Tru back in the fold
The reasons I love the re-signing of Marcus Trufant.
On March 7th the Seahawks released Marcus Trufant in a move that I expected to end his tenure in Seattle. I thought some team would offer the former pro-bowler a decent contract with a starting opportunity but it appears that was not the case.
Yesterday the Seahawks re-signed Marcus to a 1-year contract to apparently compete for the nickle back position (as of now).
The health of Walter Thurmond remains in question and Danny O’Neil stated on twitter that Thurmond is likely to start the season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, which means for the first 6 games of the regular season Walter would be unavailable leaving Marcus Trufant to battle Roy Lewis, and Byron Maxwell for the nickle back position.
Does Thurmond have durability issues?
That is a battle Trufant should be able to win hands down if he can stay healthy enough. One would assume that at this point the team has run him through the full gauntlet of tests and his back is ready to go, but lets see how he holds up through camp.
I still stand tru to my statement that “I will not be surprised if he retires before the start of the regular season”.
The Health Factor
If he can stay healthy he provides something the secondary is currently missing, veteran leadership. The only player with multiple seasons as a starter is 3rd year starter Earl Thomas, he is the leader but still very young.
Marcus Trufant has seen it all, there is nothing an opposing offense can put the defense through that he doesn’t know how to adjust to as a player.
That type of experience is very valuable and could be the difference between a win and a loss.
The Seahawks have a great coaching staff and they do an excellent job of making adjustments, but its different when a player whom has been there before can go out there and teach the others from the field.
The Seahawks have done a great job finding young talent at the cornerback position deep in the draft (Richard Sherman 5th round) and in unexpected places (Brandon Browner CFL).
I had a conversation with some fellow bloggers last week about the possibility of the Seahawks trading Browner, whom will turn 28 in September, and then drafting a younger player to fill that role.
Brandon Browner is coming off a pro-bowl season and his trade value is likely to be as high as it ever will be. Should the Seahawks decide to move in that direction Marcus Trufant will give the team the flexibility to make such a move.
Picture this scenario
Draft day, the Seahawks trade Brandon Browner for a third round pick they use to draft Chris Polk out of the University of Washington. Then use a 4th or 5th round pick to draft a young corner to eventually replace him.
the only player on the current roster who played in Super Bowl XL
With the signing of Marcus Trufant they can plug him in opposite of Richard Sherman. In my opinion that is a lot better then the thought of starting Roy Lewis or Byron Maxwell.
Marcus is a fan favorite, he is the only player on the current roster who played in Super Bowl XL. I know none of us want to think about that game but that is the Seahawks team that accomplished the most in franchise history and gave us a lot of great memories.
We all know Marcus played for the better team that day and he should have the big ring.
Seeing 23 out there in any capacity will be a boost to the cheering 12th man every Sunday.
A native son
Marcus Trufant is also a native of the area, growing up in Tacoma Washington, about 30-45 minutes south of Seattle, depending on how fast you drive and the amount of traffic.
Come on Seattle! You know it is always nice to have homegrown kids playing on the team they grew up loving.
As a Washington State fan I remember watching him play for the Cougars and dominating at the college level.
I would like to see one more big interception in his career for a team I love. One more game where he makes the difference. One more season where I get to watch him and cheer him on from the stands.
Let’s hope his body is willing to give him one more year…
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About Brett Bivens
