Seahawks Release Promising Rookie Linebacker Shortly After Signing
The Seattle Seahawks have made some swift roster moves as they continue evaluating talent during the offseason. On May 6, the team announced that they had waived rookie linebacker Jackson Woodard and defensive end T.J. Jackson, just days after both had signed with the team as undrafted free agents. Their release comes shortly after participating in Seattle’s rookie minicamp, leaving two open spots on the Seahawks’ 90-man roster.
Jackson Woodard, in particular, had drawn attention for his standout performance in college. After a strong senior season at UNLV, he was named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year. Woodard posted an impressive stat line, finishing with 135 total tackles—ranking fourth in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)—and 17 tackles for loss. His production and playmaking ability earned him recognition as a possible late-round pick in the NFL Draft.
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein praised Woodard in his pre-draft profile, noting the linebacker’s exceptional instincts and effectiveness in pass coverage. “Woodard has elite coverage instincts and ball production from both zone and man,” Zierlein wrote. “He can match up with running backs and tight ends and reads quarterbacks with great anticipation.” Despite this praise, Woodard went undrafted and was brought in by Seattle to compete for a backup or practice squad role.
T.J. Jackson, a defensive end, was facing a similar uphill battle to make the roster. While both players showed potential, the Seahawks appear to be focusing on flexibility and reshaping their roster early in the offseason. Their release could indicate Seattle has other positional needs it wants to address, particularly on offense.
One area of interest could be wide receiver. The Seahawks made modest additions during the NFL Draft, selecting Colorado State’s Tory Horton in the fifth round and UNLV’s Ricky White III in the seventh. Given the departure of longtime stars D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, Seattle may be looking to add more experience or depth at the position.
Bleacher Report’s Zach Bachar floated the idea that Seattle could make a move for veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper. Cooper spent last season with both the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. Though he made several key plays for the Bills after being acquired mid-season, his overall impact was inconsistent. Bachar believes Cooper could provide a needed spark for the Seahawks’ receiving unit.
“Seattle’s wide receiver corps underwent major changes during the offseason,” Bachar wrote. “With Metcalf and Lockett gone, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is now the top target for quarterback Sam Darnold. The team also signed Cooper Kupp in free agency.”
In addition to Kupp, the Seahawks added another former Bills player, Marquez Valdes-Scantling. After a release from Buffalo in 2024, Valdes-Scantling had a resurgence with the New Orleans Saints, recording 17 receptions for 385 yards and four touchdowns.
With the early release of rookies like Woodard and Jackson, Seattle seems focused on making quick decisions and leaving room for veteran contributors or other prospects who may better fit their 2025 plans.
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