On Thursday, the Seattle Seahawks made notable moves by adding two players to their practice squad: outside linebacker Tyreke Smith and cornerback Josh Jobe. This decision comes after the release of tackle Raiqwon O’Neal, leaving one open spot remaining on the practice squad.
Tyreke Smith, a 2022 fifth-round draft pick from Ohio State, has had a somewhat tumultuous career trajectory thus far. After being selected by the Seahawks, Smith spent his rookie season on injured reserve due to an injury that kept him sidelined. Despite this setback, he was added to Seattle’s 53-man roster to start the 2023 season. However, he was later waived and subsequently signed to the practice squad. Smith’s time with the Seahawks was interrupted when he was signed off the practice squad by the Arizona Cardinals, where he finished the 2023 season. His return to the Seahawks’ practice squad indicates that the team sees potential in him and is willing to give him another opportunity to prove his worth.
Josh Jobe, on the other hand, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent from Alabama in 2022. Over the past two seasons, Jobe has been with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he appeared in 28 games. Notably, he played all 17 games of the previous season and made three starts. His performance in Philadelphia showed that he could be a reliable asset, contributing significantly on the field. During his collegiate career at Alabama, Jobe was a standout player, recording 15 passes defensed, two interceptions, and 93 tackles over his final two seasons. His experience and proven track record at both the collegiate and professional levels make him a valuable addition to the Seahawks’ practice squad.
The release of Raiqwon O’Neal opened up the practice squad spot, making way for Smith and Jobe. O’Neal’s departure highlights the Seahawks’ ongoing adjustments to their roster as they seek to optimize their squad for the season. The addition of Smith and Jobe reflects the team’s strategy to enhance depth and flexibility, particularly in critical positions like linebacker and cornerback.
Overall, these moves are part of the Seahawks’ broader effort to build a robust roster capable of competing effectively throughout the season. By reinforcing their practice squad with promising players like Smith and Jobe, Seattle aims to strengthen its team dynamics and provide additional support for the regular roster.
