Adam Schefter reports the Seahawks made their first 2009 free agent signing, landing former Green Bay defensive tackle Colin Cole to a five-year deal worth $21 million with $5 million guaranteed.
Cole, 28, had played with the Packers since 2004. He'll provide solid run-stuffing depth, along with 2008 draft pick Red Bryant, who sat out most of the season with injuries. For our full write-up on Cole, click here.
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The Cole signing isn't anything spectacular but fans could start to get excited if the Seahawks also sign DE/DT Chris Canty. In Dallas, Canty filled in as the RDE in their 3-4 scheme but would also likely fill the DT spot if he were to play for Seattle.
The two signings would provide a depth upgrade on the line as Canty could also fill in as a defensive end.
Here is our earlier article on Cole.
With Rocky Bernard set to leave via free agency, Seattle will be weakened at a position already lacking proper depth.
So what better way to shore up depth along the defensive line than to go bargain hunting? Enter Colin Cole, who has youth at 28 and massive size at 330 pounds, but despite promise, he has never developed into an impact player.
Cole could potentially provide solid run-stuffing depth to the Seahawks to supplement Red Bryant, who only managed to play in four games last season after being drafted in the fourth round.
Out of the University of Iowa, Cole was an undrafted free agent who bounced around a couple teams before landing in Green Bay in 2004.
The Packers thought enough of him that they signed him to a second-round tender a year ago, demanding a first-round pick in trade for the restricted free agent. Before free agency this year, they pushed hard to re-sign him, unsuccessfully of course.
However, it should be noted that he has been a part of an average to downright horrible run stuffing unit during his four full seasons in Green Bay, which never ranked higher than 13th in the league in run defense.
Cole has received interest from some other teams, including Tampa Bay, and he could make for a cheap backup, an important role at defensive tackle, where players need to be alternated in and out during a game to keep players fresh.
If the ‘Hawks aren’t confident about Bryant staying healthy or becoming the talented run-stuffer he was projected to be, Cole could be the cheap free-agent alternative they need.
The reality though is better options remain in free agency and the middle rounds of the draft. Also, it’s doubtful the team is ready to give up on Bryant after only one season, and he and Cole are redundant.
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
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