The Seattle Seahawks did some roster shuffling before the start of training camp, making one big move earlier in the week and another smaller one just before camp opened on Tuesday.
The Seahawks opened the week by releasing veteran tight end Noah Fant, who came to the team as part of the Russell Wilson trade and served as one of the top pass-catchers. The Seahawks also cut ties with a standout rookie cornerback the day before veterans reported to training camp on Tuesday, though could leave the door open for a potential return.
Seahawks Waive Rookie Zy Alexander
The Seahawks reported on July 21 that they waived rookie cornerback Zy Alexander, who had joined the team in April as an undrafted free agent. Alexander had a strong five-year collegiate career where he racked up 174 total tackles and 13 interceptions while splitting time between Southeastern Louisiana and LSU.
As reporter Chandler Vessels of On3 noted, Alexander was a mainstay in the secondary for the Tigers.
“Overall, Zy Alexander appeared in 19 games for LSU, which included 18 starts,” Vessels noted. “Heâd go on to finish his career with the Tigers having amassed 77 tackles, which included 2.5 for loss, and 15 passes defended and four interceptions.”
Alexander earned some strong reviews ahead of this year’s NFL draft, with NFL.com predicting he could grow into a strong backup or potential starter. Draft expert Lance Zierlein noted that Alexander looked to be a solid NFL contributor.
“Alexander utilizes size, speed, length and athleticism through all phases of coverage,” Zierlein wrote. “Heâs not overly disruptive from press but rarely allows much separation if beaten. He leverages routes with pattern recognition and maintains connection to the route from trail. Heâs effective from man and zone with timing and tracking that could make him a coveted prospect for defenses with heavy Cover 3 looks. Alexanderâs tools and traits give him a chance to become a starter.”
Alexander was waived with a non-football injury designation, which could leave the door open for a potential return to Seattle.
Seahawks Making Other Roster Moves
The Seahawks already shook up their roster by releasing Fant, a cost-saving move for the tight end who signed a two-year, $21 million contract in March 2024. Fant was the team’s fourth-leading receiver in 2024, making 48 receptions for 500 yards and one touchdown. He had been a steady target for the Seahawks since coming in 2022, topping 400 yards in all three seasons.
The Seahawks have already made several other big changes on offense, parting ways with receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett while trading quarterback Geno Smith and signing Sam Darnold.
Seattle also announced this week that they signed cornerback Kam Alexander and nose tackle Justin Rodgers on Monday, adding more depth to their defense ahead of training camp.
As On3’s Vessels noted, Alexander could have the chance to compete for a spot on the depth chart after impressing the team at rookie minicamp earlier this offseason.
“Kam Alexander went undrafted out of Oregon this past season but participated in the Seahawksâ rookie minicamp,” Vessels wrote. “He didnât record many stats in his lone year with the Ducks, but had 34 tackles, two interceptions and 15 passes defended the year prior at UTSA.”
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