The Seattle Seahawks are bringing back a familiar face to add some depth in the secondary.
The Seahawks announced this week that they signed veteran safety D’Anthony Bell to the practice squad, bringing him back just days after initially releasing him after the final roster cutdowns. Bell could provide some important depth, special teams versatility, and a reliable replacement in the secondary in case of injury.
Seahawks Making More Moves on Defense
Bell had initially been named to the team’s 53-man roster, but was waived when the team signed linebacker Chazz Surratt and needed a spot for him.
As the team noted in its official announcement, Bell has carved out a niche as a reserve safety and special teams regular during his three NFL seasons.
“Bell, who went undrafted out of West Florida in 2022, spent his first three seasons in Cleveland where he appeared in 50 games with seven starts, establishing himself as a special teams standout for the Browns,” the report noted.
The Seahawks released second-year guard Sataoa Laumea to make room for Bell on the practice squad.
“Laumea, a sixth-round pick in last year’s draft, started six games as a rookie after taking over at right guard for an injured Anthony Bradford,” the team noted.
The Seahawks made another roster move, waiving fullback Wesley Steiner from injured reserve with an injury settlement.
Mike Macdonald Happy With Team’s Progress
This will be the second season for head coach Mike Macdonald, who told reporters this week that he sees some signs of progress across the roster.
“There’s an interesting balance of being really proud of the work that we’ve done and the growth we’ve had on our team that we felt like we’ve had, and the balance of the sense of urgency to keep going, and understand that we’re not there yet,” he said. “We’ll never be there if we do it the right way, but I feel like the guys have great spirit, I’m really proud of the connection we’ve built within our team. But it’s one of those things where we’re always going to be chasing. It’s kind of like, the joy in is in the process and in the journey; the destination will take care of itself.”
The Seahawks underwent some major changes in the offseason, moving on from quarterback Geno Smith and wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. The team added veteran quarterback Sam Darnold, fresh off his bounce-back season with the Minnesota Vikings.
The team also made two late additions on defense, signing Surratt and claiming cornerback Derion Kendrick off waivers. Macdonald said both will need more work to get acclimated with the defense, but he is pleased with the progress both have made so far.
“They’ve done a great job,” Macdonald said. “Got more reps today, so picking things up. It’s going to take them a minute to figure out all the small details and stuff, but the guys are going out there, competing, playing fast. They’re great guys to be around, so I’m happy they’re here.”
