The Seahawks reduced their roster to 53 players ahead of Tuesday's deadline with a series of roster moves. General manager and president of football operations John Schneider is constantly looking for ways to improve the team, so it's worth remembering that the 53-man roster established today is almost sure to change between now and Seattle's September 8 opener against the Broncos. With that disclaimer out of the way, let's take a position-by-position look at the initial 53-man roster, which features 26 players on offense, 24 on defense, and includes nine rookies, seven of them draft picks, as well as two undrafted free agents.
Quarterback (2)
- Geno Smith
- Sam Howell
This position has been pretty clear-cut throughout the offseason and training camp, with Smith the established, Pro-Bowl starter and Howell as a young, talented backup with plenty of experience having started all 17 games for the Commanders last season. PJ Walker, who was released Tuesday, could well end up back with the team when the practice squad is established later this week.
Running Back (3)
- Kenneth Walker III
- Zach Charbonnet
- Kenny McIntosh
There was no doubt coming into camp that Walker and Charbonnet were the top two backs, but there was a competition for the third running back spot between McIntosh and undrafted rookie George Holani. McIntosh emerged the winner of that competition, but don't be surprised if Holani sticks around on the practice squad following a strong preseason.
Receiver (6)
- DK Metcalf
- Tyler Lockett
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Jake Bobo
- Laviska Shenault Jr.
- Dareke Young
One of the deeper positions on the team, there were a lot of good players battling for the final spots behind the top four of Metcalf, Lockett, Smith-Njigba and Bobo. Ultimately Shenault, a free-agent addition this offseason, earns one spot both for his run-after-catch ability on offense, and also for his kick return ability and other special teams skills. Young also offers a lot of special teams value and, like Shenault, also possesses an intriguing combination of size, speed and physicality at receiver. Former second-round pick Dee Eskridge, who has battled injuries throughout his first three seasons, was the odd man out in this group despite a punt return touchdown in Saturday's preseason finale. Two other camp standouts, Easop Winston Jr. and Cody White, would seem to be prime candidates for the practice squad.
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Tight End (4)
- Noah Fant
- Pharaoh Brown
- Brady Russell
- AJ Barner
Fant and Brown have been the top two tight ends since the start of camp, and Russell had a very strong camp and preseason, and is also one of Seattle's top special teamers. Barner, a fourth-round pick, rounds out the group and should add value as a physical blocker who can also catch passes, and also on special teams.
Offensive Line (11)
- Charles Cross
- Laken Tomlinson
- Connor Williams
- Anthony Bradford
- George Fant
- Olu Oluwatimi
- Christian Haynes
- Jalen Sundell
- Sataoa Laumea
- Michael Jerrell
- Stone Forsythe
The Seahawks elected to keep 11 offensive linemen, a reflection on how valuable quality linemen can be, and thus how hard they are to get through to the practice squad. In terms of the starting lineup, right guard was still unsettled as of the preseason finale, with Bradford and Haynes battling for that job. Sundell, an undrafted rookie out of North Dakota State, was primarily the team's No. 3 center in camp, but showed enough upside to keep around. Starting right tackle Abraham Lucas, who is coming back from offseason knee surgery, will start the season on the physically unable to perform list, meaning he will miss at least the first four games of the season.
Defensive Line (6)
- Leonard Williams
- Jarran Reed
- Johnathan Hankins
- Byron Murphy II
- Mike Morris
- Myles Adams
Williams, Reed and Hankins give the Seahawks three proven veterans who will be complemented by Murphy, who had a standout rookie camp and preseason, as well as Morris, a fifth-round pick last year who brings size and athleticism to the group, and Adams, a former undrafted free agent who just keeps showing year after year that he belongs on an NFL roster. 2023 draft pick Cameron Young opens the season on the physically unable to perform list but will give the Seahawks a nice depth option when he does make it back.
Outside Linebacker (5)
- Uchenna Nwosu
- Dre'Mont Jones
- Boye Mafe
- Derick Hall
- Trevis Gipson
Jones could also be listed in the above group, as he'll move around the line some, but since he is an outside linebacker on the depth chart, he'll be lumped in with that group. The inclusion of Nwosu, who exited last week's game with a knee injury, on the initial 53-man roster is a good sign that his injury won't keep him out long. Seattle could have placed him on injured reserve to free up a roster spot, but that would have required him to miss four games. Mafe and Hall, second round picks in the last two drafts, should both have big roles in the rotation, and Gipson, who was acquired in a trade Monday, adds more depth to that group.
Inside Linebacker (4)
- Tyrel Dodson
- Jerome Baker
- Tyrice Knight
- Drake Thomas
Dodson and Baker are the presumed starters at middle and weakside linebacker, and Knight, a fourth-round pick, has worked with the No. 1 defense while Baker deals with an injury. There was no doubt those three would be on the team, but there were a lot of options to fill out the final spot, which went to Thomas, who the Seahawks claimed off waivers at this time last year. Thomas beat out for that final spot Jon Rhattigan, Patrick O'Connell and rookie Michael Barrett, who was acquired in a trade last week.
