Mike

Iupati

“My body was telling me it was time to close the door,” Iupati told Peter Harriman of The Spokesman-Review. A four-time Pro Bowl player, Iupati spent his first five seasons in the NFL with the 49ers, finalizing his 11-year career with the Seahawks from 2019 on. He appeared in 140 regular-season games including 11 postseason contests. He most recently missed several games late into last year when a significant neck injury cropped up, ultimately deciding that at age 33 his NFL career had come full circle. He walks away with $50.75 million in career earnings.

A 15-game starter for the Seahawks at left guard last season, 32-year-old Iupati was reliable during the regular season but missed the playoffs with a neck injury. Although available, he was also a liability during the regular campaign. Iupati has not been the same player since injuries started stacking up in 2017. He will obviously be a starting option but subject to competition after the Seahawks added a number of bodies along the interior.

Iupati could be joined on the sideline by LT Duane Brown (knee/biceps, questionable) and OT George Fant (groin, questionable). The Seahawks will have their hands full with trying to contain Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith and this ferocious Packers pass-rush. Still, the Green Bay defense struggled to slow down opposing rushing attacks all season. Overall, only the Dolphins allowed more adjusted yards per rush attempt than the Packers (Football Outsiders).

Citing “two league sources who know the Raiders well,” Smith says the Raiders are now targeting Iupati. The consensus among scouts is that Iupati is best served by staying at guard. It’s not surprising, however, that Al Davis’ team believes they can make a left tackle out of the one of the best guard prospects of recent years.

If so, Oakland will likely slot him in at right tackle. They’re well setup at left and right guard with Robert Gallery and Cooper Carlisle, respectively. The Raiders go on the clock in a few hours. It appears they’re willing to give 290-pound former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell one last chance.

It’s interesting that the Redskins are not mentioned among Iupati’s potential suitors. The Chargers have dropped out after agreeing to terms with Orlando Franklin. CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora writes that he believes Iupati will not re-sign with San Francisco. The dots connect Iupati nicely to Buffalo, where OC Greg Roman knows him and the Bills need offensive line help.

Per the San Francisco Chronicle, the Raiders are also “hot after” Iupati. Signing Iupati would give the Jets a left side of LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson, LG Iupati, and C Nick Mangold on new OC Chan Gailey’s offensive line. The Jets are likely to have suspect quarterback play in 2015, so running the football should be their calling card. Iupati is at his best when run blocking.

The good news is Iupati will reportedly be available in the Divisional Round if Seattle manages to advance. The rest of the Seahawks’ inactives are: WR Malik Turner (concussion), WR Jaron Brown (knee), DE L.J. Collier, LT Duane Brown (biceps, knee), DT Bryan Mone and LB Mychal Kendricks (knee). Both DE Jadeveon Clowney (core) and S Quandre Diggs (ankle) are good to go.

Iupati has been dealing with a stinger the last couple weeks. He’ll be a game-time decision, though it sounds like this may be something he can push through. With LT Duane Brown already out, Seattle would be down two of their best offensive lineman if Iupati sits.

Iupati left the game halfway through the first quarter. His absence is bad news for the Seahawks’ chances of keeping Russell Wilson upright.