Seahawks Sign Atari Bigby
by Danny Kelly on Aug 16, 2011 1:52 PM PDT
in Seahawks News & Rumors
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PrintThe Seahawks have signed 29-year-old safety Atari Bigby. He has been signed ostensibly to provide veteran leadership for a very young safety group. Bigby was signed as an undrafted free agent by John Schneider's Packers in 2005 out of Central Florida (UCF).
Bigby, when healthy, has managed to play pretty well, collecting ten interceptions and nineteen passes defensed in his five year career. Injuries, of course, have been his problem as he played in only four games in 2010 and missed a total of 12 the previous two seasons. His best season came in 2007, where he started all 16 games for the Packers while making 86 tackles and grabbing 5 interceptions.
He certainly fits the profile for this rebuilt team as a scheme versatile and rangy defensive back, and according to former Packers front office exec Andrew Brandt, "John Schneider liked Bigby a lot while in GB."
He's 5'11, 213, was an undrafted free agent that went on to play a key role for his team, and is now an injury castaway. The Hawks seem to love taking chances on low-risk, cheap players that could play well and contribute if healthy. He'll likely provide depth behind Kam Chancellor and/or come in to play in coverage situations. He should be a mentor to the young players in the secondary. He is also fairly versatile, and could play the corner in a pinch -- his skillset could threaten Josh Pinkard / Jeron Johnson's shot at making the roster.
The Hawks released FB Dorson Boyce to make room on their roster.
What do you guys think? Good signing?
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I really hated this guy in 2007.
It felt like watching a guy get away with cheating and being celebrated for it. So yeah he was pretty good that year. I dunno what to think. It’s not as exciting as how excited I was to see how Legree & Chancellor would be developing. But I guess it’s competition and we’ll see what sticks. Doesn’t necessarily mean something bad for Chancellor’s future.
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Aug 16, 2011 1:55 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Can you be more specific?
How did he cheat? I’m not really familiar with him as a player and the only time I think I remember hearing his name called was when we lost at Lambeau in the 2007 playoffs.
Were you a little worried about Brandon Browner in the preseason game last Thursday?
Thought he might be toeing the line on what is or is not PI? Imagine him being like 15 times worse, all day long, but he gets 1 PI call against him, and then Marcus Trufant breathes on a gy and their stalled drive is suddenly 1st & goal from the 5.
Head of catering.
by jacobstevens on Aug 16, 2011 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I remember him as being extremely physical and
always being there right as (or right before) the ball was delivered.
Good, as much as I like ET and Cam, they're both young as hell.
Learn JiuJitsu.
Always looking for that new danger.
I've always thought of him as a real solid player.
Most times I found myself watching the Packers, Atari was always out there making plays. It’s very quality depth imo, especially since he can help out at CB too. Injuries aside, he’s still relatively young too
A necessary move
Our secondary was too inexperienced, and lack of experience is huge for secondary players.
Formerly Known As Vasilii
Farrar and Enyeart both saying he'll be rotational most likely.
Which makes sense. Kam’s still pretty unproven in pass coverage.
Proactive-like-Nonstop
FIELDGULLS
Good signing.... Even if he doesn't stay healthy
Veteran leadership is needed on this team. He should be fine as a rotational player.
by Redzone59 on Aug 16, 2011 2:10 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
I wonder how his Madden rating compares to Cam.
How's that working out for you... being clever? - Tyler Durden
I'm pretty sure he had 'A' potential back in the day
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by Roy Weaver Stuckey on Aug 16, 2011 2:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Versatile Vet.
Hopefully he can pick up the defense quick so he can be put in different coverage schemes, kind of like what big play Babs was doing last year.
Hope he's healthy
Hope we’re not counting on it.
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Aug 16, 2011 2:32 PM PDT reply actions 4 recs
Rec'd for truth
He’s a good player…when healthy. I hope this is a depth move, and a leadership addition to a young DB squad, rather than an attempt to add a questionable starter.
Do dreads contribute to on field concussions?
This is an angle I’d like to see the commissioner take. It’s not that I don’t like dreads, I just hate trends.
You’d think it’d require a lid 1 or 2 sizes larger than needed. Hell, in certain industries you can’t grow a beard so the respirator fits properly.
How long before contracts include anti dread lingo? It’s gonna happen…
by vertigoman on Aug 17, 2011 12:59 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
That irritates me as well
I want someone to tackle a guy that way I am dying to see it….. LOL
Respect goes a long way....
Ndamukong Suh
Did it to Marion Barber last season.
