Seahawks sign first-round OL

This four-year pact is worth $18.47MM, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes. That figure is guaranteed in full. Like all other Day 1 selections, Zabel could be kept under team control through through the 2029 season if Seattle picks up his fifth-year option.

Finding an effective combination along the interior of the offensive line in particular has proven to be a challenge in recent years for the Seahawks. General manager John Schneider acknowledged in the build-up to the draft Seattle would be in the market for O-line additions. As a result, it came as little surprise when Zabel came off the board at No. 18. He will look to help a Seahawks offense in need of much better pass protection and a more consistent running game in 2025.

The North Dakota State product saw time at each guard and tackle spot during his college career. He also took center reps during the Senior Bowl, and some viewed him as a candidate to begin his NFL career at that spot. For now, at least, Seattle’s plan is to use Zabel at left guard. That would put him in position to replace veteran Laken Tomlinson, who departed in free agency (after himself joining the team as a fill-in for Damien Lewis following his big-ticket Panthers contract).

This marks the first draft pick signing of the year for the Seahawks. The team still has 10 more deals to work out on that front, but the most lucrative one has now been taken care of.