Seahawks Predicted to Potentially Add Cornerback

Head coach Mike Macdonald and the Seattle Seahawks have strong depth at several position on their roster. The team should with 90 players on the offseason depth chart.

But The Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta identified two position groups where the Seahawks could add this summer. Condotta argued the main priority for Macdonald and the team will be cornerback.

The other place where the team could make additions is offensive line.

“The Seahawks are sure to explore adding a veteran player or two on reasonable contracts at positions of possible need, notably cornerback,” wrote Condotta.

“Those efforts could increase even more after camp begins and rosters churn, which is when the Seahawks could look to add defensive pieces — and possibly offensive linemen — that might intrigue coach Mike Macdonald.”

Condotta didn’t specifically name any cornerbacks the team could pursue. It might be completely dependent on which cornerbacks reach the waiver wire during training camp and the early part of the preseason.

Seahawks Cornerback Depth Entering NFL Training Camp

Seattle has 10 cornerbacks on its 90-man roster, which could be considered maybe one fewer than the typical NFL offseason roster. Safety Coby Bryant, though, played cornerback as a rookie and could probably return to that position in an emergency.

The team’s top three safeties in terms of defensive snaps last season are also all returning — Devon Witherspoon, Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe.

Condotta didn’t specify whether the Seahawks might be targeting a cornerback to challenge for a starting role or perhaps one with veteran experience to just provide depth. But with those returning cornerbacks, Seattle may only be interested in veterans ready for smaller roles.

Seahawks cornerbacks JT Woods, Nehemiah Pritchett, Shemar Jean-Charles, Zy Alexander and Isas Waxter can play on the outside. Pundits project Damarion Williams and Tyler Hall to compete for opportunities in the slot.

The Seahawks signed Woods to a futures contract this offseason. Alexander joined Seattle as an undrafted free agent in May.

Potential Cornerback Additions for Mike Macdonald’s Defense

Connecting the Seahawks to any cornerbacks is pure speculation at this point. The biggest name available is former All-Pro Jalen Ramsey, but a trade for the Miami Dolphins cornerback doesn’t appear to fit what Condotta described.

The Seahawks would probably have to acquire Ramsey before the start of training camp. Condotta suggested Seattle wants to consider adding a cornerback later in the summer.

Other significant cornerbacks who are available include Stephon Gilmore, James Bradberry, Rasul Douglas, and Kendall Fuller. Gilmore won the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, but he will turn 35 in September.

Bradberry, Douglas and Fuller are all also more than 30 years old.

If the Seahawks prefer a cornerback with more experience in the slot, Mike Hilton could be of interest. The former undrafted free agent has posted a solid career as a nickel blitzer and run stopper.

Hilton is also older than 30.

Notable cornerbacks younger than 30 on the free agent market include C.J. Henderson, Shaquill Griffin and Asante Samuel Jr. Griffin played his first four seasons with the Seahawks and made the Pro Bowl with the team in 2019.

Samuel, who is only 26, is still in his prime but underwent neck surgery in April.

But as Condotta implied, the Seahawks may wait for a cornerback currently on an NFL roster to be released before addressing the position this summer.