Seahawks Release DL Kentwan Balmer, Re-Sign RB Vai Taua

by Danny Kelly on Aug 24, 2011 3:49 PM PDT in Seahawks News & Rumors

CHICAGO IL - JANUARY 16: Running back Matt Forte #22 of the Chicago Bears throws a pass over the arm of Kentwan Balmer #95 of the Seattle Seahawks as the pass is intercepted by Aaron Curry #59 in the second half of the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16 2011 in Chicago Illinois. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

As originally reported by Jason La Canfora and now confirmed by the team, the Seahawks have released former first-round draft pick Kentwan Balmer. Balmer was selected 29th overall by the 49ers as a DT out of North Carolina but was moved to DE in their 3-4 defense. He never really caught on in San Francisco, starting zero games and sitting out a lot of 2009 on the IR. He the abruptly went AWOL from 49ers camp at the beginning of last season and was traded to the Seahawks shortly thereafter for a sixth round pick.

The Seahawks evidently believed they could light a fire under his ass but it never really panned out (Balmer had connections with former 49ers GM and now Seahawks Senior Personnel Executive Scot McCloughan). He did start 11 games in 2010 and collected 43 tackles due to the injuries to Brandon Mebane, Red Bryant, and Colin Cole, but he wasn't effective shedding blocks or stopping the run, and didn't really fit at DE or on the inside going forward for the Seahawks. The loss of the sixth round pick is not a big deal in the larger scheme of things though it does sting a bit right now. Generally I like the approach of taking relatively low-cost chances on first-round flameouts and hoping they can get it together, but chalk this one up to the L column.

Obviously, the interior defensive line, specifically the undertackle 3-tech spot, becomes a major concern area with Balmer's release (not that it wasn't a major concern area before). Right now the Seahawks have DT/DE Alan Branch, mostly untested at the 3-tech spot, as their starter. Past him, Pep Levingston, Jay Alford, Teryl White, and David Howard are likely backups. If you've never heard of most of these players, you're normal.

DE's Jimmy Wilkerson and Pierre Allen might be able to kick inside but it's certainly not ideal.

What the Seahawks do now for that position is up in the air but I have the feeling they aren't satisfied with their personnel at the moment. I expect a trade, or more likely a FA pickup after 53-man roster cuts, will attempt to fill out the depth there but in any case, it's a little frightening. Without being too much of a Debbie Downer, things could get messy on the D-Line this season while the Seahawks continue their rebuild.

To fill the now vacant roster spot, the Seahawks re-signed a personal favorite of mine, RB Vai Taua. Hopefully he'll get 20 carries for 150 yards on Saturday. (More likely, he'll get 3 or 4 carries for 4 yards). In all honesty though, I'm glad the Hawks brought Taua back, lets see if he can stick a little longer this time around.

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I wonder if they brought Taua back to block the Cardinals from picking him up after their big injury at RB.

Always up for some Twitter action @nandron. I only talk NW sports, though.

by Nick Andron on Aug 24, 2011 3:53 PM PDT reply actions

Highly doubt that.

If you're not sure if there's a quarterback controversy, there is one.

by shams on Aug 24, 2011 4:21 PM PDT up reply actions

Since when is Taua such an amazing running back?

by B.B.Finnegan on Aug 24, 2011 5:02 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Texan fans might have said the same thing about Arian Foster........

by speechcobra on Aug 24, 2011 5:36 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

Since he became a part of history by being one of two teammates to rush for more combined yards than any other tandem in NCAA history.

And unlike the Pony Express, they didn’t even get paid to do it!

"I swear I’m a closet masochist for being such a die hard fan of this team. Goddamn man." -- Raider Zealot (over at Silver and Black Pride). Heady days to be a Seahawk fan, ladies and gents. Optimism reigns supreme right now.

by Tyler Jorgensen on Aug 24, 2011 6:33 PM PDT up reply actions

I'm unreasonably happy/excited to see Taua back

by Kingdomer on Aug 24, 2011 3:53 PM PDT reply actions

There has to be something in the works.

