Hey guys. Since the Seahawks are my NFC team, I thought I'd provide some insight on Gallery:
Since last offseason was shortened due to the lockout, Gallery was signed as a veteran bridge player at OG (specifically LG). Pete Carroll desperately wanted to improve the run game following the 2010 season, so he hired Tom Cable to coach the O-line. Since Gallery played for Cable when he was the Raiders HC, there was an obvious connection. Gallery right now is in his early to mid 30s and has been limited by various injuries over the years (including this past year in Seattle). When it comes to pass pro vs. run blocking, he is a much better run blocker (which may not be ideal given who we have under center). Based on what I've seen, he's a well spoken guy and a good team player (which was exhibited in how he played hurt most of last year).
The Seahawks cut him mostly because he was deemed too expensive at roughly $3 mil and because they liked what they saw from Paul McQuistan, who was a versatile O-lineman that played pretty much everywhere at one point or another due to a vast number of injuries on the O-line (and did so quite well I might add). Basically, they found their version of Dan Connolly and decide to go with him over Gallery.
Having said that, I love this move. If Waters comes back (and based on what I've been reading lately, he will), then Gallery will make for an EXCELLENT backup OG. I could see him placed into the game on short distance running downs at RG or next to Vollmer/Solder on the right side. All in all, he's a good pickup. Health is pretty much the only concern here.
And for those of you wondering if he can play OT, I wouldn't count on it. Even though he entered the league as an OT, he simply didn't possess the footwork/leverage to play outside, which lead to his move inside. Maybe Dante can coach him to play outside again, I don't know. But just don't get your hopes up that he'll spell one of the backup OT spots.
