Seahawks claim 2 on waivers, release Artie Burns
Seahawks add CB Kyu Blu Kelly, LB Drake Thomas, what will they do next? 8/30/2023
The Seattle Seahawks claimed two players off of waivers on Wednesday, including one who was drafted ahead of 10 prospects who were picked by the L.A. Rams. I know that context sounds weird and that it has more to do with the Rams than the player, but I like how it sounds so I’m going to say it again:
Stanford cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly was picked 157th overall—three spots after Olusegun Oluwatimi—and then the Rams drafted 10 players who are on their current roster, including one who might be slated to start at cornerback.
The Seahawks just added a cornerback off of waivers who was drafted 25 spots ahead of a possible starting cornerback on L.A.’s defense. That’s the difference in the current depth and talent level of the two NFC West rosters.
Speaking of rosters, did you read Wednesday’s morning’s joe? Comparing Seahawks 53-man roster to 2021 and 2022!
By claiming Blu Kelly (which almost certainly is the nickname of at least one Seahawks fan already; she paints her face every Sunday, whether she’s going to the game or not) and linebacker Drake Thomas on Wednesday, Seattle has once again proven that they never think the roster is “complete”. A year ago, the Seahawks added cornerback Isaiah Dunn and defensive end Darryl Johnson at this time and in 2021 it was DB Nigel Warrior and tackle Dakoda Sheply; players who didn’t last long but that doesn’t mean that Kelly and/or Thomas won’t.
Always compete but never complete.
As difficult as it may have been to see the Seattle Seahawks cut one or two of your personal favorites on Tuesday, none were claimed on waivers and all of them are eligibile to be added to the practice squad; there have already been a few announced as of this newsletter. Because the Seahawks claimed two players, that means that they also had to create two roster spots, which could come in the form of placing known-injured players on a reserve list.
But the first move is already known: The Seahawks released Artie Burns.
The Seahawks have also added 5 players back to the practice squad so far.
Let’s take a deeper look at the two newest Seahawks, what it could mean for Seattle’s roster this week, this season, and the future; and not only who has been added to the practice squad so far but also who will come next.