Rolle has struggled to stay healthy the last two seasons.
It's no secret the cornerbacks playing opposite Marcus Trufant had their fair share of troubles last season, with Kelly Jennings unable to defend the deep ball and 5-9 Josh Wilson struggling against taller receivers.
No viable repair exists in free agency. But soon-to-be released Ravens starting CB Samari Rolle may provide a reasonable upgrade at the position.
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After signing Domonique Foxworth on the first day of free agency, there appeared to be no room for Rolle to start at CB. The Ravens are reported to having accepted Rolle's request of release, which will shore up $4.1 million in salary cap room for them.
The Good
Rolle was drafted no. 42 in the 1998 draft. At 32 years old, his best days are behind him, but he still has some gas left in the tank. In 2000, Rolle was elected to the Pro Bowl and selected as an all-pro.
Rolle is known for setting up the quarterback to intercept quick passes and has recorded 28 interceptions since his 1998 debut with the Tennessee Oilers. He's experienced in man coverage, which is something the Seahawks would frequently ask of him.
At 6-foot, Rolle provides height and speed to the position, although his top-end speed appears to be faltering as he ages. His strength in man coverage comes from defending slower receivers, something that would benefit the Seahawks against the Cardinals twice a year but not necessarily the other two in the division. He's primarily a bump and run CB, something Wilson and Jennings aren't known for.
He's also adequate against the run, unafraid of taking on a big back.
The bad
Rolle's health has been in question for some time now, suffering from epilepsy and numerous other injuries.
He has only started 15 games the last two seasons due to his health. Prior to those two seasons, Rolle started 32 games for 2005-06.
As stated before, his speed has waned the past couple seasons. Teams have picked on him similarly to Jennings and the deep ball. In 2006, against the Panthers, Rolle gave up two long touchdowns to two different receivers. He struggled against the deep ball for the first half of the season but improved in the second half.
However, he was part of a defensively dominating Ravens team that was favored to make it to the super bowl. The team ranked no. 6 ,5 and 1 in passing yards, touchdowns and interceptions in 2006. Rolle recorded three that season.
Money
Baltimore plans to release Rolle to relieve salary cap space for the 2009 season. He was set to make $4.1 million this year against the cap. Even at 32-years-old, Rolle may command too high of a salary for the Seahawks to take a gamble on a fading CB. The team doesn't have much salary cap space left after franchising Leroy Hill, signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Colin Cole. And with the high-price no. 4 pick, the Seahawks will likely wade carefully through the rest of the free agency period.
Expect GM Tim Ruskell to either address the position in the draft or stick with his own picks, Wilson and Jennings.
Reach Aaron Weinberg at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
