Seahawks Ready Their Roster, Add Sheldon Richardson

The Seahawks cut their roster to 53 men yesterday and traded wide receiver Jermaine Kearse to the New York Jets for Sheldon Richardson. Are they better, worse, or the same?

First, the Seahawks bolstered their defensive line by adding interior pass rush specialist Sheldon Richardson. pass rush specialist Sheldon Richardson. They restructured Doug Baldwin‘s deal to save money off of their cap this season, then absorbed Richardson’s $8.1 million salary from the New York Jets. General Manager John Schneider even sweetened the deal for the 26-year-old former Jets star by tossing in a second-round pick.

Richardson is relatively known commodity after four years with New York. He’s effective when he’s on the field. He earned the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2013 and went to the Pro Bowl in 2014. He’s also been suspended twice by the league and reprimanded by Jets Head Coach Todd Bowles for his derisive comments about former teammate Brandon Marshall.

Pete Carroll’s culture in Seattle doesn’t heal all wounds, but it seems to get the best out of defensive stars like Richardson. He’ll fill the void left by rookie defensive tackle Malik McDowell, who injured himself in an ATV accident this offseason, and could be out for the year.

With Michael Bennett, Frank Clark, Cliff Avril, and Richardson, the Seahawks have a fearsome, deep defensive line that will match up well with any offense.

The 53-Man Roster

The addition of Richardson had a ripple effect on the Seahawks roster as Schneider and Carroll made a flurry of moves and maneuvers to shave their 90-man roster by 37.

Richardson made defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin expendable, and Seattle tried to shop the veteran before cutting him. Also gone is Riff Raff look-alike and Magic: The Gathering enthusiast Cassius Marsh, who was traded to the New England Patriots for draft picks.

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This means the defensive line and pass-rushing specialist roster looks like this: Bennett, Clark, Richardson, Avril, Jarran Reed, former Titan and Bear David Bass, rookie Nazair Jones, and former Eagles first-round pick Marcus Smith.

Meanwhile on offense, the Seahawks cut 2016 backup quarterback Trevone Boykin after an uninspiring performance in the final Preseason game against the Raiders, rolling with Austin Davis as Russell Wilson‘s primary (and only) backup.

Preseason star wide receiver Kasen Williams didn’t make the team while the versatile J.D. McKissic clung to a roster spot:

Maybe, but there was serious competition from the other receivers this year. Tough break for the guy once again, who just can’t seem to get over the hump.

Next: The Mariners Last Stand

The Seahawks added offensive lineman Isaiah Battle from the Kansas City Chiefs and cornerback Justin Coleman from New England to round out the roster, a roster that could be the deepest we’ve seen since 2013. Is it Week 1 yet?