In a surprising move, the Seattle Seahawks cut ties with defensive end Marcus Smith on Friday. Smith was expected to play a significant role in the team’s pass-rush rotation this season.Seahawks coach Pete Carroll mentioned that Smith’s contract was terminated due to personal reasons. Carroll had previously stated that Smith missed practice due to a family issue.
Additionally, the Seahawks formalized their agreement with pass rusher and linebacker Erik Walden on Friday.Regarding Smith’s release, Carroll stated, “Really, some personal reasons came into it. He’s been a great kid in the program and all. All things considered — this is as far as I’m going with it — it was the right thing to do. He understood and agreed with it.”
Smith played as a defensive end for the Seahawks last season, recording 15 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 14 games. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft but did not start any games in his three seasons with the team. The Eagles released him in July 2017. Smith signed with the Seahawks last offseason and renewed his contract in March.
Walden, a 32-year-old veteran, spent the 2017 season with the Tennessee Titans and the previous four years with the Indianapolis Colts. He achieved a career-high 11 sacks in 2016 before transitioning to a rotational role with the Titans in the following year.The team also announced the signing of running back Justin Stockton and the release of cornerback Elijah Battle.
