he Seattle Seahawks have made a strategic move to strengthen their offensive line by signing guard Malaesala “Sala” Aumavae-Laulu to a reserve/future contract.his acquisition reflects the team’s commitment to building depth and fostering competition within their roster as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season.
orn on May 25, 1999, in Palmer, Alaska, Aumavae-Laulu’s football journey is marked by perseverance and adaptability.e attended multiple high schools, including Palmer High School in Alaska, Liberty High School in Nevada, and Keaau High School in Hawaii, showcasing his resilience and dedication to the sport. umavae-Laulu began his collegiate career at Navarro College, a junior college in Texas, where he played from 2017 to 2018.is impressive performance earned him a four-star recruit ranking by 247Sports.com, and he subsequently committed to the University of Oregon in June 2018, choosing the Ducks over offers from prestigious programs such as Baylor, Alabama, and Arkansas. uring his tenure at Oregon from 2019 to 2022, Aumavae-Laulu became a cornerstone of the Ducks’ offensive line.e made 29 career starts, including 22 consecutive starts, primarily at right tackle.n his final season, he led the team with 902 offensive snaps, demonstrating durability and consistency.is performance was instrumental in Oregon’s offensive success, contributing to a unit that led the nation with just five sacks allowed—a testament to his pass-blocking prowess.
umavae-Laulu entered the 2023 NFL Draft and was selected in the sixth round, 199th overall, by the Baltimore Ravens.tanding at 6-foot-5 and weighing 317 pounds, he was recognized for his physicality and powerful blocking abilities.avens General Manager Eric DeCosta highlighted his athleticism and potential, noting his capability to pull and play on his feet, envisioning him as a strong developmental prospect with significant upside.espite these promising attributes, Aumavae-Laulu’s rookie season presented challenges.e appeared in two games for the Ravens in 2024 but was waived from the active roster in October and subsequently re-signed to the practice squad.ollowing the conclusion of the season, he was released from the practice squad in January 2025, making him a free agent.
he Seahawks’ decision to sign Aumavae-Laulu to a reserve/future contract is a forward-thinking move.uch contracts are agreements that allow teams to claim the rights to players for the upcoming season, even though the new league year has not yet begun.hese contracts are typically extended to players who were not on an active roster at the end of the previous season, including practice squad players and free agents.y securing Aumavae-Laulu with a reserve/future contract, the Seahawks ensure he will be part of their 90-man roster when the offseason program commences, providing him with an opportunity to compete for a spot on the team
he addition of Aumavae-Laulu aligns with the Seahawks’ strategy to enhance their offensive line depth and foster healthy competition among their linemen.is versatility, having experience at both right tackle and right guard, offers the coaching staff flexibility in configuring the offensive line to optimize performance. hile Aumavae-Laulu’s professional career is still in its early stages, his collegiate track record and physical attributes suggest significant potential.he Seahawks’ coaching staff will likely focus on refining his technique and acclimating him to their offensive schemes during the offseason program.f he can tap into the potential that made him a standout at Oregon, Aumavae-Laulu could emerge as a valuable contributor to the Seahawks’ offensive front.
he signing of Sala Aumavae-Laulu to a reserve/future contract represents a low-risk, high-reward proposition for the Seattle Seahawks.t underscores the organization’s proactive approach to roster development and its commitment to investing in young talent with the potential to make a meaningful impact.s the offseason unfolds, Aumavae-Laulu will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities and vie for a position on the active roster, aiming to become an integral part of the Seahawks’ pursuit of success in the forthcoming NFL season.