Seahawks Waive Rookie Wide Receiver Nate McCollum, Add Tight End Mitch Van Vooren
As part of their ongoing offseason roster management, the Seattle Seahawks have made another change to the lower end of their 90-man roster. The team announced that they have waived undrafted rookie wide receiver Nate McCollum to create space for another undrafted free agent, tight end Mitch Van Vooren.
McCollum, a recent addition to the team, had only been with the Seahawks for a few weeks following the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite being a talented player, his time with Seattle was short-lived. The move does not necessarily reflect poorly on McCollum’s potential but rather underscores the competitive and fluid nature of the NFL offseason, where teams routinely adjust rosters based on position needs, depth evaluations, and performance during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamps.
In McCollum’s place, the Seahawks have opted to bring in tight end Mitch Van Vooren, another undrafted rookie. Van Vooren brings a unique athletic background to Seattle, having originally competed in track and field at Marquette University for four years before transferring to St. Norbert College to play football. His performance at St. Norbert quickly gained attention—he was named First-Team All-NACC in 2024 and earned honorable mention honors the previous year in 2023.
During his college football career, Van Vooren appeared in 22 games and compiled an impressive stat line of 65 receptions for 1,045 yards and several touchdowns. His versatility and athleticism as a former track athlete likely played a role in Seattle’s interest, particularly as the team looks to add depth and athletic upside to the tight end room.
While Van Vooren is relatively new to the football world compared to most NFL rookies, his rapid development and production at a smaller program make him an intriguing project player. His transition from track star to football standout speaks to his work ethic and adaptability—traits that NFL teams value in developmental prospects.
The Seahawks’ decision to make this move is a common occurrence in the NFL, especially during the offseason when teams have expanded rosters and are looking for hidden gems among undrafted players. With training camp still ahead, roster spots are constantly in flux as coaching staffs evaluate which players best fit the team’s system and long-term goals.
For McCollum, being waived this early does not mean the end of his NFL journey. Many undrafted players land with other teams or receive practice squad opportunities during the season. His brief stint in Seattle may serve as a stepping stone to future chances elsewhere in the league.
As the Seahawks continue to fine-tune their roster, fans can expect more transactions in the coming weeks. With the goal of building a competitive 53-man roster by the end of training camp, every opportunity counts for these young players hoping to make their NFL dreams a reality. The addition of Van Vooren adds a new layer of potential to Seattle’s tight end group while McCollum awaits his next opportunity.
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