Seahawks Release Griffin After Claiming Derion Kendrick Off Waivers
The Seattle Seahawks made a roster adjustment on Wednesday, officially releasing cornerback Griffin just one day after he had secured a spot on the team’s initial 53-man roster. The move was confirmed by team reporter John Boyle on the Seahawks’ official website.
Griffin’s release comes as part of a ripple effect following Seattle’s successful waiver claim of defensive back Derion Kendrick, who was made available earlier this week. With Kendrick now joining the Seahawks’ secondary group, the front office made the difficult decision to part ways with Griffin despite his brief place on the finalized roster.
For Griffin, the timing of the move is tough, but not unexpected in the fast-moving world of NFL roster management. Teams frequently shuffle players in and out as new opportunities arise, and waiver claims often prompt immediate changes. Though the cornerback will now head to the open market, his résumé suggests he will not remain unsigned for long.
The 2025 season has already been an active one for Griffin, who played a full slate of 17 regular-season games last year with the Minnesota Vikings. During that stretch, he demonstrated both durability and consistency, attributes that should be attractive to teams seeking depth in the defensive backfield. While he did not emerge as a Pro Bowl-level star, his ability to stay on the field and contribute as part of a rotation is highly valued across the league.
Seattle’s decision to bring in Kendrick reflects the team’s focus on reshaping its secondary. Kendrick, a young corner with solid upside, offers versatility and physicality that could make him a long-term fit for the Seahawks’ defensive scheme. For Griffin, it simply became a numbers game—his presence on the roster was outbalanced by the team’s desire to add a different skillset.
Around the league, several teams are monitoring cornerback depth, especially as injuries begin to accumulate during the preseason and early weeks of the regular season. Griffin’s availability could quickly draw attention from franchises in need of an experienced option who can play outside or in nickel packages. His history of contributing across multiple defensive schemes should work in his favor.
For Seattle, the roster shuffle underscores the constant evaluation process that head coach Mike Macdonald and general manager John Schneider continue to emphasize. The Seahawks have shown a willingness to be aggressive on the waiver wire in order to find players who fit their evolving identity. Adding Kendrick was seen as an opportunity too good to pass up, even if it meant cutting ties with a player like Griffin who had earned his way onto the initial roster.
Ultimately, Griffin’s release highlights the unpredictable nature of NFL roster construction. One day a player can earn a spot, and the next, circumstances shift. Still, with his proven track record of durability and experience, Griffin is expected to land with another team in short order, as cornerback depth remains a premium across the league.
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