Seahawks Sign Julian Love, Adding Versatility to Secondary
Continuing to overhaul their defense in free agency, the Seattle Seahawks have added more firepower to their talented safety group in the secondary.
According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, Seattle has agreed to terms with former New York Giants defensive back Julian Love. Contract length and compensation have yet to be revealed.
After starring at Notre Dame and earning All-American honors in 2018, the Giants selected Love in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Primarily used in sub packages and special teams early in his career, he became a full-time starter last season and established career-bests in tackles (124), interceptions (two), and tackles for loss (six).
With Quandre Diggs and Jamal Adams slated to start and Ryan Neal recently given a right of first refusal tender, Seattle's decision to sign Love may seem odd on the surface. But the 5-foot-11, 195-pound defender is more than a safety, as he has logged nearly 600 career snaps lined up in the slot and has the athletic traits to excel at the position in nickel and dime packages.
Due to his versatility, the Seahawks may want Love to compete against cornerback Coby Bryant for slot duties. His arrival could also be a hedge in the event another team gives Neal an offer sheet and they are not able or willing to match, which would result in his departure without receiving compensation in return.
The decision to sign Love also creates more questions about Adams and his health. The All-Pro missed all but one game last season with a torn quad tendon and coach Pete Carroll has been non-committal about when he may be ready to return to the field. Prior to that injury, he underwent shoulder surgeries after the 2020 and 2021 seasons and also missed four games with a groin pull.
Time will tell where Love fits into Seattle's plans in 2023, but it's clear the Seahawks wanted to add him to the fold given how quickly they signed him. They could just be excited about his positional versatility in their 3-4 scheme or in worst case scenario, it could be an ominous sign on the future for Neal or Adams.
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