They wouldn’t release a depth player a position where they didn’t have much for a camp body at a position where they’re already set. Schneider and Carroll aren’t stupid.

by Coach Owens on Aug 24, 2011 4:03 PM PDT reply actions

Then it seems a bit silly to release him before that something actually materializes

Unless they had to jump on Taua.

Formerly Known As Vasilii

by Thomas Beekers on Aug 24, 2011 4:11 PM PDT up reply actions

What if they now know for certain that Balmer will never fit?

If you're not sure if there's a quarterback controversy, there is one.

by shams on Aug 24, 2011 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions

What if they knew for certain

that certain players on our roster will never, ever make our team?

Balmer is 24. He had 43 tackles for us last year and played in all 16 games. We have almost no depth at DT. You make him fit, that’s supposed to be the benefit of a PC- winning over these headcases.

He is likely to sign on somewhere and provide valuable depth. We better have something cooking at DT.

by michaelfox99 on Aug 24, 2011 4:47 PM PDT up reply actions

Agreed.

We were in a dire situation concerning depth. For all we know we could’ve been much worse off. Don’t think we had the tools (or reason) to pull off a trade. Hope he succeeds somewhere else.

"Being number two sucks."-Andre Agassi

by dba on Aug 24, 2011 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions

I can only assume it was attitude related (perhaps like LoJack)

Another somewhat productive backup no longer on the team, and we have nothing to show for it.

by IslandHawk on Aug 24, 2011 4:55 PM PDT up reply actions

If I were a betting man, I'd say the Broncos sign him.

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!

by Bobby Cink on Aug 24, 2011 5:19 PM PDT up reply actions

Why "make him fit" over one of the other bodies they have in camp?

Plenty of guys are 24, and Brian Russell played in all 16 games a couple times too. I just don’t see how you can call Balmer “valuable depth” at this point. He hasn’t proven any NFL value at all.

If you're not sure if there's a quarterback controversy, there is one.

by shams on Aug 24, 2011 10:03 PM PDT up reply actions

I wouldn't be completely surprised if it was, in fact, a reaction to Arizona.

While undrafted, Taua is one of those guys with some potentially huge upside – after all, he did bang out some pretty neat numbers for a small school. And man, did he look good on Saturday. I know that I’d have picked him up if I was the Cards. OTOH, they can have Balmer if they want him.

by Johnny Slick on Aug 24, 2011 4:22 PM PDT reply actions

The Cards have had plenty of chances to grab Taua.

If you're not sure if there's a quarterback controversy, there is one.

by shams on Aug 24, 2011 4:43 PM PDT up reply actions

Well then looks like they're content with Beanie.

"Being number two sucks."-Andre Agassi

by dba on Aug 24, 2011 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions

These guys are often puzzling.

They see something somewhere. Also might be letting him go now as a courtesy to let him catch-on elsewhere.

by Richard fg7 on Aug 24, 2011 5:03 PM PDT reply actions

And gives the current guys more snaps to see if they can step up

by lemonverbena on Aug 24, 2011 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions

I've been behind PC almost ever decison along the way

I thought it was a bad decison when they cut Howsyourmomma, and this looks like the same deal. I know he wasn’t catching the world on fire, but that is a scary cut if they don’t have another d-line to plug in. I’m not buying, “give the current guys more snaps.” Just give the current guys more snaps. Everyone competes, right?

Richie Ross

by Richard Ross on Aug 24, 2011 5:35 PM PDT reply actions

Consider Howshamanzolie's Stats After Release

Since his receptions dropped from 79 to 30,

And he is still currently a free agent, with only a visit to the Pats in the last ten days,

I would say it was a good decision to get OBO and Butler the reps..

Now this decision with Balmer appears Incomplete. Either they have some unknown deal in the works or what, but it’s like selling your car before you buy another one. Scary thoughts.

