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Seattle Seahawks: What impact can Mychal Kendricks have on the Seahawks?

By Jordan Cordano

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: DeAndre Washington #33 of the Oakland Raiders attempts to get past Mychal Kendricks #95 of the Philadelphia Eagles after making a catch during the second quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: DeAndre Washington #33 of the Oakland Raiders attempts to get past Mychal Kendricks #95 of the Philadelphia Eagles after making a catch during the second quarter of a game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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Injuries to key Seattle Seahawks linebackers K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner forced the team into signing free agent Mychal Kendricks. He comes to Seattle with a large amount of both talent and baggage.

In a questionable move to some, the Seattle Seahawks signed recently released linebacker Mychal Kendricks to a one year contract for the rest of the 2018 season. The former Pro Bowler and 2017 Super Bowl champion with the Eagles, signed a one year deal with the Cleveland Browns in the offseason.

That marriage ended quickly when Kendricks was arrested on August 29 for insider trading. With the possibility of a long prison sentence looming Cleveland subsequently released him.

The University of California alumni has admitted to his own wrongdoing and that may likely help him in his sentencing hearing in January. From a football standpoint, Kendricks fills a much-needed void in the middle of the Seahawks defense. They looked like nothing but a shell of their former dominating defense we witnessed for about a half-decade in a week one loss to the Denver Broncos.

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Denver quarterback Case Keenum picked apart the secondary throwing for 329 yards and three touchdown passes. Broncos rookie running backs Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsey ran for over a combined 140 yards in the win.

Kendricks will step right in and likely be the starter for Pete Carrol providing the Seahawks some much-needed relief to a beleaguered linebacking corps. Both K.J. Wright and Bobby Wagner are out for Monday night’s game in Chicago. Additionally, rookie Shaquem Griffin had a difficult time last week in his first NFL game.

Last week the young Seahawks defense showed their inexperience. Kendricks is a six-year veteran, who has played in the Super Bowl. His experience will help this defense learn and grow.

The move in signing Kendricks is definitely not one of the best possible PR moves. He pleaded guilty to insider trading and faces up to a 25-year prison sentence. His contrition will go a long way in determining his sentence.

Next. Defending Rashaad Penny's poor NFL debut. dark

In the end, this could be a one year trial while seeing what Kendricks brings to the team. If his sentence is reduced or suspended, he could possibly return next season.

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