Seattle Seahawks Begin Roster Cuts as NFL Deadline Approaches

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ICARO Media Group
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27/08/2024 21h04

In an expected but challenging day for both players and coaches, the Seattle Seahawks have commenced the process of trimming their roster from 90 to 53 players. As the NFL's deadline of Tuesday, 1 PM PT looms, the Seahawks will have to make tough decisions that will end the dreams of several aspiring athletes.

The Seahawks concluded their first preseason under new coach Mike Macdonald with a thrilling 37-33 victory over the Cleveland Browns. However, the elation of the win quickly turned into the sober reality of cutdown day. According to NFL rules, all teams, including the Seahawks, must finalize their rosters before the deadline. Waiver claims on players can be made until Wednesday, August 28, at 9 AM PT. Additionally, teams can establish a 17-man practice squad, with one spot reserved for an International Pathway Program player.

In the coming hours, the Seahawks will reluctantly deliver pink slips to a number of their players. To keep track of each reported cut, trade, and corresponding move, fans are urged to refer to this tracker. Here are the updates on some notable cuts from the Seahawks' roster:

- Seattle has traded their native 2025 sixth-round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for veteran edge Trevis Gipson. The move comes as a response to Uchenna Nwosu's likely absence due to a sprained MCL suffered in the game against the Browns.

- Undrafted rookie cornerback Willie Roberts has been released to make room for Gipson on the roster. Roberts recorded one tackle while allowing two catches for 10 yards on four targets during the preseason.

- Sixth-round pick D.J. James has been informed that he will be released. The Auburn cornerback had a mixed preseason performance, with eight tackles, one sack, and two touchdowns allowed in coverage. However, he remains a strong candidate to be brought back on the practice squad.

- Undrafted rookie running back George Holani, who impressed during training camp and the preseason, will be waived by the Seahawks. Holani rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns, displayed strong blocking skills, and contributed on special teams. He is expected to be a priority candidate for the practice squad if he clears waivers.

- Undrafted free agent outside linebacker Jamie Sheriff has been waived after showcasing his abilities with three sacks and a league-high 12 pressures among rookies throughout the preseason.

- Safety Ty Okada, who spent most of the 2023 season on the practice squad, has been waived by the Seahawks. Okada recorded nine tackles, one interception, and allowed four receptions for 15 yards during the preseason.

- The Seahawks intend to waive veteran linebacker Jon Rhattigan, mainly due to his high cap hit. Rhattigan contributed nine tackles, three pressures, and two sacks during the preseason.

- Undrafted rookie inside linebacker Easton Gibbs has been waived following his stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seahawks during training camp. Gibbs recorded three tackles and allowed one catch for 14 yards in coverage.

- Seattle has waived wide receiver Easop Winston Jr., who led all Seahawks receivers in the preseason with eight catches for 98 yards and a touchdown.

- Newly acquired tight end Michael Ezeike has been waived without making an appearance for the Seahawks.

- Undrafted rookie Mario Kendricks, a defensive tackle out of Virginia Tech, has been waived after playing in two preseason games and recording two tackles and four pressures.

- Second-year defender Patrick O'Connell, who made an impact during the preseason with 19 combined tackles and a pass breakup, has been waived.

- In a surprising move, the Seahawks have released 2021 second-round draft pick Dee Eskridge. Eskridge showcased his skills in the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns, returning a punt for a touchdown. He recorded three catches for 19 yards and one rush for 22 yards during the preseason.

- Undrafted free agent edge rusher Nelson Ceaser has been waived after tallying three tackles, three pressures, and a quarterback hit in the preseason.

- The Seahawks have waived undrafted defensive end Devere Levelston, who generated four pressures and a sack in limited action during the preseason.

- Veteran tight end Tyler Mabry, despite battling injuries within the position group, failed to secure a spot on the roster after making just one catch for nine yards in the preseason.

- Veteran quarterback PJ Walker has been released by the Seahawks after struggling to impress during the preseason. Walker completed 53.6% of his passes for 147 yards, with no touchdowns or interceptions in three exhibition games.

As the Seahawks navigate these cuts, both players and fans anxiously await to see who will make the final 53-man roster.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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