Seattle Seahawks Waive Defensive Back JT Woods in Roster Move Ahead of Training Camp
The Seattle Seahawks have officially waived defensive back JT Woods, the team announced on Tuesday. This move comes as part of the team’s ongoing efforts to finalize their 90-man training camp roster and set the foundation for the 2025 NFL season.
Woods, a former third-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022 out of Baylor, had joined the Seahawks earlier in the offseason in hopes of revitalizing his career after a turbulent two-year stint in the NFL. Known for his elite speed and range in college, Woods was once viewed as a promising deep safety prospect with potential to grow into a starter. However, his transition to the professional level has been anything but smooth.
During his rookie year with the Chargers, Woods struggled to adjust to the pace and physicality of the NFL. In limited action, he showed flashes of playmaking ability but also had several lapses in coverage that cost the team valuable yardage. Injuries and inconsistency limited his availability in 2023, and he was eventually waived by Los Angeles after failing to secure a regular role on defense or special teams.
Seattle claimed Woods off waivers in the hopes that a change of scenery and coaching style might unlock the potential he displayed during his college career. The Seahawks, under new head coach Mike Macdonald, had placed an emphasis on building a younger, faster defense this offseason. Woods’ physical tools—highlighted by his 4.36 40-yard dash time—made him an intriguing addition to the secondary.
However, according to multiple reports from offseason workouts and minicamp sessions, Woods struggled to stand out in Seattle’s deep defensive back group. The Seahawks have built strong competition at the safety and cornerback positions, with players like Julian Love, Rayshawn Jenkins, Coby Bryant, and rookie Nehemiah Pritchett all making strong impressions throughout OTAs.
By waiving Woods, the Seahawks are likely making room to evaluate other talent ahead of training camp, which begins later this month. The move also signals the team’s commitment to prioritizing performance and consistency over pedigree or past draft status.
Woods will now be subject to the NFL’s waiver process. If unclaimed, he will become a free agent and can sign with any team. Given his athletic traits and the league’s constant need for defensive back depth, it is possible that another team could take a chance on him, especially during the preseason when injuries and roster churn are at their peak.
For Seattle, the decision to move on from JT Woods underscores the competitive nature of the league and the challenges faced by young players trying to secure a spot in a fast-evolving defensive system.
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