Report: Seahawks swing trade with Chargers for rookie cornerback

The Seattle Seahawks are acquiring undrafted rookie cornerback Avery Smith from the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round draft pick, according to a report from The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero on Sunday.

The news broke roughly three hours ahead of the NFL’s 3 p.m. roster cutdown deadline.

Seahawks Roster Tracker: Keep up on the cutdown to 53

The 5-foot-10, 185-pound Smith was a training camp standout, according to ESPN Chargers beat reporter Kris Rhim.

Smith was a two-year starter at Toledo, earning second-team All-MAC honors in both seasons.

In 2024, Smith had two interceptions and 14 pass breakups. And in 2025, he had one interception, 11 pass breakups, five tackles for loss and a forced fumble in 2025. He also made an impact on special teams, blocking one kick apiece in 2024 and 2025.

Smith played 141 defensive snaps in the preseason and six receptions on eight targets for 47 yards and a touchdown, according to Pro Football Focus. He had one pass breakup and four pressures.

Smith offers positional versatility. During the preseason, he logged 61 snaps in the slot, 52 snaps at outside corner and 24 snaps in the box.

Smith joins a crowded cornerback room in Seattle.

Three-time Pro Bowler Devon Witherspoon and Josh Jobe are entrenched as the Seahawks’ top two cornerbacks, but the third corner spot has been up for grabs after Riq Woolen’s departure in free agency.

Third-year pro Nehemiah Pritchett, free agent addition Noah Igbinoghene and recently signed Trevon Diggs appear to be the leading candidates to fill the CB3 role. Rookie third-round pick Julian Neal also was expected to factor in, but he missed most of training camp with an undisclosed injury.

The Seahawks also signed former first-round draft pick Terrion Arnold on Saturday, but he’s facing eight felony charges and is expected to be placed on the NFL commissioner’s exempt list as his legal proceedings unfold.

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