NFL Rumors: Russell Okung Leaving Seattle Seahawks For New York Giants

NFL rumors have swirled around the New York Giants. The team made a splash in free agency this week and solidified their defense. Janoris Jenkins, Olivier Vernon, and Damon Harrison were signed to help the Giants shut down opponents. Now, it appears that New York wants to patch up their offensive line. According to the New York Post, the Giants are trying to sign Russell Okung, the starting left tackle for the Seattle Seahawks since 2010.

Since free agency began, the Seattle Seahawks have been trying to keep their roster together. They failed with Bruce Irvin, as the versatile linebacker opted to sign with the Oakland Raiders. He reunites with former Seahawks linebackers coach Ken Norton, Jr., now the defensive coordinator for the Raiders. Seattle managed to convince Jermaine Kearse to stick around after it seemed like a certainty that the wide receiver was signing with another NFL team.

The Seattle Seahawks are hoping to be able to keep Russell Okung. They like having him as their starting left tackle. However, the Seahawks would like to do it at a fair price. Considering that Okung is already 28-years-old, he might be looking for a huge contract. He’s played a lot of snaps in the NFL, so his career might not last that long. If the New York Giants are willing to pay more than Seattle, then Russell will be receptive to leaving the Seahawks.

Russell Okung is taking the unorthodox route of representing himself. Some believe that the former Oklahoma State Cowboys star would have already been signed if he had an agent. While a lot of people think that Okung is making a mistake, some are rooting for him because it might open the door for other NFL players to do the same. The percentage might seem small to some, but players would love to have millions of extra dollars in their pockets.

Right now, Russell Okung has a meeting schedule with the New York Giants on Friday. With or without an agent, he might sign a contract as early as that day. Okung wants to hear what the Giants have to offer him because they’re his first choice in the NFL. Russell also plans on visiting with the Detroit Lions, but that might be a way to gain some leverage in negotiations with New York, a team that desperately needs an offensive line upgrade.

Ereck Flowers proved that he was worth the first round pick that the New York Giants spent on him. He’s a legitimate left tackle in the NFL. Justin Pugh and Weston Richburg are a solid combination inside. The Giants could use another offensive guard, but it’s not as much of a priority as finding another offensive tackle. That’s why New York is meeting with Russell Okung before they meet with interior offensive linemen.

Russell Okung spent years playing offensive left tackle for the Seattle Seahawks. If he were to sign with the New York Giants, the Texas native would have to convert to offensive right tackle. Okung has never played that position in the NFL before. However, at six-feet, five-inches and 310-pounds, Russell should be able to handle being more of a run blocker. The defensive ends that he’s going to go up against are going to be a bit bigger, but Okung should be able to hold his own.

After six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Okung is on the verge of finding a new home in the NFL. He’s also on the verge of finding a new position. Both are going to require some time for Okung to get adjusted, but a move to the New York Giants is what Russell wants.