Seahawks Re-Sign Robert Cooper in D-Line Swap
Following a workout with the team prior to Monday's practice, the Seattle Seahawks have re-signed undrafted rookie nose tackle Robert Cooper to their 90-man roster.
In a corresponding move, Seattle waived second-year defensive tackle Roderick Perry, who signed with the team last week after appearing in two regular season games for Cleveland as a rookie last season.
Formerly a four-star recruit out of South Gwinnett High School in Georgia, Cooper committed to Florida State and played in 11 games as a true freshman, making an instant impact. In two of the next three seasons, he eclipsed 35 tackles and amassed 9.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks during that span, earning Honorable Mention All-ACC honors after the 2021 season.
Unfortunately, Cooper battled through a shoulder injury during his final season with the Seminoles, limiting him to just 19 tackles even though he managed to start all 13 games playing through pain. He underwent surgery after the conclusion of the season, which prevented him from working out at the combine or Florida State's pro day in the pre-draft process.
Going undrafted, Cooper quickly latched on with the Seahawks and participated in the team's annual rookie minicamp. But with him still trying to work back from surgery and not in top shape, the team waived him on May 23 to open up a spot for veteran cornerback Artie Burns to return on a one-year deal.
Passing his physical and impressing at his workout on Monday, Cooper will now re-enter the competition at nose tackle, where the Seahawks currently have Jarran Reed working with the first-team and fourth-round pick Cameron Young rotating behind him. Veterans Bryan Mone and Austin Faoliu, who joined the team this spring after a standout season for the Sea Dragons in the XFL, remain on the PUP list recovering from knee injuries, leaving the team short-handed at the position.
Given the lack of depth and size in the defensive interior, the 330-pound Cooper should be able to see snaps immediately upon his return and if he can round back into his pre-injury form at Florida State, he could still be a factor as Seattle tries to replace Al Woods in the middle.
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