“A move like this always gets people talking — and this one is no exception for Seahawks fans.”
The Seattle Seahawks have made a notable roster move, parting ways with cornerback Derion Kendrick after a brief but eventful stint in Seattle. The decision stands out because Kendrick had delivered a few highlight plays earlier in the season, which made some fans believe he was carving out a role for himself. But here’s where it gets controversial: big moments don’t always guarantee long-term security in the NFL.
Kendrick originally joined the Seahawks after being claimed off waivers following final roster cuts in August, arriving in Seattle as a former Los Angeles Rams cornerback looking for a fresh start. At the time, it seemed like a low-risk, potentially high-reward pickup for a secondary that wanted depth and competition. On Tuesday, however, Seattle waived Kendrick in what was their only official transaction of the day, signaling a clear shift in how they view their cornerback room going forward.
With Tory Horton already placed on injured reserve and no immediate signing made to replace either player on the active roster, the Seahawks now find themselves with two open spots on their 53-man roster. That kind of flexibility could indicate that the team is planning another move soon, whether it’s promoting players from the practice squad, adding veteran help, or addressing a different position entirely. And this is the part most people miss: sometimes a move like this says more about future plans than about the player being cut.
On the field, Kendrick saw meaningful playing time early in the season when standout corner Devon Witherspoon was sidelined by injury. In that stretch, he logged a total of 99 defensive snaps in back-to-back games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints, stepping into a larger role than many expected. He responded by making a visible impact, recording two interceptions and five passes defensed — production that naturally raised hopes he might become a steady contributor in the rotation.
Additional injuries at cornerback later in the season created more opportunities, and Kendrick picked up 19 defensive snaps against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Those reps suggested that the coaching staff trusted him enough to put him on the field in meaningful situations when depth was stretched thin. For a player who had just arrived via waivers, that was no small vote of confidence.
However, Kendrick’s role began to shrink as the season progressed and the secondary got healthier. Over the last six games, his defensive impact was minimal, as he saw only five defensive snaps during that span and shifted primarily into special teams duties. He was even designated a healthy scratch against the Washington Commanders, a clear sign that he had slid down the depth chart.
In those late-game or “garbage time” moments when coaches often test younger players, it was Nehemiah Pritchett who started to see the field instead of Kendrick. That choice strongly hinted at where the organization wanted to invest its developmental reps, prioritizing potential long-term pieces over short-term depth. This kind of internal competition is normal, but it can be brutal for players hovering near the roster bubble.
Kendrick also experienced a positional shift during his stay in Seattle. While he primarily played as an outside cornerback with the Rams, the Seahawks used him more in the slot, asking him to adjust to a slightly different role within their defensive scheme. That inside spot often requires quicker reads, more traffic navigation, and a different skill emphasis, which can be a challenging transition for a player still trying to secure a consistent role.
Even with that versatility, there was simply no clear path to regular defensive snaps for Kendrick. The top three cornerback roles have effectively been locked in by Josh Jobe, Devon Witherspoon, and Riq Woolen, who form the core of Seattle’s corner rotation. Woolen, in particular, has strung together strong performances in recent weeks, and with the trade deadline passing without any major shakeups, his place in the defense looks more secure than ever.
From the team’s perspective, keeping Kendrick on the active roster may have become a luxury rather than a necessity. When coaches and front office decision-makers feel comfortable with their primary trio and see promising contributions from younger depth options, someone on the fringe usually becomes expendable. That reality can feel harsh, especially when that player has put good moments on tape, but it’s often how the roster math plays out.
Importantly, this move does not have to mark the end of Kendrick’s time with the Seahawks. If he clears waivers — meaning no other team claims his contract — Seattle would still have the option to bring him back on the practice squad. That scenario would allow him to stay in the building, continue learning the system, and be available as an injury replacement without occupying one of the valuable 53-man active roster spots.
The next step in this story will become clearer on Wednesday, when waiver results are finalized and the Seahawks begin their practice week in preparation for their matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. If Kendrick returns on the practice squad, it will suggest the team still sees some developmental upside. If another franchise claims him, it may validate the belief that his early-season play caught league-wide attention.
Here’s a question that might divide fans: was waiving Kendrick a smart, forward-looking roster decision, or did the Seahawks give up too soon on a player who flashed real playmaking ability when called upon? Do you think performance in a small sample of games should carry more weight, or are the coaches right to lean on consistency and long-term projection instead? Share whether you agree or disagree with this move — is this just routine roster churn, or did Seattle make a mistake here?
