Seahawks free-agent DL Quinton Jefferson reportedly signing with Bills

The Seahawks retained one of their starting defensive linemen by re-signing Jarran Reed on Monday night, but they apparently are losing another in free agency.

Why have the Seahawks been so quiet at the start of free agency?

Defensive end/defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson is joining the Buffalo Bills on a two-year deal, according to a report by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport on Tuesday night.

The #Bills are expected to sign #Seahawks DE Quinton Jefferson to a 2-year deal, source said. An underrated starter in Seattle.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 18, 2020

Jefferson, who will turn 27 later this month, had 3.5 sacks, 26 combined tackles, 10 quarterback hits, a fumble recovery and three passes defensed in 14 games in 2019, 12 of which he started.

Jefferson acknowledged the news with a tweet Tuesday night thanking Seattle.

It’s been real Seattle! Nothing but love 🤘🏾.

— Quinton jefferson (@Q_JEFF) March 17, 2020

Buffalo reportedly followed up by agreeing to terms with fellow free-agent defensive tackle Vernon Butler on Tuesday night, according to Rapoport.

Jefferson was a fifth-round selection by Seattle in the 2016 NFL Draft out of the University of Maryland. He appeared in just nine games in his first two seasons, all with Seattle even though he spent time on and off the Los Angeles Rams roster and practice squad in 2017 after being claimed from Seattle on waivers. He found his footing in 2018, however, playing in all 16 games, including 12 starts. He had three sacks, 25 combined tackles, 15 QB hits, two passes defensed and a fumble recovery that season.

The legal tampering period of NFL free agency ends Wednesday, when the new league year begins and teams can officially sign free agents.

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More Seahawks free agency coverage

• Seahawks offseason tracker: Signings, departures and more
• Clayton: Some dominoes fall in Seahawks’ favor in Clowney pursuit
• O’Neil: Seahawks in same spot as 2013, but it’s not as easy this time
• Huard: Seahawks signing Reed ‘didn’t move me,’ priority must be Clowney
• Hawks reportedly bring back TE Luke Willson
• Seahawks reportedly lose George Fant to Jets in free agency

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