Field Gulls
The Seattle Seahawks have made a somewhat surprising move, letting go of a cornerback who made a couple of big plays early in the season.
Derion Kendrick, claimed off of waivers by the Seahawks after roster cutdown day in August, was waived on Tuesday in the team’s sole transaction. Considering no one was signed to the active roster after Tory Horton was placed on injured reserve, the Seahawks currently have two vacant spots on the 53-man roster.
Kendrick was called upon early in the season while Devon Witherspoon was out injured. He played a combined 99 snaps against the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints, recording two interceptions and five passes defensed. More cornerback injuries led to the former Los Angeles Ram getting 19 snaps against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In recent weeks, Kendrick has effectively been restricted to special teams, playing just five defensive snaps over the last six games, as well as a healthy scratch status versus the Washington Commanders. Nehemiah Pritchett has gotten some blowout/garbage time run at Kendrick’s expense. Initially an outside corner with the Rams, Kendrick moved to the slot during his brief time in Seattle. There’s just been no room for him to play with Josh Jobe, Devon Witherspoon, and Riq Woolen taking the top three cornerback spots. Woolen’s strong performances in recent weeks (along with the trade deadline surpassing without incident) have solidified his role in this defense.
Of course, the Seahawks could still put Kendrick on the practice squad should he clear waivers. We’ll find out more on Wednesday ahead of their first practice for the Minnesota Vikings game.
