
The Rams are known for moving their pass rushers around the formation to exploit mismatches. If Lucas is fully healthy, he provides the size and strength necessary to combat Garrett if the Rams decide to line him up over the right tackle. The synergy between Cross and Lucas will be the Seahawks' best defense against a Rams front that now features a generational talent.
Grey Zabel and Interior Reinforcements
It isn't just the tackles who will feel the pressure of Garrett's arrival in the division. The Seahawks have integrated Grey Zabel into the offensive line mix to provide stability and versatility. Modern NFL defenses often use "NASCAR" packages where elite edge rushers like Garrett loop inside to attack guards and centers.
Zabel’s role will be to ensure that the interior of the pocket remains firm. If Garrett finds success stunting inside, it could collapse the pocket and negate the work done by Cross and Lucas on the perimeter. The communication between the tackles and interior players like Zabel will be the difference between a successful offensive drive and a drive-ending sack.
Strategic Implications for the Seahawks Offense
Facing a player of Garrett's caliber twice a year necessitates a shift in offensive philosophy. The Seahawks may need to rely more on quick-game passing concepts, utilizing tight ends and running backs in chip-block roles to assist the tackles. The presence of Garrett forces an offense to be more calculated, often sacrificing a potential receiver in the pattern to ensure the quarterback stays upright.
The Seahawks' coaching staff will undoubtedly be dissecting film of Garrett’s 2025 DPOY season to find any sliver of an advantage. With the Rams officially landing their superstar defender, the rivalry between Seattle and Los Angeles has entered a high-stakes new chapter. The Seahawks' offensive line has been trending upward, but the arrival of Myles Garrett in the NFC West is the toughest challenge they have faced yet.
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