Cornerback (5)
- Devon Witherspoon
- Riq Woolen
- Tre Brown
- Nehemiah Pritchett
- Dee Williams
The starting trio of Witherspoon, Woolen and Brown was more or less set throughout camp, though Artie Burns, who also got some time with the No. 1 defense, is not on the initial roster. Pritchett, one of two Auburn cornerbacks drafted by Seattle, made the cut, while D.J. James did not, though don't be surprised if he's back soon on the practice squad. Williams, who started camp at receiver before moving to cornerback, is one of two undrafted rookies on the team along with Sundell, and Williams makes it largely for his return ability after working as one of the two kick returners along with Shenault while also being the first option on punt returns in preseason games.
Safety (4)
- Julian Love
- Rayshawn Jenkins
- K'Von Wallace
- Coby Bryant
Love, coming off a Pro-Bowl year, will help lead the secondary along with Jenkins, a veteran starter who signed in free agency this offseason. Fellow free-agent addition Wallace should also see the field a decent amount based on the number of three-safety looks Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald used while in Baltimore. While Bryant has spent camp this year playing safety, he could also end up the team's backup nickel corner behind Witherspoon after Burns and James were both released Tuesday. Jerrick Reed II, a special teams standout as a rookie before suffering a torn ACL, will start the season on the PUP list. Ty Okada and Marquise Blair could both be candidates to return on the practice squad.
Specialist (3)
- K Jason Myers
- P Michael Dickson
- LS Chris Stoll
There was no drama here in training camp as Myers, Dickson and Stoll were the only players at their respective positions throughout camp.
Check out the Seahawks initial 53-man roster heading into the 2024 season.
This is a 2024 photo of Tyrel Dodson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of September 5, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson (0)
This is a 2024 photo of Rayshawn Jenkins of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins (2)
This is a 2023 photo of Michael Dickson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks punter Michael Dickson (4)
This is a 2023 photo of Jason Myers of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks kicker Jason Myers (5)
This is a 2024 photo of Sam Howell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks quarterback Sam Howell (6)
This is a 2023 photo of Geno Smith of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7)
This is a 2024 photo of Coby Bryant of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback/safety Coby Bryant (8)
This is a 2024 photo of Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (9)
This is a 2023 photo of Uchenna Nwosu of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Uchenna Nwosu (10)
This is a 2024 photo of Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11)
This is a 2024 photo of DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14)
This is a 2024 photo of Tyler Lockett of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16)
This is a 2024 photo of Jerome Baker of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Jerome Baker (17)
This is a 2024 photo of Jake Bobo of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks rookie receiver Jake Bobo makes his first touchdown catch on a pass from Geno Smith in the fourth quarter.
This is a 2024 photo of Julian Love of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks safety Julian Love (20)
This is a 2023 photo of Devon Witherspoon of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon (21)
This is a 2024 photo of Tre Brown of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Tre Brown (22)
This is a 2024 photo of KíVon Wallace of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks strong safety K'Von Wallace (24)
This is a 2024 photo of Kenny McIntosh of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Kenny McIntosh (25)
This is a 2024 photo of Zach Charbonnet of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (26)
This is a 2024 photo of Riq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27)
This is a 2024 photo of Nehemiah Pritchett of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett (28)
This is a 2024 photo of Dee Williams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Dee Williams (33)
This is a 2024 photo of Brady Russell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Brady Russell (38)
This is a 2024 photo of Chris Stoll of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks long snapper Chris Stoll (41)
This is a 2024 photo of Drake Thomas of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42)
This is a 2024 photo of Tyrice Knight of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Tyrice Knight (48)
This is a 2024 photo of Trevis Gipson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of September 5, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Trevis Gipson (50) runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
This is a 2024 photo of Olu Oluwatini of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks center Olu Oluwatimi (51)
This is a 2024 photo of Boye Mafe of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe (53)
This is a 2023 photo of Dre'Mont Jones of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seattle Seahawks active roster as of June 5, 2023, when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Dre'Mont Jones (55)
This is a 2024 photo of Connor Williams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of September 5, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2024 photo of Derick Hall of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58)
This is a 2024 photo of Jalen Sundell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of September 5, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks offensive lineman Jalen Sundell (61)
This is a 2024 photo of Sataoa Laumea of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Sataoa Laumea (63)
This is a 2024 photo of Christian Haynes of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Christian Haynes (64)
This is a 2024 photo of Michael Jerrell of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle Michael Jerrell (65)
This is a 2024 photo of Charles Cross of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
This is a 2024 photo of Laken Tomlinson of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Laken Tomlinson (70)
This is a 2024 photo of George Fant of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle George Fant (74)
This is a 2024 photo of Anthony Bradford of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks guard Anthony Bradford (75)
This is a 2024 photo of Stone Forsythe of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tackle Stone Forsythe (78)
This is a 2024 photo of Laviska Shenault Jr of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (81)
This is a 2024 photo of Dareke Young of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks wide receiver Dareke Young (83)
This is a 2024 photo of Pharaoh Brown of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Pharaoh Brown (86)
This is a 2022 photo of Noah Fant of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 6, 2022 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end Noah Fant (87)
This is a 2024 photo of AJ Barner of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88)
This is a 2024 photo of Jarran Reed of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks nose tackle Jarran Reed (90)
This is a 2024 photo of Byron Murphy II of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91)
This is a 2024 photo of Mike Morris of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Mike Morris (94)
This is a 2024 photo of Myles Adams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Myles Adams (95)
This is a 2024 photo of Johnathan Hankins of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (97)
This is a 2024 photo of Leonard Williams of the Seattle Seahawks NFL football team. This image reflects the Seahawks active roster as of June 10, 2024 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)
Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99)