No K is OK
by Jacson Bevens on Aug 18, 2011 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions
what about his leadership
And locker room presence… anybody have knowledge of how he handles himself? I regret not having Milloy for those, even with his having lost a step or three. Hoping Bigby makes up for some of that.
by TrynZushi on Aug 16, 2011 2:55 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Sounds good to me. He's shown to be a good player.
Whether its as depth or more, the best player will play. If you have more options for “best player” and Atari is a good player, why not?
follow @casetines
UCF, UCF, UCF!!
Okay sorry. Had to do it. First time the Seahawks have signed a Knight! As for the signing, I think it’s a good solid move. Will be very interested to see how long we signed him
For.
by Patrick V. on Aug 16, 2011 3:06 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
How could you forget Bob Spitulski?
Also: I need to get out more.
by Suburban Shocker on Aug 16, 2011 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Seems like an upgrade from Babs, and a similar role
I am happy with the rotational depth and experience. Especially if his playing time is limited enough such that we can keep him healthy and still give the young guys enough playing time to develop.
Sando chimes in: "Why Seahawks wanted Bigby, not Milloy"
Why not just bring back Milloy, one of the toughest players of his generation?
There’s a tradeoff in re-signing such a durable, competitive player amid a youth movement. Milloy returned to the Seahawks last season only after coach Pete Carroll promised to restore him as the starter. Milloy had not been happy as a backup in 2009. Any leadership he might have provided would have been muted from the bench in 2011.
Kam Chancellor is going to start at strong safety for the Seahawks this season. He’s having a strong training camp. The team envisions pairing him with free safety Earl Thomas for years to come. Seattle considered bringing back veteran safety/cornerback Jordan Babineaux for veteran depth, but the Tennessee Titans signed him.
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Aug 16, 2011 3:22 PM PDT reply actions
Hoping he doesn't bring any sizerp with him.
We all know about the Packers and their sizerp..
by John Clayton's Ponytail on Aug 16, 2011 3:25 PM PDT reply actions
I like the signing.
He can play for Kam in a pinch. He adds (quality) depth to our secondary. Anything that helps our secondary I’m all for! I have to think he’ll challenge Kam to become a better player because Bigby is capable of starting at his position. He should play in a lot of passing-down packages, too. Very happy with it.
2011: Building the Trenches.
Did we sign him for the veteran minimum? Any word on his contract?
Earl Thomas + Mark Legree = Earl Gree. A new flavor of safety coming to you on Sunday's this Fall. They're gonna wake you up!
I'm going to be annoyed if Bigby is the reason Jeron Johnson doesn't keep a roster spot.
Always up for some Twitter action @nandron. I only talk NW sports, though.
Somehow, I don't see that happening...
However, how can we draft so much help in the secondary (CB’s. SS’s) and expect everyone to make the team?
You have to believe Johnson is in the plans, along with Maxwell, Sherman, and LeGree. How many at each position do we keep?
CB’s
Tru
Jennings (yuck)
Browner
Thurmond
Sherman
FS
Earl Thomas
Mark LeGree
SS
Kam Chancellor
Bigby
Johnson
Maxwell?
Would Maxwell alternate between CB and safety? Seems like a lot of depth to me..
Ka-Kaaa!
You bumped off Pinkard?
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 16, 2011 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions
Shit...Forgot.
Add him to the CB’s, and maybe alternate one SS for a FS? I just don’t see it.
My thinking is someone won’t make it..
Random memory – How about Maxwell and LeGree laying out the SD receiver as he was going up for the ball last game. That man was tattooed!
Ka-Kaaa!
You also let Lewis' name off
Jennings might be getting bounced, but even if he did it would still be 5 CB spots for the likes of Trufant, Thurmond, Sherman, Lewis, Browner, Maxwelll and Cox.
Somehow, I don't think Cox makes it...
Totally forgot about Lewis too…For special teams’ purposes, he should stay.
What’s the usual number of players in the backfield for the 53-man roster? From what I remember, it’s usually 2 FS’s, 2 SS’s, ~4-5 CB’s, and ~2 specialists (ST, bandit package, etc. ). Is this year an exception, due to talent? If I had to be cut throat it’s look like this:
CB’s:
Tru
Browner
Thurmond (PUP)
Sherman
Lewis
FS:
Thomas
LeGree
SS:
Chancellor
Bigby
Specialists:
Maxwell
Johnson
Our backfield group is starting to look like our WR group. Too much potential for one team…
Still have hopes for Johnson though, and hope he sticks. That man can play football.
Ka-Kaaa!
The roster has been expanded to 54 this year, with 46 (not 45) able to dress on a given day.
