With a need at defensive end due to Chris Clemons being lost for the season due to a torn ACL and meniscus, the Seattle Seahawks have again looked to an unexpected place to address their need.
The Seahawks are expected to sign defensive end Patrick Chukwurah to take Clemons place on the roster. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Chukwurah worked out for Seattle on Tuesday along with Ray Edwards, Aaron Maybin and Travis Laboy.
Chukwurah hasn’t played in the NFL since 2008 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He spent two seasons in the UFL with the Florida Tuskers and led the league in sacks both seasons. Chukwurah’s most productive season in the NFL came with the Denver Broncos in 2006 when he had 4.5 sacks and 25 tackles in 14 games. According to Rapoport, Chukwurah has been working as a physical trainer.
Seattle defensive coordinator Gus Bradley served as linebackers coach with the Buccaneers for the two seasons Chukwurah was in Tampa Bay and defensive line coach Todd Wash was the Bucs defensive line coach in 2008.
The Seahawks will likely rely on Chukwurah to be a situational pass rusher behind Bruce Irvin and to contribute on special teams. Irvin is expected to step into Clemons’ role with Chukwurah and others likely to rotate as well.