Perhaps the biggest revolving door for the Seattle Seahawks in recent years has been at left guard. J.R. Sweezy’s departure means that the Seahawks will have their sixth different starter in the last six seasons, with no one holding down the position consistently since James Carpenter left in 2014.

Justin Britt, Mark Glowinski, Luke Joeckel and Sweezy have started in each of the last four seasons, helping contribute to the lack of continuity that, among other things, has plagued Seattle’s offensive line in recent years.

However, the arrival of coach Mike Solari seems to have rejuvenated the O-line, and although they will have a new starter at left guard again in 2019, coach Pete Carroll seems quite excited about the frontrunner: former 49ers and Cardinals guard Mike Iupati.

“Mike’s the guy who jumped off the film to me yesterday, first time we had a chance to see him, you know, come off the ball and see his feet, see how he moves and all,” Carroll commented after OTAs on Tuesday. “Mike’s a big man, he’s 345 pounds and carries it well and always has been a guy that we’ve respected tremendously for the toughness, but I just, I didn’t appreciate it until I saw him with our guys.”

Iupati is a nine-year NFL veteran and played almost exclusively at left guard in his time with the 49ers and the Cardinals. He was a Pro Bowler each season from 2012-2015 and was named an All-Pro in 2012.

“He’s going to fit in beautifully for us,” Carroll continued. “The plan is play him on the left side, that’s where he’s most comfortable. And we just got a little bit bigger, and tougher. I’m thrilled that he’s here. He’s off to a great start.”

Of course, the reason Iupati was available for a relative bargain this offseason is his injury history, which has limited him to just 11 games in the last two seasons — although 10 of them came last year.

“We got to take care of and make sure that we temper our way about our excitement about him and make sure that he’s healthy for the season and all that and away we go,” Carroll said.

“But he made a great first impression.”