RENTON — The Seattle Seahawks added depth at two positions of need Friday, agreeing to terms with guard Deuce Lutui and linebacker Barrett Ruud, and also kept one of their own, agreeing to a deal with cornerback Roy Lewis. All three will sign one-year deals, the team announced.
Of the three, Ruud is perhaps the most likely to end up a starter in 2012 having been a starting middle linebacker for most of his seven-year career. The Seahawks have a vacancy at that position with David Hawthorne having signed with New Orleans earlier in the week. The Seahawks could also move K.J. Wright from strongside linebacker to middle linebacker, or look to find a starter in the draft.
Ruud, 28, was a second-round pick in 2005 and was a starter for Tampa Bay from 2007 to 2010. He signed with Tennessee last season and started nine games before finishing the season on injured reserve. Ruud’s time in Tampa Bay included three years when current Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley was part of the Buccaneers coaching staff, so the Seahawks should have a good idea of what kind of player they are getting.
Lutui, who played for Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll at USC, reunites with his former coach after a disappointing 2011. A second-round pick in 2006, Lutui started every game but one for the Cardinals from 2007 to 2010. He agreed to a deal with Cincinnati prior to last season, but was overweight and failed his physical, and ended up back with the Cardinals, but in a backup role. If he is in shape, Lutui gives the Seahawks solid depth at guard, and could even battle for a starting job at left guard. The Seahawks released Robert Gallery, last year’s starting left guard, last month, but they also re-signed Paul McQuistan, who proved to be a capable starter at multiple positions last season.
Lewis, 26, will be returning for his fourth season with the Seahawks. The former University of Washington cornerback came into the league as an undrafted free agent with Pittsburgh in 2008, then joined the Seahawks a year later. He was Seattle’s special teams captain in 2010, and was also named the Seahawks Man of the Year for his charitable work in the community.
Lewis appeared in 10 games last season, starting one, after returning from offseason knee surgery. In addition to being a key player on special teams, he also carved out a significant role on defense in nickel and dime packages.
Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
