Experiment over: Seahawks cutting DB Brandon Browner
Aug 29, 2016, 2:25 PM | Updated: 5:20 pm
(AP)
RENTON – The Seahawks brought back Brandon Browner this offseason on a low-risk deal with the thought that he may be able to convert to strong safety and fill a specialized role in Seattle’s defense.
That experiment has come to an end with news that the Seahawks are cutting Browner as they begin to trim their roster from 90 to the league-mandated limit of 75, which they must do by Tuesday afternoon. A source confirmed an NFL Network report on Monday that Seattle will cut Browner, which had seemed increasingly likely in recent days.
Browner started for the Seahawks at cornerback from 2011-2013 then re-signed with the team in the offseason following stops in New England and New Orleans, having helped the Patriots win Super Bowl XLIX over Seattle then struggling mightily with the Saints in 2015. The Seahawks gave him a one-year deal for the veteran minimum of $760,000 and no guaranteed money, which was the first indication that he was by no means a lock to make the team.
There were others. Browner turned 32 earlier this month and was coming off what by his own admission was the worst season of his career, one in which he led the league in penalties with 24 and started every game for a Saints defense that was historically bad against the pass. He was also trying to learn a new position, converting to strong safety after spending his entire career at cornerback, which was a lot to ask of a player in one offseason.
The Seahawks thought he may be able to fill a specialized role as a safety/linebacker hybrid, which would include covering tight ends or bigger wide receivers in the slot, among other duties.
But it was becoming apparent that it wasn’t working for Browner. He had played sparingly in Seattle’s first three preseason games and never got above third string on the depth chart, with Kelcie McCray serving as the primary backup at both safety spots. Undrafted rookie Tyvis Powell, another backup safety with whom Browner has been competing for a roster spot, has been impressive at times during training camp and the preseason.
Browner may not be the only former starter among the 15 players that Seattle parts ways with in order to trim its roster to 75 by Tuesday. Patrick Lewis, who took over a center mid-way through last season, has been working as Seattle’s backup behind Justin Britt, but it appears though rookie sixth-round pick Joey Hunt may be overtaking him. Lewis’ one-year, restricted-free-agent deal is worth a non-guaranteed $1.671 million.