Seahawks Grooming Jordan Roos as Backup Center

In the aftermath of losing starting center Justin Britt to a season-ending torn left ACL, the Seahawks explored options on the trade market seeking a potential replacement.

But as coach Pete Carroll projected on Monday, the final few days before the trade deadline passed with minimal action around the league. The Seahawks called around looking at potential deals to no avail.

“We were involved, but nothing was right,” Carroll said on Wednesday. “So we did what we needed to do and keep our guys here and keep ‘em together and do the best we can.”

Without any suitable center options available at the right price, Seattle placed Britt on injured reserve and will move forward with Joey Hunt as his replacement in the starting lineup. Lacking depth behind him, the organization promoted guard Jordan Roos from the practice squad.

Though the third-year pro didn’t play center at Purdue and hasn’t played any NFL snaps there either, Carroll indicated Roos has been getting snaps at the position on the practice field this season.

“Roos has been with us a long time and he knows our system really well. One of the great attributes that Joey [Hunt] brings to us is his smarts and his ability to control everything. Well, Roos is really the farthest along in that regard and he’ll do the best job right now.”

While the Seahawks did have Kyle Fuller, who started at center in college at Baylor, available on the practice squad, Carroll and his coaching staff decided to go with Roos due to his longer tenure with the team and understanding of the offensive scheme.

“Right now,” Carroll said. “It’s more important that we’re making our calls and everybody’s complimented with what’s going on and we know what we’re doing and so that’s why we’re there.”

According to Carroll, Fuller will have a shot to compete and in due time, he could earn a promotion with improved command of the offense. But for now, the Seahawks feel more comfortable rolling with Roos, who has been with the team for three seasons.

Originally signed by the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2017 season, Roos dressed for seven games as a rookie in 2017. While he saw action on special teams in all seven games, his most extensive playing time on offense came in a 26-24 loss to the Cardinals in Week 17, as he played 47 snaps at guard.

Though he spent the entire 2018 season on the practice squad and has yet to dress for a game this year, Roos is now just one injury away from entering the lineup. With Hunt replacing Britt for the rest of the year, he should be active as the backup center starting with Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay.