Seahawks Meeting With Ex-Jaguars S Rayshawn Jenkins
With the NFL's legal tampering window opening on Monday, the Seattle Seahawks have a visit scheduled with a potential veteran replacement for Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs.
According to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, former Jaguars safety Rayshawn Jenkins is "en route" to Seattle for the first of what could be several free agent meetings as he pursues his next landing spot. The seven-year veteran became a free agent last week when Jacksonville cut him as a cap casualty and would be free to sign before Wednesday's official start to free agency.
Developing from a fourth-round pick into a quality NFL starter who can play both safety spots, the Seahawks will take a look at Rayshawn Jenkins to kick off free agency.
Originally a fourth-round pick out of Miami by the Chargers in 2017, Jenkins began his career as a special teams standout before a breakout 2019 campaign where he had 53 tackles, three interceptions, and a pair of tackles for loss. Following another stellar year in 2020, he signed a four-year, $35 million contract with the Jaguars, heading back to his home state of Florida.
In three seasons with the Jaguars, Jenkins started 48 out of 51 possible regular season games, amassing 290 combined tackles, five interceptions, three forced fumbles, and 19 pass breakups. In each of the past two seasons, while he did allow more than 11 yards per reception along the way, he eclipsed 100 tackles and surrendered only two touchdowns in coverage.
A highly-versatile defender, Jenkins has over 1,900 career snaps at free safety as well as in the box on his resume, which would appeal to new coach Mike Macdonald as he rebuilds Seattle's safety group. Currently, after releasing Adams and Diggs last week to create $18 million in cap room, the team only has one safety - Pro Bowler Julian Love - with any prior starting experience on the roster.
Recently turning 30 years old in January, Jenkins likely will be looking at one or two-year deals from prospective teams, including the Seahawks. But with a crowded market at the position, he could be a quality starter to put in place on an affordable contract as the team looks to develop younger options, including Jerrick Reed II, who tore his ACL as a rookie and may be part of the team's long term plans on defense.