I think ALL of these people make it, including Pinkard, Maxwell, Johnson, Jennings, and Lewis (the “bubble” players, in my opinion). Pete will use the extra spot to keep a CB/FS/SS he normally would have cut, since this is by far our weakest area this year (other than QB, of course).
by Chief Knockahomer on Aug 17, 2011 5:30 AM PDT up reply actions
You're mistaken. The roster is 53, with the gameday roster expanded to 46.
Article 54 section 4 of the CBA:
Active and Inactive List Limit: In any League Year, a Club’s Active and Inactive Lists shall not exceed 53 players.
I think we kept about 10 DBs (6 CB, 4 S) last year, on the 53. We’re a team that needs more depth in the DB positions than most teams, but more than 10 is nuts.
If I had to take a stab:
CB: Trufant, Thurmond, Jennings, Browner, Sherman
FS: Thomas, LeGree
SS: Chancellor, Bigby, Pinkard
Maxwell and Johnson are for the PS if anything. Just not enough room. Bigby might bump out Pinkard for Lewis, but I hope not.
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 17, 2011 8:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Then you might want to inform the Lions, Bucs, and several other teams of this fact.
The Lions have a contest going…something like pick the final 54.
by Chief Knockahomer on Aug 17, 2011 10:24 AM PDT up reply actions
Are you referring to this Bleacher Report piece?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/793442-detroit-lions-54-player-roster-you-make-the-final-cut
Which is about making the last cut down to 53?
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Aug 17, 2011 11:24 AM PDT up reply actions
I was not aware...
that the final cut was from 54 to 53. Interesting…and sad.
by Chief Knockahomer on Aug 17, 2011 11:43 AM PDT up reply actions
It isn't
The cuts go 90, 75 and 53. Bleacher Report is just doing a mental exercise.
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 17, 2011 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Special teams play will be key
for the bubble guys. Maybe a gunner may surprise us. That usually ends up being a CB or a WR. The final cut down and then who is brought back for the PS will be interesting. I cannot see 10 DBs so Beekers lets bet a drink on that one huh?
Respect goes a long way....
We will definitely carry 10 DBs, no question
I don’t bet, though.
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 18, 2011 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions
Bigby will play special teams, by the way
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 18, 2011 9:52 AM PDT up reply actions
They know
Cutdown to 53 is on September 4th.
Formerly Known As Vasilii
by Thomas Beekers on Aug 17, 2011 11:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Who is in jeopardy?
With Bigby signed, who is now less likely to make the 53? I really hope Jeron Johnson makes it. Watching him at Boise, this guy is a beast, and has a nose for being around the ballcarrier, and dude hits like a mack truck. If he gets cut odds say we will not be able to get him back, ever.
Check out my blog: spaceneedlesports.wordpress.com
I'm with you homes...
No idea how this will shake things up. Only guarantees seem to be Tru/ET/Kam/LeGree/Sherman at this point.
I really want to keep Johnson. Maybe this makes Jennings expendable, since Tru is showing leadership (apparently), and Browner looks to be able to start at the #2 spot.
But what do I know..
Ka-Kaaa!
I remember hearing his name quite a bit in the snow bowl play-off w/Green bay.
It stuck in my head like the game stuck in my gut.
Has anyone thought of the possibility of..
Bigby challenging Jennings for the CB2 spot? He has the tools…
"There's a lot that people don't know. Like our names." - Matt Hasselbeck
I highly doubt it
bigby is a smasher, don’t think he has coverage ability
Okung - Gallery - Unger - Moffit - Carpenter
by Roy Weaver Stuckey on Aug 16, 2011 9:38 PM PDT up reply actions
Plus I think he'd be challenging Thurmond
Okung - Gallery - Unger - Moffit - Carpenter
by Roy Weaver Stuckey on Aug 16, 2011 9:39 PM PDT up reply actions
Yup
Jennings isn’t going to start ahead of a healthy Thurmond.
by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Aug 16, 2011 10:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Also, a little OT
Are our LB’s pretty much a lock? Guessing like this:
MLB:
Hawthorne
Wright
SS LB:
Curry
McCoy
WS LB:
Hill
Smith
Sound about right?
Ka-Kaaa!
I am guessing
we add an experienced LB after final cuts or Lofa comes back….
Respect goes a long way....
Is there a cooler name in football?
Sounds like a guy from Mutant League Football.
by vertigoman on Aug 17, 2011 1:16 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
Back in 2007, he had Seahawks receivers pretty intimidated
They’d see him coming and suddenly get alligator arms. You don’t need to be that great in coverage if you can scare opposing receivers into missing the ball. But I suspect that sort of intimidation won’t be as successful against most teams as it was against us…
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