Win Forever: Live, Work and Play Like a Champion

by JRock419 on Aug 24, 2011 6:03 PM PDT up reply actions

Scary,

Yet interesting.

"Being number two sucks."-Andre Agassi

by dba on Aug 24, 2011 6:10 PM PDT up reply actions

I see what your saying with TJ

But in the system and who we had last year. Come on there is no dought he would of contributed. He wasn’t a good fit in the Ravens system, they had Bolden. Not to mention TJ and Matt had cemistry. Granted I can be a blind fan at times and I have a hard time seeing big picture. I still believe if PC could go back and make that decison over again, he probably would of hung onto TJ.

Richie Ross

by Richard Ross on Aug 24, 2011 6:19 PM PDT up reply actions

TJ the sideline tantrum thrower was a cancer.....

PS/JS have proven they know what they are doing……developing depth seems to be a priority…i expect to hear about KB’s upgrade soon…..

by speechcobra on Aug 24, 2011 6:55 PM PDT up reply actions

PC not PS

by speechcobra on Aug 24, 2011 7:00 PM PDT up reply actions

FWIW

consider Taua — we just cut him a couple days ago. We cut people and bring them back again all the time. It’s entirely possible Balmer’s back on the roster before the end of the week.

Not to say I expect it, mind, but PC/JS keep doing this.

by The Ancient Mariner on Aug 25, 2011 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions

What the hell does FWIW mean?

by Stay Off the Flowers on Aug 25, 2011 12:04 PM PDT up reply actions

"Fuckin Wankers in Warshington"

For what it’s worth.

Proactive-like-Nonstop
FIELDGULLS

by Danny Kelly on Aug 25, 2011 12:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Is this another prank?

by dogsho on Aug 24, 2011 5:38 PM PDT reply actions

Yep and it isn't even April 1st

Richie Ross

by Richard Ross on Aug 24, 2011 5:39 PM PDT up reply actions

Balmer will

Be picked up by the Panther’s. They’ve been looking for depth.

by Gabe Presnell on Aug 24, 2011 5:43 PM PDT reply actions

Go Go Go Vai!

by Tyler Jorgensen on Aug 24, 2011 6:34 PM PDT reply actions

I'm surprised people are so critical of this.

Balmer is a bad player, they could bring back Terrill and not be any worse off. With the roster cut down coming up I’m sure they’ll have their picks of guys that will being able to at least replace whatever Balmer provided in depth.

by Nate Dogg on Aug 24, 2011 7:02 PM PDT reply actions

I dunno if people are so much critical of this

As of this insufficient overall investment in the interior Dline.

Formerly Known As Vasilii

by Thomas Beekers on Aug 24, 2011 7:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Well put, Thomas.

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!

by Bobby Cink on Aug 24, 2011 8:06 PM PDT up reply actions

Ageed

I have to admit that is a big part of this

Richie Ross

by Richard Ross on Aug 24, 2011 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions

This might be a catalyst for complaining

but the release of Balmer has nothing to do with a neglect of the interior DL. Balmer’s a wet kleenex. He’s not even replacement level at this point. He’s got the body for the DL but he can’t get the job done.

by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Aug 24, 2011 10:06 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs

You're making rather decisive statements considering he was playing out of position with us last year

Formerly Known As Vasilii

by Thomas Beekers on Aug 24, 2011 10:51 PM PDT up reply actions

What's his natural position?

He didn’t like playing a 3-4 DE but it seems like that (or 5-tech DE) would be his natural position, considering the leverage issues he’d likely face in the interior. He may be some talent at the 3-tech position, but I can’t imagine us giving him the boot if that was the case.

He’s a big man that was woefully insufficient in run defense, when he was used. I’d be a little less critical if he pulled a Terrill and blocked a kick or two but he barely showed any pressure in his too frequent appearances. I may be treating him like my own personal Jennings and he may have some upside yet, but I haven’t seen enough ability or production from him to justify a roster spot .

by Greetings from the Lord Humongous! on Aug 24, 2011 10:59 PM PDT up reply actions