Clemons becomes Jaguars’ latest former Seahawk
Mar 13, 2014, 12:37 PM | Updated: 12:47 pm
By Brady Henderson
The Seahawks’ decision to release defensive end Chris Clemons on Wednesday was expected given his age, salary and production. Equally as unsurprising was where he’s ended up.
 Chris Clemons and Red Bryant, Seattle’s starting defensive ends the past four seasons, have both signed with Jacksonville after being released by the Seahawks. (AP) |
Clemons has reportedly signed a four-year deal with the Jaguars, which makes him the latest in a growing list of defensive players to come to Jacksonville from Seattle over the last year. Another former Seahawk, free-agent cornerback Walter Thurmond, visited with Jacksonville earlier this week.
Clemons’ deal reunites him with Red Bryant, who was Seattle’s other starting defensive end the past four seasons.
It also reunites him with the man who’s responsible for the pipeline that has carried several former Seahawks to Jacksonville, Gus Bradley, who was Seattle’s defensive coordinator from 2009-2012 before becoming the Jaguars’ head coach last offseason.
Todd Wash, the team’s defensive-line coach, came to Jacksonville with Bradley, and his familiarity with Clemons and Bryant likely factored into those two additions.
Seattle’s defense is in vogue after leading the league in scoring the past two seasons, which has been evident during the start of free agency. It’s especially so in Jacksonville thanks to the similarities between the two schemes and the need for personnel with certain specs.
Jacksonville’s roster now includes five defensive players who came directly from Seattle: Clemons, Bryant, safety Winston Guy, cornerback Will Blackmon and linebacker John Lotulelei.
Former Seahawks cornerback Marcus Trufant spent last training camp with the Jaguars but was released before the start of the season. Wide receiver Stephen Williams is the only offensive player among the Jaguars’ ex-Seahawks.
Follow Brady Henderson on Twitter @BradyHenderson.
