Quinton Jefferson is a Seahawk once again, having signed on Monday following two seasons away from the team that drafted him in 2016.
Jefferson, 28, was fifth-round pick out of Maryland in 2016, and after an injury-shortened rookie season, followed by a brief stint with the Rams in 2017, Jefferson eventually became a key part of Seattle's defensive line. In 2018 and 2019, Jefferson started 24 of 30 games played for the Seahawks, recording 6.5 sacks, 51 tackles, nine tackles for loss and 25 quarterback hits.
Jefferson signed with Buffalo in free agency in 2020, then played for the Las Vegas Raiders last season, recording a career-best 4.5 sacks, 47 tackles, 16 quarterback hits and five tackles for loss. And now his NFL journey brings Jefferson back to the Seattle area, the place he and his family continued to call home in the offseason even when he was playing for other teams.
"This felt right," Jefferson said. "You've got Coach (Clint) Hurtt here, he was with me for three years as my D-line coach. Me and him have a really good relationship and understanding. I know he's going to utilize me well and bring out my best abilities. I'm excited to come in, contribute to a young front that has a lot of ability, and bring some maturity and vet savvy to the group."
With Hurtt taking over at defensive coordinator this offseason, and with the Seahawks adding to the coaching staff associate head coach-defense Sean Desai and defensive passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach Karl Scott, the expectation is that the defense will look a bit different in 2022 than it has in past year. But regardless of whatever changes the Seahawks make, Jefferson sees himself as a fit in Hurtt's defense.
"It's going to be a good fit," he said. "I feel like I'm a player who can play in any scheme. At the end of the day, it's playing blocks, getting off blocks and rushing the passer. If you can do that, you're going to be fine, no matter the scheme."
