Seahawks release OL J’Marcus Webb, clearing roster spot for RB
Nov 22, 2016, 3:11 PM | Updated: 3:41 pm
The Seahawks have released J'Marcus Webb, who was their highest-paid offensive lineman. (AP)
(AP)
The Seahawks have released J’Marcus Webb, an offensive lineman who didn’t pan out after signing with Seattle over the offseason.
The Seahawks announced Webb’s release Tuesday but did not make a corresponding move, which means they have an opening on their 53-man roster. It will presumably be saved for a running back with Seattle’s backfield depleted by recent injuries to C.J. Prosise and Troymaine Pope, who are both expected to miss several weeks if not the remainder of the regular season.
The Seahawks signed Webb, 28, with the thought that he’d be their starting right tackle, but he lost that job after missing extensive time over the offseason with calf and knee injuries. He started the first three games of the season at right guard while rookie Germain Ifedi was injured but played sparingly after that, only on special teams and occasionally as an extra tackle in heavy packages.
Webb was a healthy scratch for the first time this season Sunday against Philadelphia as Seattle activated rookie Rees Odhiambo instead. That seemed like an ominous sign for Webb. His elease on Tuesday confirmed as much.
Seattle gave Webb a two-year, $5.75 million deal that included $2.45 million guaranteed, which made him the highest-paid player along the Seahawks’ young and inexpensive offensive line. The decision to release him despite still being on the hook for the remainder of his $1.25 million base salary for this season is another instance of the Seahawks cutting bait midseason with an underperforming free-agent addition.
When the Seahawks released struggling cornerback Cary Williams last season, it was a vote of confidence in the development of DeShawn Shead, who assumed a starting role that he still holds. The decision to release Webb seems to reflect well on Seattle’s rookie offensive linemen. George Fant has assumed the starting job at left tackle while Odhiambo saw his most extensive action of the season on Sunday after hardly playing before that. Coach Pete Carroll was pleased with the way Odhiambo played in his 10 offensive snaps at left tackle.
Webb’s release leaves the Seahawks with eight offensive linemen: the five starters plus Odhiambo, fellow rookie Joey Hunt and veteran Bradley Sowell. They may have enough positional flexibility to get by with eight offensive linemen while carrying an extra running back or defensive back, two position groups that have recently been hit by injuries.
The Seahawks also made a pair of moves with their practice squad Tuesday. They brought back rookie running back Zac Brooks, a seventh-round pick by Seattle who didn’t make the team entering the season. Seattle also placed defensive tackle Tylor Harris on practice squad Injured Reserve.
