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Byron Maxwell – “I’m Going To Philly”: Rapid Reaction

By James Silberman

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What has been assumed for the past couple of weeks looks like it is about to made official. Byron Maxwell will reportedly be signing with the Philadelphia Eagles.

The deal leaves the Seattle Seahawks in desperate need of another corner opposite All-Pro Richard Sherman. Tharold Simon is the only one on the roster filling the profile that Pete Carroll likes in an oustide CB, but as we all saw during Super Bowl XLIV, Simon still has some improving to do before becoming a starter.

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Then throw in slot-corner Jeremy Lane‘s torn ACL and fractured arm, and the ‘Hawks all of a sudden are looking at starting Simon and Marcus Burley. Moves have to be made.

In free agency, the options are slim. Antonio Cromartie is the last of the corners on the market who would immediately slot into the starting lineup. Some other options are Tramon Williams, Rashean Mathis and former Seahawk Walter Thurmond III.

Williams and Mathis are both getting up there in age, but both can still play in this league. And we know Thurmond can play, but a torn pectoral ended his New York Giants career before it could start. He also doesn’t have the frame that Carroll typically looks for.

It is definitely possible that Seattle would sign some veteran help, however, it seems more likely that they will be drafting some help. Here are some past examples:

  • Richard Sherman, 5th round
  • Byron Maxwell, 6th round
  • Jeremy Lane, 6th round
  • Walter Thurmond III, 4th round
  • Brandon Browner, Canada

The Seahawks have had by far the most success in the draft of any NFL team since Carroll and John Schneider took over. But cornerback is where they seem to do especially well in the later rounds.

Keep an eye out for Ladarius Gunter from Miami. I love this kid. The similarity to Byron Maxwell in absolutely uncanny.

Other mid-round options to keep an eye on are Josh Shaw from USC, Eric Rowe from Utah and Nick Marshall from Auburn.

We don’t know what the Seahawks are going to do to replace Byron Maxwell, but we do know that they have to something. Stay tuned!

Next: Brandon Marshall Trade Hurts And Helps Seattle

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