Seahawks Ready Their Roster, Add Sheldon Richardson

The Seahawks cut their roster to 53 men yesterday and traded wide receiverJermaine Kearseto the New York Jets forSheldon Richardson. Are they better, worse, or the same?

First, theSeahawksbolstered their defensive line byadding interior pass rush specialist Sheldon Richardson.pass rush specialist Sheldon Richardson. They restructuredDoug 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 CoachTodd Bowlesfor his derisive comments about former teammateBrandon 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.

WithMichael 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 theSeahawks rosteras Schneider and Carroll made a flurry of moves and maneuvers to shave their 90-man roster by 37.

Richardson made defensive tackleAhtyba Rubinexpendable, and Seattle tried to shop the veteran before cutting him. Also gone is Riff Raff look-alike and Magic: The Gathering enthusiastCassius 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 BearDavid Bass, rookie Nazair Jones, and former Eagles first-round pickMarcus Smith.

Meanwhile on offense, the Seahawks cut 2016 backup quarterbackTrevone Boykinafteran uninspiring performancein the final Preseason game against the Raiders, rolling withAustin DavisasRussell Wilson‘s primary (and only) backup.

Preseason star wide receiverKasen Williamsdidn’t make the team while the versatileJ.D. McKissicclung 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 cornerbackJustin Colemanfrom New England to round out the roster, a roster that could be the deepest we’ve seen since 2013. Is it Week 1 yet?

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