Another day, another member of Seattle’s Super Bowl winning defense finding a new home.
Cornerback Walter Thurmond has agreed to a one-year deal with the New York Giants, making him the sixth member of Seattle’s 2013 defense to either sign elsewhere as a free agent, or be released by Seattle (O’Brien Schofield would make seven, but his deal with the Giants fell through after his physical). Thurmond started three games last season and appeared in 12, serving both as Seattle’s nickel corner and also an outside cornerback. Thurmond was suspended four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, reportedly for testing positive for marijuana, something that affected his value in free agency since he is now another failed test away from a year-long suspension.
As for Seattle’s pursuit of DT Henry Melton, the Seahawks could be fighting an uphill battle in landing the former Bear. Melton was in Seattle for a visit Saturday, and reportedly talks got heated, but he did leave without getting a deal done and is now in Dallas. Not only are the Cowboys known to be more free spenders than Seattle in free agency, but Melton is from Texas, so playing in Dallas would mean being close to home.
Per source, cowboys are among several teams in heated negotiations with DT henry melton after left Seattle sans a deal. must get for Dallas
— Clarence Hill (@clarencehilljr) March 16, 2014
For the most part, the Seahawks’ M.O. in free agency has been to look for values, especially when it comes to veteran defensive linemen. For example, Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett were considered two of the top pass rushers on the market last year, and while the Seahawks were high on both, they stayed patient and landed both at bargain prices after it was clear there wasn’t a huge market for them. If there are indeed multiple teams in on Melton, Seattle likely will make an offer it can live with, then wish him well if the Cowboys or another team offers more.
Seahawks free agents leaving
DT Clinton McDonald signed with Tampa Bay on Tuesday, while LB/DE O’Brien Schofield signed with the New York Giants. Schofield’s deal didn’t go through because of issues that came up in his physical, so he remains unsigned. S Chris Maragos signed with Philadelphia Tuesday. WR Golden Tate signed with Detroit Wednesday. Starting RT Breno Giacomini agreed to a deal with the New York Jets Wednesday evening, the team announced. CB Brandon Browner signed with New England Friday.
Seahawks free agents staying
DE Michael Bennett re-signed Monday, TE Anthony McCoy re-signed Tuesday. Starting DT Tony McDaniel has agreed to a two-year deal worth $6.3 million according to multiple reports. Backup quarterback Tarvaris Jackson re-signed last week as well.
New free agent signings
The Seahawks have agreed to terms on a deal with free agent WR Taylor Price, a third-round pick in 2010 who has missed the last two seasons with foot injury. Price has a lot of athletic upside, but little production in his NFL career.
Cap casualties
DE Chris Clemons was released Wednesday in a move that had been expected. He agreed to a deal with Jacksonville Thursday. DE Red Bryant was released earlier this month and has since signed with Jacksonville. WR Sidney Rice was released at the same time and remains unsigned.
Reports, rumors, visits, etc.
Vikings DE Jared Allen, Cowboys DT Jason Hatcher and Packers TE Jermichael Finleyare all scheduled to visit Seattle. UPDATE: Hatcher signed with Washington. Also, there is reportedly mutual interest between Finley and Seattle if his neck injury checks out.
Receiver Sidney Rice, who was released by the Seahawks, is apparently back on Seattle’s radar.
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