Seahawks bring back special teams standout Neiko Thorpe

Apr 13, 2020, 1:21 PM

Cornerback Neiko Thorpe is returning for his fifth season with the Seahawks. (Getty)

(Getty)

BY BRENT STECKER

Seattle Sports

The Seahawks’ special teams will retain its top player for at least another season.

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Neiko Thorpe, who has spent the last four years with Seattle, has re-signed with the Seahawks after entering free agency last month, the team announced Monday. The 30-year-old cornerback played seven games in 2019 but ended the year on injured reserve due to a sports hernia that required surgery.

Though Thorpe saw just 22 snaps on defense in 2019 and hasn’t played more than 29 defensive snaps since 2016, according to his Pro Football Reference page, he’s still an integral part of Seattle’s squad. He has stood out on special teams throughout his time with the Seahawks and served as their special teams captain each of the last two seasons.

EZZZ! 😤

We've re-signed @Neiko15 » https://t.co/yZhSgY2Y4N pic.twitter.com/v9184nbinx

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) April 13, 2020

A product of Auburn University, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound Thorpe first signed with Kansas City as an undrafted free agent in 2012, appearing in nine games that season. He spent 2013 in the CFL with the Toronto Argonauts before returning to the NFL with the Raiders in 2015 and 2016. He saw his most extensive NFL playing time with Oakland, appearing in 14 games in each of those seasons, starting two in 2015, the same year he made his only career interception to date. He was waived by the Raiders and claimed by the Colts in 2016 but ultimately landed with Seattle before appearing in any games for Indianapolis.

Thorpe becomes the fourth player to be re-signed by the Seahawks this offseason, joining defensive tackle Jarran Reed, tight end Luke Willson and guard Jordan Simmons.

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